Mitchell Marsh and Rachin Ravindra produced two of the standout batting performances in The Hundred as SunRisers Leeds and Welsh Fire registered important victories in the men’s competition.

Marsh smashed a brutal 69 off 34 balls as SunRisers Leeds edged Southern Brave by five runs at Headingley, while Ravindra fell agonisingly short of a century after hammering 98 from only 44 deliveries in Welsh Fire’s 15-run victory over MI London.

The women’s competition also produced dominant performances, with Southern Brave maintaining their perfect start and Welsh Fire overpowering MI London by 60 runs.

Mitchell Marsh Smashes 69 From 34 Balls

SunRisers Leeds were powered by an explosive innings from Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.

Opening the batting, Marsh struck six sixes and four fours during his 34-ball 69, putting Southern Brave’s bowling attack under immediate pressure.

Ryan Rickelton provided valuable support with 37, although captain Zak Crawley was dismissed for a golden duck.

England spinner Adil Rashid emerged as Southern Brave’s biggest threat, dismissing Marsh and Rickelton before adding Crawley to his list of wickets.

Dan Lawrence Finishes Innings in Style

Harry Brook managed only three before Marcus Stoinis clean bowled him, giving Southern Brave an opportunity to slow the scoring rate.

Dan Lawrence ensured that didn’t happen.

Lawrence blasted an unbeaten 51 from just 25 balls, while Tom Alsop contributed a rapid 21 as SunRisers surged to 187 for 5.

The strong finish ultimately proved decisive.

Southern Brave Fall Five Runs Short

Southern Brave made a spirited attempt at chasing down the target.

Ben McKinney led the charge with 44 from 23 balls, while Jamie Smith contributed 30 from 18 deliveries.

Stoinis then added 31 from only 16 balls to keep the chase alive.

Tristan Stubbs took the contest deep with an unbeaten 43 from 20, but SunRisers held their nerve during the closing stages to secure a thrilling five-run victory.

It was SunRisers Leeds’ first win of the competition, while Southern Brave remained winless after their opening two matches.

Southern Brave Women Make It Two From Two

Southern Brave enjoyed better fortunes in the women’s fixture, defeating SunRisers Leeds by five wickets.

Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the chase with an unbeaten 42 from 34 deliveries, while Australia captain Sophie Molineux contributed 21 from 17.

The visitors successfully chased 117 with four balls remaining.

Earlier, Bryony Smith had top-scored for SunRisers with 48 from 34 balls, including six fours and a six, helping her team reach 116.

Rachin Ravindra Produces Stunning 98

Elsewhere, Rachin Ravindra delivered one of the finest innings in the history of the men’s Hundred as Welsh Fire defeated MI London by 15 runs at Sophia Gardens.

Ravindra smashed 98 from only 44 balls, producing the joint fourth-highest individual score in the men’s competition.

The New Zealand star raced to his half-century in only 22 deliveries, reaching the milestone by launching Rashid Khan over the midwicket boundary.

Joe Root played the supporting role with 29 from 26 balls as Ravindra continued attacking at the other end.

Ravindra Breaks Welsh Fire Batting Record

Ravindra accelerated further after reaching fifty, at one stage striking four sixes across just eight deliveries.

His innings surpassed Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 86 as the highest individual score by a Welsh Fire batter in the men’s Hundred.

A century appeared within reach, but Ravindra fell for 98 from the 98th delivery of the innings.

He miscued Trent Boult and was caught by Jason Roy, bringing a spectacular innings to an end just two runs short of three figures.

Lockie Ferguson Destroys MI London Chase

MI London appeared well positioned at 72 for 1 after 46 deliveries before Lockie Ferguson completely changed the contest.

The New Zealand pacer dismissed Jason Roy and Sam Curran from consecutive deliveries, with Curran departing for a golden duck.

Ferguson then removed dangerous batter Nicholas Pooran.

James Vince kept MI London’s hopes alive with an impressive 66 from 38 balls, but Ravindra produced another match-changing moment.

