Key facts
- Yastika Bhatia scored a historic century at Lord's
- India needed four wickets for victory over England
- Both Bhatia and Sophie Ecclestone made history during the match
- One-off women's Test at Lord's, India tour of England 2026
India Women stood four wickets away from a historic Test victory over England at Lord's, with Yastika Bhatia delivering a stunning century that shifted the match decisively in India's favour. The knock was hailed as historic, underlining just how significant the moment was — not just for Bhatia personally, but for Indian women's cricket as a whole.
The Guardian reported that both Bhatia and England spinner Sophie Ecclestone made history during the match, suggesting the game produced landmark individual milestones even as India pressed for an outright win. Ecclestone's contribution, despite being on the losing side of the contest, added a remarkable subplot to what has been a gripping one-off Test.
A victory at Lord's would represent a defining moment for the Indian women's side, who have been building their reputation in the longer format. Winning on England's most storied ground, in a Test where they appeared to seize the initiative through Bhatia's bat, would underline the depth and ambition of women's cricket in India.
With the result on a knife-edge and India needing only four more wickets, the final session promised to be one of high drama at the Home of Cricket. For Indian fans, the prospect of celebrating a Test win at Lord's — rare and precious in any format — was a tantalising one as the match moved into its decisive phase.
