India captain Harmanpreet Kaur called for additional women's Test matches following a landmark 270‑run victory at Lord's. She hopes for "ten more Tests" to cement India's stature in the longest format.

Key Takeaways

  • Harmanpreet Kaur demands more women's Test fixtures after a 270‑run win at Lord's
  • India becomes the first side to win a women's Test at the iconic venue
  • The captain praises support staff and highlights improved fielding

NEW DELHI (Reuters) – In a stunning one‑off Test at the historic Lord's ground, India’s women’s cricket team defeated England by 270 runs, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur used the moment to push for a broader schedule of women's Test cricket. The victory, which saw India declare at 341/7 and set England a daunting target of 457, marked the first ever women’s Test win at the "Home of Cricket" and added a fourth win in the side’s last five Tests.

Why Lord’s Matters

Lord’s is more than a venue; it is a symbol of cricketing heritage. By conquering this ground, India not only extended its unbeaten record in England (three wins, seven draws in ten matches) but also sent a clear signal that women’s Test cricket can thrive on the sport’s most revered stages. The triumph is being hailed as a catalyst for a long‑overdue expansion of the red‑ball format for women.

Harmanpreet’s Call: “Ten More Tests”

Speaking after the trophy lift, Harmanpreet said, “Hopefully we will get ten more Test matches and we can keep performing.” She added that the script of the victory seemed penned by a higher power, underscoring the emotional weight of the achievement.

Collective Performance

Opening batter Smriti Mandhana laid a solid foundation with 83 runs, while Yastika Bhatia etched her name in history by becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s (113). Bowling figures were equally decisive: Kranti Gaud claimed a five‑wicket haul in the first innings, and Sneh Rana added four more in the second, sealing the win early on the fourth morning.

Support Staff and Fielding Upgrade

Harmanpreet credited the support staff, especially coach Amol Sir, for helping the side adjust quickly to English conditions after a challenging white‑ball tour. She also highlighted the team’s fielding improvements, describing the collective effort as “special to watch.”

Looking Ahead

The captain concluded by thanking the authorities for staging the match at Lord’s and reiterated her hope that women’s cricket will secure more opportunities at iconic venues worldwide.