The New Zealand all-rounder took a superb caught-and-bowled chance to remove Vince at a crucial stage.

Ferguson eventually finished with 4 for 26, including the wicket of Tom Curran, as Welsh Fire secured their second victory of the campaign.

Welsh Fire Women Crush MI London

Welsh Fire also celebrated a commanding victory in the women’s competition.

Captain Sophie Devine struck 52 from 29 deliveries, while Georgia Wareham hammered 43 from only 20.

Georgia Voll contributed 42 and Ella McCaughan added 27 as Fire posted 177 for 4, the third-highest total in the history of the women’s tournament.

MI London struggled badly in response.

Grace Potts claimed 3 for 24 as MI London were bowled out for 117, handing Welsh Fire a comprehensive 60-run victory.

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Kavem Hodge produced a patient and determined unbeaten 83 to put West Indies in a strong position against Pakistan at the end of a rain-affected opening day of the first Test in Trinidad.

West Indies finished the day on 194 for 3 after 67 overs, with Hodge unbeaten on 83 and Shai Hope alongside him on 39.

The pair added an unbroken 88-run partnership for the fourth wicket, frustrating Pakistan after the visitors had threatened to take control earlier in the day.

Bad light eventually brought play to an early close at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy.

Rain Disrupts Opening Day in Trinidad

West Indies won the toss and elected to bat at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, which is hosting its first Test match.

Before play began, both teams observed a minute’s silence following the passing of legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers. West Indies players and the match officials also wore black armbands.

Pakistan quickly made batting difficult.

Only 14.1 overs were possible during the opening session, with West Indies managing just 23 runs as Pakistan’s seamers exploited the conditions.

Rain then arrived and resulted in an early lunch, with the interruption eventually costing around two hours of playing time.

Mohammad Abbas Strikes Early

Mohammad Abbas was particularly difficult to negotiate with the new ball.

The experienced Pakistan seamer maintained a disciplined line around off stump and bowled five maidens in his first seven overs.

The pressure eventually produced the opening wicket.

Brandon King attempted to cut a delivery that was too close to his body and ended up chopping the ball onto his stumps.

Pakistan had made the early breakthrough they were looking for.

Hodge Launches West Indies Fightback

Conditions continued to favour Pakistan’s seamers after the rain interruption, but Hodge responded by adopting a more positive approach.

He collected 14 runs from Abbas’ first two overs after the resumption, helping West Indies increase the scoring rate and begin their recovery.

Hodge combined effectively with Tagenarine Chanderpaul as the partnership moved beyond 50.

Pakistan eventually broke the stand through Aamer Jamal.

Chanderpaul pushed at a delivery outside off stump and edged it to Salman Agha at second slip.

Abbas Removes Amir Jangoo

Amir Jangoo was the next West Indies batter to depart.

Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan moved closer to the stumps against Abbas, making it more difficult for Jangoo to leave his crease.

Abbas then delivered a straight ball that trapped Jangoo in front.

The on-field umpire initially rejected Pakistan’s appeal, but a review showed the ball hitting the stumps and the decision was overturned.

West Indies were suddenly 106 for 3, giving Pakistan an opportunity to take control.

Hodge Completes Fourth Test Fifty

Hodge refused to allow Pakistan to capitalise.

He showed patience against Abbas and Mohammad Ali while looking for scoring opportunities against the other bowlers.

His half-century arrived with a punch through the covers against debutant spinner Ali Usman.

It was Hodge’s fourth Test half-century, but the West Indies batter continued to build rather than throwing away his start.

Hodge and Hope Frustrate Pakistan

Shai Hope provided Hodge with the support West Indies needed.

The pair settled into a patient fourth-wicket partnership and gradually reduced Pakistan’s wicket-taking threat.

Pakistan continued to probe without allowing the hosts to score freely, but the assistance available to the bowlers earlier in the day gradually disappeared.

Hodge and Hope responded by prioritising survival.

Remarkably, West Indies did not score a single boundary during the final session, yet the pair remained unbeaten and ensured Pakistan couldn’t make another breakthrough.

