Xplorich
The stylish left-hander struck 113 from 158 deliveries, showcasing impeccable footwork against spin and elegant straight drives against the seamers as India declared at 341 for seven in their second innings. Combined with Richa Ghosh’s aggressive unbeaten half-century, Bhatia’s landmark knock helped India set England a formidable 457-run target.
England’s chase never gathered momentum as Kranti Gaud produced another outstanding spell with the new ball. She dismissed Tammy Beaumont with the first delivery of the innings before later accounting for Heather Knight, ensuring neither England stalwart enjoyed a memorable farewell. Sayali Satghare matched Gaud’s intensity, trapping Maia Bouchier with a superb delivery that jagged back sharply off the seam.
The hosts slipped to 34 for four and remained under pressure throughout the innings despite Amy Jones’ fighting unbeaten 52. Jones and Mady Villiers delayed the inevitable with a 67-run partnership, but Richa Ghosh’s brilliant catch at silly point ended the stand and restored India’s complete control. England closed the third day at 130 for six, needing another 327 runs with only four wickets remaining in hand.
Earlier in the day, Bhatia overcame the loss of Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur to convert her overnight 39 into a memorable hundred. Lauren Bell impressed with the ball, while Sophie Ecclestone completed a deserved five-wicket haul, but neither could prevent India from taking an iron grip on the contest.
Reflecting on her historic achievement, Bhatia admitted she could scarcely have imagined reaching the Lord’s honours board just six months after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL. The 25-year-old credited her family, coaches, teammates and the BCCI Centre of Excellence for helping her return to international cricket and reiterated that she was motivated only by contributing to the team’s success.
