The Indian women’s cricket team made history by winning their first-ever Test series in England, a landmark achievement that underscores the rapid growth and success of women’s cricket in India. The two-match series saw India win 1-0, with the second Test ending in a thrilling draw at Lord’s.
Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, India displayed remarkable resilience and skill, especially in the first Test at Trent Bridge, where they secured a dramatic win by 7 wickets. The victory was anchored by Smriti Mandhana’s magnificent century and a brilliant all-round performance from Deepti Sharma, who took seven wickets in the match.
In the second Test at Lord’s, India had to dig deep to salvage a draw. After England posted a daunting first-innings total of 400, India responded with a solid batting performance, with young Shafali Verma scoring a gritty 85. The Indian bowlers, led by veteran Jhulan Goswami, then delivered a disciplined performance to restrict England’s lead.
In the final innings, India had to bat out the last day to secure the series, and they did so with composure, thanks to a determined partnership between Mithali Raj and Jemimah Rodrigues. The draw at Lord’s was enough for India to win the series 1-0, marking a significant achievement in their cricketing history.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s efforts, saying, “This series win is a testament to the hard work and belief within our squad. Winning in England is never easy, and to do it at historic grounds like Trent Bridge and Lord’s makes it even more special. We hope this victory inspires more young girls in India to take up the sport.”
The victory has been hailed as a turning point for women’s cricket in India, with increased attention and investment likely to follow this historic achievement.