Bad light eventually ended proceedings after 67 overs.

West Indies Edge Ahead After Day 1

Despite losing three wickets, West Indies will be pleased with their position after a difficult opening session.

Hodge’s unbeaten 83 was the defining performance of the day, while Hope’s patient 39 helped establish an important partnership.

Pakistan, meanwhile, remain firmly in the contest.

Abbas was their standout performer, finishing the day with two wickets, but the visitors will need an early breakthrough on Day 2 to prevent Hodge and Hope from turning their promising partnership into a commanding first-innings total.

Day 1 Score

West Indies: 194/3 in 67 overs

Kavem Hodge: 83*
Shai Hope: 39*
Mohammad Abbas: 2/44

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India sealed the T20I series against Zimbabwe with a commanding 90-run victory in the second T20I at Harare Sports Club, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match contest.

Ishan Kishan struck 81 and Tilak Varma added 60, with their rapid partnership helping India post an imposing 219 for 5. Zimbabwe’s chase never fully recovered from a cluster of wickets after the powerplay, and the hosts were eventually bowled out for 129 in 17.5 overs.

Zimbabwe Strike Early After Choosing to Bowl

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza opted to field first and his bowlers gave the hosts an encouraging start.

Abhishek Sharma was dismissed cheaply, but Vaibhav Sooryavanshi immediately counterattacked. The young left-hander went after Richard Ngarava, collecting three fours and a six from consecutive deliveries in the third over.

Ngarava responded well, removing Sooryavanshi when the batter mistimed a hard-length delivery towards mid-on.

India had lost two early wickets, but their experienced middle order quickly restored control.

Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer Rebuild India’s Innings

Kishan joined captain Shreyas Iyer and the pair added 66 runs for the third wicket.

Scoring wasn’t always straightforward, with the surface preventing the ball from coming onto the bat cleanly. Kishan also survived an early chance, while Iyer initially needed time to settle.

The India captain eventually found his rhythm and attacked Brian Bennett in the tenth over, striking three boundaries.

His acceleration was cut short when he was dismissed from the final delivery of the over, leaving India needing another partnership to maintain their momentum.

Kishan and Tilak Take Control

Tilak Varma ensured Iyer’s dismissal did not give Zimbabwe an opening.

Kishan and Tilak added 94 runs from just 43 deliveries, dramatically increasing India’s scoring rate during the second half of the innings.

Tilak stepped up his attack in the 14th over, striking three boundaries off Blessing Muzarabani.

Kishan continued applying pressure from the other end and launched Raza for six as Zimbabwe struggled to contain the left-handed pair.

Kishan eventually fell for 81 in the 18th over, caught at deep point while attempting to reach a wide delivery.

Tilak Varma Helps India Reach 219

Tilak continued the attack after Kishan’s departure and completed a blazing half-century of his own.

Late contributions from Rinku Singh and Shivam Dube further boosted India’s total, with the visitors finishing on 219 for 5 from 20 overs.

Tilak ended with 60 as India set Zimbabwe a daunting target of 220.

Brian Bennett Gives Zimbabwe Fast Start

Zimbabwe needed an aggressive powerplay and Brian Bennett provided exactly that.

Bennett refused to allow India’s quicks to settle, attacking Mayank Yadav and debutant Yash Thakur with inventive strokeplay.

His innings included several scoops, but the same aggressive approach eventually brought his downfall.

While attempting a reverse scoop, Bennett was cramped for space and lobbed a catch to the wicketkeeper, departing for 32.

Prince Yadav Strikes Before Injury

Bennett’s dismissal opened the door for India.

Zimbabwe quickly slipped to 49 for 4, with Prince Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi striking soon after the powerplay.

Prince was particularly impressive, taking two wickets for just 10 runs, but his spell ended prematurely.

After dismissing Sikandar Raza, the pacer appeared to suffer a problem with his left hamstring and was forced to leave the field.

Abhishek Sharma’s Three-Wicket Burst Ends Zimbabwe’s Chase

Ryan Burl attempted to keep Zimbabwe in the contest with an attacking approach, while Tadiwanashe Marumani also offered some resistance.

