Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, praised the Indian women’s cricket team for their historic victory in the first Test at Lord’s. The team’s remarkable 270-run win against England was lauded by the Sports Minister as a significant achievement. Dr Mandaviya took to social media to extend his congratulations to the team for their exceptional performance.
The Indian women’s team displayed a dominant performance, securing a memorable victory by bowling out England for 186 in the second innings while defending a substantial target of 457. Off-spinner Sneh Rana’s impressive 4-42 and Deepti Sharma’s 2-36 were instrumental in dismantling England’s resistance on the fourth day.
In a crucial match-turning moment, England’s hopes were dashed as Sneh Rana dismissed overnight half-centurion Amy Jones early in the day. Deepti Sharma further contributed by claiming Issy Wong and Lauren Bell, with Sneh Rana sealing the victory by bowling out Sophie Ecclestone.
India’s triumph marked their seventh win in the last 11 women’s Tests and continued their unbeaten streak in red-ball cricket on English soil. The victory garnered praise from various quarters, with former England captain Michael Vaughan commending India’s comprehensive performance and NCA head VVS Laxman emphasizing the significance of conquering Lord’s.
Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana’s consistent scores of 83 and 70, Yastika Bhatia’s remarkable 113 – the first century by a woman at Lord’s, and Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 50 off 52 balls were pivotal in India’s success. Kranti Gaud also etched her name in history with a five-wicket haul, a first for women’s Tests at Lord’s.
