Team India stun England with historic 270‑run victory in first women’s Test at Lord’s

A stellar all-round performance from India set the stage for a famous 270‑run win over England in the first-ever Women’s Test at the iconic Lord’s, as the visitors completed a clinical dismantling of the hosts in the format they rarely play.

Resuming their second innings at 130 for six, England were dismissed for 186 in 62.5 overs on the morning of day four, despite a dogged half‑century from Sophie Ecclestone. The Indian bowlers, led by Kranti Gaud and Sneh Rana, ensured that the mammoth 457‑run target set by India never looked within reach.

India’s day‑four finish

Needing just four wickets to wrap up the game overnight, India completed the formalities in the morning session. England’s lead scorer on the day, Amy Jones (54 off 80), was the first to fall after Sneh Rana had her caught at mid‑wicket.

Ecclestone, who was dropped twice off Gaud, batted with Issy Wong (1 off 33) and offered some resistance, but their efforts only delayed the inevitable. Deepti Sharma cleaned up the tail by removing Lauren Bell and Wong in quick succession, while Rana bowled a beauty to finally get Ecclestone, triggering on‑field celebrations and a rapturous response from the Indian dressing room.

Foundation of the win

India’s victory was built on a strong batting foundation from Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia, who produced a memorable 100‑run partnership on day three, before Kranti Gaud headlined the bowling with a five‑wicket haul that earned her a place on the Lord’s Honours Board.

The Indian batters showed greater application than their English counterparts on a pitch that offered seam movement, with the odd ball keeping low by day three. Pacers Gaud and Sayali Satghare outbowled their opponents, using the slope effectively to generate plenty of seam movement, while off‑spinner Rana maintained the pressure created by the seamers.

Historic context

Both India and England had endured disappointment in the preceding T20 World Cup, and with Lord’s hosting a Women’s Test 142 years after it conducted the first men’s Test, the match carried added significance for both teams.

With the massive win, India extended their historical dominance over England in the longest format. In the 16 Tests played between the sides, India have won four, England one, while 11 matches ended in draws. India’s only defeat to England came way back in 1995.

The Indian team had received a pep talk from batting legend Sachin Tendulkar before the start of day four. ICC chairman Jay Shah was also watching from the stands alongside Tendulkar, who later shook hands with the players.

The match also served as a farewell for England veterans Tammy Beaumont and former captain Heather Knight.

(With PTI Inputs)