India, however, continued finding wickets at regular intervals.

Abhishek Sharma proved especially effective with the ball. After having a disappointing outing with the bat, he responded by taking 3 for 17.

His triple strike accelerated Zimbabwe’s collapse and the hosts were dismissed for 129 in 17.5 overs.

The result completed a comprehensive 90-run victory and ensured India wrapped up the series before the final match.

India Take Unassailable 2-0 Lead

The victory was another strong response from an Indian side that arrived in Zimbabwe following difficult results against Ireland and England.

India’s batting showed considerably more firepower in the second game, while the bowling unit once again found regular breakthroughs.

With the series now secured at 2-0, India could use the final T20I to test some of their other squad members, although Prince Yadav’s injury is also likely to force at least one change.

Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be looking to avoid a clean sweep and finish the series with a victory.

Brief Scores

India 219/5 in 20 overs
Ishan Kishan 81, Tilak Varma 60; Newman Nyamhuri 1-25

Zimbabwe 129 in 17.5 overs
Brian Bennett 32; Abhishek Sharma 3-17, Prince Yadav 2-10

India won by 90 runs and lead the three-match series 2-0.

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India produced a dominant all-round performance in Harare to beat Zimbabwe by 90 runs in the second T20I, sealing the three-match series with a game to spare.

After being asked to bat first, India piled up a massive 220, with Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma leading the charge. Zimbabwe never seriously threatened the target and were bowled out for around 130 as India’s bowling attack maintained relentless pressure.

The victory gives Shreyas Iyer his first T20I series win as India captain, while the visitors now have an opportunity to test their bench strength in the final match.

Ishan Kishan and Tilak Varma Power India to 220

India initially felt a score in the region of 180 to 200 could prove competitive because of the variable bounce on offer.

Instead, their middle order pushed the total all the way to 220.

After India suffered early setbacks, Ishan Kishan took control at No. 3 and formed a crucial partnership with Tilak Varma.

Rather than allowing the wickets to slow him down, Kishan backed his scoring options and looked to attack whenever the opportunity arrived.

The left-hander later explained that his focus was simply on watching the ball and playing to his strengths instead of worrying about the wickets that had already fallen.

Tilak provided excellent support at the other end as the pair transformed India’s innings.

Captain Shreyas Iyer was particularly impressed with their strokeplay, describing some of their shots as “rakanaka” – beautiful.

Zimbabwe Face Huge 221-Run Target

Chasing 221 was always going to require something exceptional from Zimbabwe.

Their openers attempted to provide the aggressive start required, but India’s bowlers kept finding ways to break partnerships.

Debutant Yash Thakur provided the first breakthrough and impressed with his variations.

The pacer revealed after the match that he and Iyer had identified the slower delivery as a potentially effective option on the surface.

It paid off as Yash celebrated his maiden T20I wicket.

Prince Yadav Impresses Before Injury

One of the major concerns for India came through an injury to Prince Yadav.

Prince had been highly effective, claiming two wickets from just eight deliveries, before suffering what appeared to be a hamstring problem while running in to bowl.

He was forced to leave the field and is now expected to miss the final T20I.

His injury means India will have to make at least one change for the series finale.

Abhishek Sharma Picks Up Three Wickets

With Prince unable to complete his spell, India were forced to turn to their additional bowling options.

They responded brilliantly.

The part-time bowlers combined for five wickets, with Abhishek Sharma finishing with three as Zimbabwe’s chase quickly unravelled.

India eventually dismissed the hosts for around 130 to complete a comprehensive 90-run victory.

Mayank Yadav Continues to Trouble Zimbabwe With Pace

Mayank Yadav wasn’t quite as consistent as he had been in the opening T20I, but his extra pace remained a major weapon.

An interesting pattern has emerged from his first two matches of the series.

When Mayank crossed 140kph, he conceded only nine runs from 21 deliveries while taking two wickets. His other 21 deliveries cost 34 runs.

