The versatile left-hander hit 113 from 158 deliveries, showing excellent footwork against the seamers as India declared on 341 for seven in their second innings. Combined with Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten half-century, Bhatia’s knock helped India set England a daunting target of 457 runs.
England’s chase did not go well as Kranti Gaud bowled the new ball. She dismissed Tammy Beaumont and brought in the first of the innings before counting Heather Knight, ensuring that no England star had a memorable farewell. Sayali Satghare matched Gaud’s intensity, stopping Maia Bouchier with a superb volley that bounced back sharply from the seam.
The hosts were reduced to 34 for four and remained under pressure throughout despite Amy Jones’ knock of 52. Jones and Mady Villiers delayed the inevitable with a 67-run partnership, but Richa Ghosh made a brilliant catch at a ludicrous moment and restored complete control for India. England closed the third day on 130 for six, needing another 327 runs with just four wickets in hand.
Earlier in the day, Bhatia beat the death toll of Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur to turn her overnight 39 into a memorable hundred. Lauren Bell impressed with the ball, while Sophie Ecclestone finished with a decent five-wicket haul, but nothing prevented India from taking an iron grip on the tournament.
Reflecting on her accomplishments, Bhatia admitted she never would have thought she’d make it to the honors board just six months after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL. The 25-year-old credited his family, coaches, teammates and the BCCI Center of Excellence for helping him make a comeback in international cricket and said he was motivated by helping the team win.
