the visitors remained in complete control.
India secured a historic 270-run victory over England in the first-ever Women’s Test played at Lord’s, completing a dominant performance on the fourth morning.
Needing four wickets to seal victory overnight, India bowled England out for 186 in 62.5 overs after setting a daunting target of 457.
The win marked one of India’s most memorable Test triumphs and underlined their growing strength in the longest format.
England resumed day four on 130 for six but were unable to produce a remarkable fightback despite determined resistance from Sophie Ecclestone.
Amy Jones, England’s top scorer with 54 from 80 balls, was the first batter to fall on the final morning after Sneh Rana had her caught at mid-wicket.
Ecclestone, who was dropped twice off Kranti Gaud, delayed India’s celebrations with a stubborn partnership alongside Issy Wong, who made one from 33 deliveries.
However, the visitors remained in complete control.
Deepti Sharma wrapped up the lower order by dismissing Lauren Bell and Wong in quick succession before Rana produced an excellent delivery to bowl Ecclestone and complete India’s emphatic victory.
The result capped a clinical all-round display from India.
The foundations of the win were laid during India’s second innings as Smriti Mandhana and Yastika Bhatia produced a crucial century partnership on day three to push England out of the contest.
India’s batters showed greater patience and application than England’s on a surface that continued to offer seam movement, with some deliveries also keeping low as the match progressed.
The bowling attack complemented that effort throughout the Test.
Fast bowlers Kranti Gaud and Sayali Satghare consistently exploited the famous Lord’s slope to generate movement, while off-spinner Rana maintained relentless pressure from the opposite end.
Gaud’s outstanding five-wicket haul earned her a place on the Lord’s Honours Board and proved pivotal in breaking England’s resistance.
The victory also strengthened India’s impressive record against England in Women’s Tests.
The two sides have now met 16 times in the longest format, with India winning four matches and England just one. The remaining 11 Tests have ended in draws, while England’s only victory came back in 1995.
The occasion carried added significance beyond the result.
Both teams entered the match following disappointing campaigns at the preceding T20 World Cup, while Lord’s staged a Women’s Test 142 years after hosting the first men’s Test at the iconic venue.
Before play began on the final day, the Indian squad received a pep talk from Sachin Tendulkar.
ICC chairman Jay Shah watched proceedings from the stands alongside Tendulkar, who later congratulated the Indian players following their landmark victory.
The match also marked the end of an era for England as veteran Tammy Beaumont and former captain Heather Knight made their final Test appearances.