He bowled 17 deliveries above 140kph in the opening match but managed only four such balls during his three-over spell in the second T20I.

Shreyas Iyer Celebrates First Series Win

Iyer was delighted with the manner in which India secured the series.

The captain praised both the batting and bowling units, highlighting the contributions throughout the side.

India had entered the Zimbabwe tour following difficult T20I series against Ireland and England, but back-to-back victories in Harare have given the young squad a much-needed turnaround.

Iyer also stressed that his players should avoid dwelling on previous performances and instead focus on maximising every opportunity.

Sikandar Raza Takes Responsibility for Zimbabwe’s Batting Problems

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza admitted his side had been outplayed but also identified fielding as an area where the hosts need to improve.

Raza felt Zimbabwe’s bowlers had performed well in patches, only for India’s batters to take advantage whenever the pressure dropped.

He was also critical of his own performances.

The Zimbabwe skipper acknowledged that his team needs runs from him and accepted responsibility for failing to make a significant contribution in the first two matches.

Zimbabwe Suffer Another Heavy T20I Defeat

The 90-run margin ranks among Zimbabwe’s biggest defeats in T20 internationals.

Their largest T20I defeats include:

• 107 runs vs West Indies, 2026
• 100 runs vs Australia, 2018
• 100 runs vs India, 2024
• 90 runs vs India, 2026
• 85 runs vs Pakistan, 2011

Zimbabwe’s dot-ball numbers have also been costly.

They faced 64 dot balls in the first T20I and another 53 in the second, while India faced only 62 dots across the two matches combined.

India Could Make Changes for Final T20I

With the series already secured, India could use the third T20I to provide opportunities to players on the bench.

Iyer confirmed that the team had not finalised its combination but suggested there could be a couple of changes.

At least one alteration appears inevitable because of Prince Yadav’s injury.

India will now target a 3-0 series sweep, while Zimbabwe will be looking to finish the series with a stronger performance and avoid another heavy defeat.

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Pakistan Women made a winning start to their ODI series against Sri Lanka, securing a five-wicket victory in the opening match at Hambantota. An excellent all-round display, led by Nashra Sandhu with the ball and Gull Feroza and Sidra Amin with the bat, helped the visitors chase down 211 with seven overs to spare.

The result also marked Pakistan’s fifth consecutive ODI victory, strengthening their position in the ICC Women’s Championship standings.

Sandhu Leads Pakistan’s Bowling Effort

After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka got off to a positive start through Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne, who added another fifty-run opening partnership for the hosts.

However, Pakistan’s spinners gradually took control of the game.

Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu removed both Gunaratne and Athapaththu to finish with 3 for 42, while Rubab Khan chipped in with two wickets.

Although Nilakshika Silva top-scored with 46 and Kavisha Dilhari played a useful knock, Sri Lanka lost wickets regularly in the closing overs and finished with 210 for 9, a total that proved below par.

Gull Feroza Continues Outstanding Form

Pakistan’s chase was dominated by opener Gull Feroza, who continued her impressive run in ODI cricket.

She attacked from the outset during the powerplay and shared a 58-run opening partnership with Sadaf Shamas, putting Pakistan firmly in control.

Feroza later combined with Sidra Amin for a crucial 90-run stand for the second wicket before departing after a brilliant 78 off 77 balls, registering her fourth consecutive ODI half-century.

Sidra Amin Anchors the Chase

While Feroza provided the early momentum, Sidra Amin played the anchor’s role perfectly.

The experienced batter compiled a composed 57 from 94 deliveries, ensuring Pakistan remained on course throughout the chase.

By the time Amin was dismissed, Pakistan were within touching distance of victory before the middle order completed the job comfortably.

Pakistan Continue Winning Momentum

The victory extended Pakistan’s winning streak to five successive ODI matches, lifting them to second place in the ICC Women’s Championship standings.

With confidence growing and both the batting and bowling departments performing well, Pakistan will look to seal the series in the second ODI.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need a stronger all-round performance if they are to level the series and keep the contest alive.

