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Yastika Bhatia etched her name into cricket history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s. Her remarkable innings against England not only helped India secure a memorable victory but also symbolized the extraordinary growth of women’s cricket in India. The century stands as a testament to the progress made by the sport, built on the foundations laid by previous generations of Indian women cricketers and strengthened by increasing investment, visibility, and support for the women's game.
For generations of Indian cricket fans, Lord’s has existed as a sacred venue—a ground where careers are defined and history is written. On Sunday, Yastika Bhatia ensured that women’s cricket would have its own unforgettable chapter at the Home of Cricket.
The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter became the first woman ever to score a Test century at Lord’s, crafting a magnificent 113 against England and etching her name onto one of the sport’s most prestigious honours boards. Her innings was the centrepiece of India’s dominant performance in the first-ever women’s Test to be played at the iconic venue, a match India eventually won by a commanding 270 runs.
The achievement is significant not only because of the venue but because of what it represents for women’s cricket in India. A decade ago, opportunities for women cricketers were limited, crowds were sparse, and media coverage was sporadic.
Today, thanks to the rise of the Women’s Premier League, increased investment from the BCCI, and the success of trailblazers such as Mithali Raj, Jhulan Goswami, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Smriti Mandhana, Indian women’s cricket has entered a new era. Record crowds, global audiences, and historic fixtures like the Lord’s Test are now becoming part of the landscape rather than exceptions. The match itself drew unprecedented attention, underlining just how far the women’s game has come.
For Yastika, the century felt like the culmination of years of perseverance. The left-handed batter from Vadodara has long been regarded as one of India’s most elegant stroke-makers, earning her place in the national side through consistent performances for Baroda and later on the international stage. Known for her composure behind the stumps and fluency at the crease, she has often been viewed as a player capable of anchoring an innings under pressure. At Lord’s, she delivered on that promise in the grandest fashion possible.
Years from now, when people speak about the milestones that defined the rise of women’s cricket in India, Yastika Bhatia’s century at Lord’s will undoubtedly be among them.
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