New Delhi, July 13 (IANS) India’s historic victory in the first-ever women’s Test at Lord’s drew praise from across the cricketing world, with former India captain Ajinkya Rahane leading the tributes after Harmanpreet Kaur’s side crushed England by 270 runs in a memorable performance at the Home of Cricket.

Rahane celebrated the achievement on social media with a post in which he wrote: “What a special win! Congratulations to Harmanpreet Kaur and the entire team for making history at Lord’s. A performance to remember.”

Off-spinner Sneh Rana excelled with figures of 4-42 as India secured a solid victory on Monday, bowling England out for 186 while defending a challenging target of 457. Deepti Sharma contributed with 2-36, breaking down England’s lower order in the opening session of the fourth day.

Starting with 130/6, England’s slim hopes relied on overnight half-centurion Amy Jones. However, Sneh struck early, dismissing her for 54. Deepti then took out Issy Wong and Sophie Ecclestone, who had earlier made her maiden Test fifty, before Sneh finished the match by bowling Ecclestone through the gate.

This decisive win gave India their seventh victory in the last 11 women’s Tests and maintained their unbeaten record in red-ball cricket on English soil. Tributes flooded in after this historic victory. Former England captain Michael Vaughan praised India’s all-around performance, while National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman congratulated the team on their important win and highlighted the significance of conquering Lord’s.

“A truly special win. Congratulations to the Indian Women’s team on a memorable Test victory at Lord’s. Your skill, resilience, and fighting spirit have made the whole nation proud. Keep it up @BCCI,” Laxman posted on X.

“Fantastic win for India at Lord’s in the historic test match. India completely dominated an England team that once again fell far short of where they should be. Two showcase moments for the women’s game this past week. I enjoyed watching,” Vaughan wrote on X.

BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla also praised the team for making history with their strong performance at the famous venue. (IPL T20)

“Congratulations to Team India for winning against England @BCCI.”

India’s victory was supported by outstanding performances over all four days. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana scored 83 and 70,;Yastika Bhatia hit a remarkable 113—the first century by a woman in a Test at Lord’s—while Richa Ghosh smashed an unbeaten 50 off just 52 balls. Kranti Gaud also made her mark in the record books with the first five-wicket haul in a women’s Test at the venue.

The win took place in front of batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, who spoke to the team before play began, along with ICC chairman Jay Shah, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, and secretary Devajit Saikia. This capped a dominant performance by India in the first women’s Test held at Lord’s in its 142-year history.

–IANS

hs/bsk/