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India made a winning start to the three-match T20I series, defeating Zimbabwe by nine wickets in the opening match at the Harare Sports Club. The visitors dominated with both ball and bat as Mayank Yadav’s fiery spell and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s explosive maiden T20I fifty guided India to a comfortable victory.

The win also ended India’s seven-match winless streak in T20 internationals and handed Shreyas Iyer his first victory as India’s T20I captain.

Mayank Yadav Leads India’s Pace Attack

After opting to bowl first, India’s young pace attack made full use of the lively conditions.

Mayank Yadav, Ashok Sharma and Prince Yadav consistently hit the right lengths, extracting pace, bounce and seam movement to trouble Zimbabwe’s top order. The hosts were reduced to 32/4 inside the powerplay as India’s fast bowlers kept the batters under constant pressure.

Zimbabwe recovered through useful partnerships in the middle overs, with Tadiwanashe Marumani and Wessly Madhevere helping the team post 125/7, but the total was never likely to be enough.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Smashes Maiden T20I Fifty

India’s chase got off to a flying start thanks to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who played one of the finest innings of his young international career.

The left-hander raced to his first T20I half-century in just 19 balls, attacking Zimbabwe’s bowlers from the outset and putting the result beyond doubt inside the powerplay.

His fearless batting ensured India never allowed the required run rate to become an issue.

Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Finish the Job

After Sooryavanshi’s dismissal, Ishan Kishan continued the aggressive approach while captain Shreyas Iyer provided calm support at the other end.

The duo guided India home with 40 balls to spare, completing one of the team’s most dominant T20I victories in recent times.

Shreyas Delighted with Team Performance

Speaking after the match, captain Shreyas Iyer praised both the bowlers and batters for executing their plans perfectly.

He credited the pace attack for making early breakthroughs and reserved special praise for Sooryavanshi’s fearless approach, saying the youngster’s familiarity with Harare helped him play with confidence.

Iyer also explained that he rotated his bowlers to ensure everyone gained valuable match practice ahead of the remaining games in the series.

Mayank Enjoys Successful Comeback

Player of the Match Mayank Yadav expressed his delight after making a successful return to international cricket.

The fast bowler said the extra bounce and movement available in Harare suited his style of bowling and praised his fellow seamers for maintaining relentless pressure throughout Zimbabwe’s innings.

Zimbabwe Look Ahead to Second T20I

Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza admitted that the early moisture in the pitch made batting difficult but believed conditions became much easier later in the game.

He highlighted the partnership between Marumani and Madhevere as one of the positives and hoped for a better batting surface in the second T20I.

With the victory, India take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and will look to seal the contest in the second T20I, while Zimbabwe must bounce back to keep the series alive.

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New Zealand bounced back strongly in the second ODI against West Indies, registering a comfortable five-wicket victory to level the three-match series. A brilliant bowling display, led by Jayden Lennox’s five-wicket haul, restricted the hosts to a below-par total before the visitors completed the chase with a composed batting performance.

Although West Indies managed to pick up a few wickets during the chase, New Zealand never lost control of the contest.

Jayden Lennox Destroys West Indies Batting Line-up

The foundation of New Zealand’s victory was laid by left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox, who produced the best bowling performance of the match.

Bowling with excellent accuracy on a surface that offered assistance to the spinners, Lennox consistently troubled the West Indies batters. His five-wicket haul dismantled the middle order and helped bowl the hosts out for just 138 runs.

It was a memorable performance for the young spinner, who was later named Player of the Match.

Latham and Bracewell Finish the Chase

Chasing a modest target, New Zealand made a steady start before losing a few wickets in the middle overs.

However, experienced campaigners Tom Latham and Michael Bracewell remained calm under pressure and stitched together a crucial partnership to guide their team across the finish line without any late drama.

Earlier, Will Young and Daryl Mitchell also made useful contributions to keep the chase on track.

Santner Praises Bowling Unit

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner credited his bowlers for making full use of the conditions.

