Team India Reign at the Home of Cricket: How India Women Wrote History in the Historic First-Ever Lord’s Test
For 142 years, the hallowed turf of Lord’s Cricket Ground stood as a fortress of men’s Test tradition. But on July 10, 2026, the gates finally opened for a long-overdue milestone: the first-ever Women’s Test match at the “Home of Cricket”.
Four days later, it wasn’t just the venue making history. It was Harmanpreet Kaur’s Team India rewriting it, sealing a breathtaking, dominant 270-run victory over England.
Here is how the historic test unfolded and how the Indian women captured the heart of London.
The Sight of the Tiranga Over the Lord’s Pavilion
For any Indian cricket fan, walking up to the Ground and seeing the Indian flag flying high atop the iconic Lord’s Pavilion roof is a sight that guarantees goosebumps. During this Test, it felt even more poignant. This match was the culmination of years of advocacy, pushing down barriers to ensure that the women’s game was afforded the grandest stage of them all.
Entering the ground, the atmosphere was electric. The stand-alone Test match attracted incredible crowds, showing that red-ball women’s cricket has not just a place, but a thriving audience at the absolute pinnacle of the sport.
Day 3: The Turning Point of the Match
Going into Day 3, the match was poised beautifully, but India’s masterclass soon turned it into a one-sided affair.
- Kranti Gaud’s Dream Debut: Earlier in the match, young Indian bowler Kranti Gaud turned up the heat, picking up a sensational 5-wicket haul (5/37) in the first innings to write her name onto the famous Lord’s Honors Board.
- Yastika Bhatia’s Historic Ton: India’s second innings became the stuff of legend. Yastika Bhatia played a masterclass of composure and class, scoring a magnificent 113 runs. In doing so, she became the first woman in history to score a Test century at Lord’s.
- A Mammoth Target: Backed by Bhatia’s century and Smriti Mandhana’s crucial contributions, India set England an impossible fourth-innings target of 457 runs.
The Finale: Spinners Seal the Glory
England’s legendary veterans Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, playing in their final international match before retirement, were dismissed cheaply as the pressure of the mammoth chase mounted. While Amy Jones offered stern resistance with a fighting 54, India’s bowling unit was relentless.
It was only fitting that India’s spin twins, Sneh Rana (4/42) and Deepti Sharma (2/36), broke the back of England’s batting line-up. Under the bright London sun on Day 4, Sneh Rana clean-bowled Sophie Ecclestone to trigger wild celebrations. England was bundled out for 186, giving India an emphatic 270-run victory.
A New Era Unlocked
This victory is more than just a notch in the win column. To win a Test match at Lord’s requires character, grit, and clinical execution. By comprehensively outplaying England on their home turf, the Indian women’s team didn’t just win a match—they unlocked a new era of equality and respect for the women’s game.
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For the lucky fans who sat in the stands, watched the traditional 5-minute bell ring, and heard the chants of “India, India” echoing through the historic pavilions, this was a “where were you” moment.
The home of cricket has a new set of queens. And they wear the Sky Blue. 💙
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