India script history with 270-run win over England in first-ever Women’s Test at Lord’s
India defeated England by 270 runs in the first-ever Women's Test at Lord's, with Sneh Rana starring as Harmanpreet Kaur's side scripted history.
India wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia described her maiden Test century at Lord’s as “a dream” after completing a remarkable comeback from injury, saying she could never have imagined achieving the feat just six months ago.
The left-hander remained unbeaten on 113 in the one-off Women’s Test against England, becoming the first woman to score a Test century at the iconic venue while helping India take firm control of the contest.
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Speaking in a BCCI video, Yastika reflected on the challenging year that saw her sidelined through injury, forcing her to miss key tournaments, including the Women’s Premier League and India’s preparations for the home ODI World Cup.
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“It was very tough. That one year, before a major tournament, a home World Cup, everyone dreams of playing in that. And before that, I got injured. After that, I missed the WPL as well. It was quite a tough phase.
“But I had a lot of people backing me. There was support from the team and my family stood by me throughout. I’m very grateful because they helped me come out of that situation. If someone had told me six months ago that my name would be on the honours board, I wouldn’t have believed it. I would’ve said, ‘What are you talking about?’ It feels like a dream.”
️ @YastikaBhatia‘s is one for the ages
Relive the journey to her historic feat in a special chat with @mandhana_smriti
By @jigsactin | #TeamIndia | #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/TnbsuBF5PF
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) July 13, 2026
‘I kissed the flag’: Emotional celebration after reaching three figures
For Yastika, the century was more than just a personal milestone; it symbolised her journey back from injury and her dream of contributing to Indian cricket.
She revealed that although she had planned a grand celebration, emotions took over the moment she reached the landmark.
“I had planned a celebration, but then I thought, let it be. Let’s keep it a bit normal. But I kissed the flag, and that was a very proud moment for me. I had planned a salute too, but I forgot at that moment.
“I want to do a lot for India, win a lot for the country and win the World Cup too. Scoring my maiden Test hundred at Lord’s was very special. I got emotional when I took off my helmet. I remembered my family’s faces and everything I went through during that one year. All of that was flashing before my eyes.”
Yastika credits Smriti Mandhana for inspiring her batting
Yastika also spoke about sharing a crucial partnership with senior opener Smriti Mandhana, revealing that she had admired the left-hander’s batting long before becoming her teammate.
“The fact that I got to bat with you (Smriti) was a great thing for me. I’ve watched you ever since I started playing cricket. I’ve followed your batting and when you hit a pull shot, I always wonder why I can’t play it like that. You inspire a lot of youngsters.”
Yastika’s unbeaten century not only earned her a place on the prestigious Lord’s honours board but also etched her name into cricket history as the first woman to score a Test hundred at the venue, capping a remarkable comeback after a lengthy injury layoff.
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