He said the surface became more helpful for spin as the match progressed and praised Jayden Lennox for maintaining excellent control throughout his spell. Santner also highlighted the importance of rotating strike during the chase, especially on a pitch where boundaries were difficult to find.

Hope Reflects on Missed Opportunity

West Indies captain Shai Hope admitted that his side’s total was well below par.

According to Hope, the pitch was challenging, but he felt West Indies should have managed another 60 to 70 runs, which could have made the contest much more competitive.

He also praised his bowlers for continuing to fight despite defending a small total and expressed confidence that the team could bounce back in the series decider.

Series Set for Decider

With the victory, New Zealand have levelled the ODI series 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all final match.

Both teams will now head into the deciding ODI knowing that another strong all-round performance will be required to secure the series.

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India Women ended their long tour of England on the perfect note by registering a memorable 270-run victory over England Women in the one-off Test at Lord’s. It was one of the biggest wins in India’s Women’s Test history and a fitting reward after a challenging tour that included disappointments in both the T20I series and the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.

The visitors dominated the match in every department, with outstanding performances from debutant Kranti Gaud, Yastika Bhatia, Smriti Mandhana and the bowling attack.

Kranti Gaud Completes Dream Debut

After claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings, Kranti Gaud once again delivered with the ball in England’s second innings to finish with impressive match figures of 7 wickets.

The young pacer removed key England batters at crucial moments and played the biggest role in India’s historic victory. Her performance also earned her the Player of the Match award.

Speaking after the match, Kranti said getting her name on the famous Lord’s honours board was a dream come true and revealed she would preserve one of the match stumps as a lifelong memory.

Yastika Bhatia’s Century Set Up India’s Win

India’s second innings was built around a brilliant century from Yastika Bhatia, who converted her start into the first Test hundred of her international career.

Her composed knock helped India set England a massive target, while valuable contributions from the rest of the batting unit ensured the visitors remained firmly in control throughout the match.

Harmanpreet Kaur Praises Team Effort

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur credited the entire squad and support staff for the victory.

She praised the opening batters for giving India strong starts, highlighted Yastika Bhatia’s outstanding innings and also appreciated the team’s fielding standards, calling it one of the biggest positives from the Test.

Harmanpreet added that winning a Test match at Lord’s was a special achievement and expressed hope that women’s cricket would continue to receive more opportunities to play Test matches.

England Left Searching for Answers

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt admitted her side failed to build enough partnerships during the match and struggled to recover after falling behind in the first innings.

She acknowledged India’s disciplined performance and said England would use the experience as an important learning opportunity ahead of future Test matches.

Historic Win for India Women

The victory added another memorable chapter to India’s Test history.

Some notable achievements from the match included:

• India secured a 270-run victory, one of the biggest wins in Women’s Test cricket.
• Kranti Gaud registered one of the best bowling performances by an Indian seamer in Women’s Tests.
• India recorded their fourth victory in the last five Women’s Test matches.
• Harmanpreet Kaur became the first Indian women’s captain to lead the team to a Test win at Lord’s.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

India Women tightened their grip on the one-off Test against England at Lord’s after Yastika Bhatia produced the finest innings of her Test career. The left-hander’s maiden international century helped India build a massive lead before the bowlers reduced England to deep trouble by the end of Day 3.

With England still needing another 327 runs and only four wickets remaining, India are overwhelming favourites to complete a famous victory at the Home of Cricket.

Bhatia Converts Start into Memorable Hundred

Resuming her innings on the third morning, Yastika looked comfortable from the very beginning. She rotated the strike well, punished loose deliveries and gradually took complete control of the innings.

The milestone finally arrived when she reached her maiden Test hundred, a moment she celebrated with visible emotion after anchoring India’s batting effort. Her knock not only strengthened India’s position but also marked a remarkable comeback after returning from knee surgery earlier this year.

Ecclestone Keeps Fighting for England

While India dominated for most of the day, Sophie Ecclestone once again proved why she remains England’s premier spinner.

