India Women moved within touching distance of a memorable Test win at Lord’s after England stumbled to 130/6 at stumps on Day 3, still needing 327 runs to reach the daunting target of 457.
In the first innings, India posted 285 before bowling England out for 170 to take control. Resuming their second innings from 154/1, India built on the advantage despite losing Smriti Mandhana for 70 and Jemimah Rodrigues for 3.
Yastika Bhatia anchored the innings with a superb century, reaching three figures off 145 balls. She made 113 off 158 deliveries with 14 fours, becoming the first woman to score a Test hundred at Lord’s.
India declared at 341/7 in the second innings, setting England 457 to win and holding a 456-run lead. Richa Ghosh struck a brisk 50 and remained unbeaten, while Sophie Ecclestone led England’s bowling with five wickets.
England’s chase never settled as wickets fell regularly, with Amy Jones top-scoring with an unbeaten 52. With only four wickets left, India are poised to complete a historic victory on the final day.
