Yastika Bhatia wrote her name in the history books with the maiden Test Century, becoming the first woman to score a Test hundred at Lord’s Cricket Ground during the ongoing Test campaign in England.The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman made it to the three-man showdown on Day 3 – July 12 with a single off Issy Wong before getting into the arms from all corners of the iconic venue. He removed his helmet, raised his bat to acknowledge the crowd and his teammates, and knelt down in emotional celebration as his name was to go to the prestigious Lord’s Honors Board.Bhatia eventually scored a superb 113 off 158 balls, with 14 boundaries, after the end. Sophie Ecclestone he misfired when Mady Villiers caught him. As he was returning, the crowd of the Lord stood up.
Indian history
Bhatia’s innings was not only her maiden Test century but also the highest score by an Indian woman in the third or fourth innings of a Test match.Winning scores in the third/fourth innings of India Women’s Tests:
- 113 – Yastika Bhatia vs England, Lord’s (2026)
- 98 – Sandhya Agarwal vs New Zealand, Lucknow (1985)
- 83 – Sandhya Agarwal vs Australia, Wankhede (1984)
- 80* – Sneh Rana vs England, Bristol (2021)
- 75 – Gargi Banerjee vs England, Blackpool (1986)
- 72 – Gargi Banerjee vs Australia, Wankhede (1984)
His century came at a critical moment for India, as the historic knock gave the visitors a huge lead of 400-plus runs. With the help of Smriti Mandhana’s 70’s, India strengthened their dominance in one-off Tests after bowling out England for 170 in the first innings. After starting their second innings with a 115-run lead, India continued to pile on the runs and are now close to winning their first Women’s Test at Lord’s.