The left-arm spinner bowled long spells with impressive control and finished with a five-wicket haul in India’s second innings. Her efforts prevented India from scoring even more quickly despite limited support from the rest of the bowling attack.

India Set England a Huge Target

India eventually declared after building a massive advantage, leaving England with one of the biggest fourth-innings targets in Women’s Test cricket.

The target immediately put pressure on the hosts, who needed a near-perfect batting performance to stay alive in the match.

Kranti Gaud Strikes Again

Debutant Kranti Gaud continued her dream Test by making early breakthroughs in England’s second innings.

She dismissed Tammy Beaumont for a first-ball duck before removing former captain Heather Knight, ensuring both experienced batters finished their international careers on a disappointing note.

Gaud once again showed excellent control with the new ball and continued to justify her impressive debut performance.

England’s Lower Order Delays the Inevitable

After losing wickets at regular intervals, Amy Jones and Mady Villiers produced a fighting partnership that briefly slowed India’s progress.

Jones completed her second half-century of the match, helping England avoid defeat on Day 3, but the home side still face an enormous task heading into the final day.

India One Step Away from Historic Victory

India now require only four more wickets to complete one of their most memorable overseas Test victories.

With momentum firmly on their side and England under immense scoreboard pressure, the visitors will begin the final day as overwhelming favourites to seal the match and finish the tour on a high.

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role

India Women produced an outstanding all-round performance on Day 2 of the Test against England Women at Lord’s to move into a commanding position. The visitors finished the day with a 269-run lead, nine wickets still in hand, and looked firmly on course to push for a memorable overseas Test victory.

After a brilliant bowling display earlier in the day, India’s top-order batters ensured England remained under pressure throughout the final session.

Kranti Gaud Impresses on Test Debut

India started the day by wrapping up England’s first innings after an impressive bowling performance. Although England showed some resistance through Amy Jones and Nat Sciver-Brunt, the visitors remained disciplined and eventually secured a valuable 115-run first-innings lead.

The standout performer was debutant Kranti Gaud, who claimed a magnificent five-wicket haul and played a major role in giving India complete control of the match.

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma Build the Perfect Platform

India’s second innings began positively as Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma added an excellent 88-run opening partnership. Both batters handled the new ball confidently and prevented England from making early breakthroughs.

Mandhana continued her superb form by scoring another half-century after her first-innings fifty, once again leading India’s batting effort.

Mandhana and Yastika Extend India’s Advantage

After the opening partnership ended, Mandhana continued to frustrate England by adding another important stand with Yastika Bhatia. Their partnership helped India steadily increase the lead while keeping England’s bowlers under pressure.

The batting approach allowed India to completely dictate the pace of the game heading into the final day.

England Looking for Early Breakthroughs

England spinner Sophie Ecclestone admitted after the day’s play that the pitch offered very little assistance for the bowlers. She praised Smriti Mandhana’s batting and said England would need to build pressure through disciplined bowling if they were to fight their way back into the contest on Day 3.

Ecclestone also expressed hope that the surface might offer more assistance during the morning session.

India in Complete Control Before Day 3

With a healthy lead already established and nine wickets still available, India are in an excellent position to bat England out of the contest before looking to take the remaining wickets for victory.

England now face a difficult challenge and will need a special performance on Day 3 to keep their hopes alive in the Test match.

Match Summary

• India lead by 269 runs
• Nine wickets remain in hand
• Kranti Gaud claimed a five-wicket haul on debut
• Smriti Mandhana scored her second half-century of the match
• India ended Day 2 in complete control at Lord’s

• Subhadeep Ghosh Appointed India Fielding Coach Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
• Rajat Patidar to Lead Central Zone in Duleep Trophy 2026; Rinku Singh Named Vice-Captain
• KKR Captaincy Race Begins After Ajinkya Rahane Retirement; Rinku Singh Emerges as Front-Runner
• ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2027 Venues Announced: South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia Ready to Host Cricket’s Biggest Event
• Bangladesh Appoint Litton Das as ODI Captain; Mehidy Hasan Miraz Relieved of Leadership Role