Yastika Bhatia scripts history in Lord's Test, becomes first ever woman cricketer to…

London, July 12 (IANS) India wicketkeeper Yastika Bhatia on Sunday wrote the script as she became the first woman cricketer to score a Test century at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The landmark achievement came on the third day of India’s ongoing one-off Test match against England. Yastika Bhatia etched her name in the history books with a magnificent Test century, becoming the first ever woman to score a Test hundred at Lord’s Cricket Ground during the ongoing one-off Test against England.The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman reached the three-figure mark on Day 3 – July 12 with a composed single off Issa Wong before receiving applause from all corners of the iconic venue. She took off her helmet, raised her bat to acknowledge the crowd and her teammates and took a bow on the field in an emotional celebration as her name was earmarked for the prestigious Lord’s Honors Board.Bhatia eventually departed for a brilliant 113 off 158 balls with 14 boundaries after Sophie Ecclestone induced a mistimed shot which Mady Villiers caught safely at point. When she went back, the host of the Lord stood up.

A historic feat for India

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.Highest score in the third/fourth innings of a Women’s Test for India:

113 – Yastika Bhatia vs England, Lord’s (2026)
98 – Sandhya Agarwal vs New Zealand, Lucknow (1985)
83 – Sandhya Agarwal vs Australia, Wankhede (1984)
80* – Snow Rana vs England, Bristol (2021)
75 – Gargi Banerjee v England, Blackpool (1986)
72 – Gargi Banerjee vs Australia, Wankhede (1984)

Her century came at a crucial time for India as the historic knock took the visitors to a massive lead of over 400. Supported by Smriti Mandhana’s 70, India strengthened their grip on the one-off Test after bowling England out for 170 in the first innings. After opening their second innings with a 115-run lead, India continued to pile on the runs and are now on the verge of winning their first ever women’s Test in Lord’s.