Mansukh Mandaviya congratulates India on historic Lord’s Test win

Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya congratulated the Indian women's cricket team after its historic 270-run Test victory over England at Lord's. He described the achievement as special, while several cricketing personalities also praised India's dominant all-round performance.

New Delhi: Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has congratulated the Indian women’s cricket team on its historic win in the first-ever women’s Test played at Lord’s, saying the emphatic victory over a strong England side made the achievement even more special.

The Sports Minister congratulated the team in a social media post after it scripted history with a memorable 270-run victory over England in the one-off Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

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“History at Lord’s!

“Congratulations to our Women’s Cricket Team on becoming the first-ever women’s team to win a Test match at the iconic venue. A commanding 270-run victory over England makes this achievement even more special,” Dr Mandaviya wrote in his post shared across social media platforms.

The Indian women’s team produced a dominant performance, bowling England out for 186 in their second innings while defending a target of 457. Off-spinner Sneh Rana starred with figures of 4/42, while Deepti Sharma claimed 2/36 as England’s resistance crumbled during the opening session on the fourth day.

Resuming at 130/6, England’s slim hopes rested on overnight half-centurion Amy Jones. However, Sneh struck early to dismiss her for 54. Deepti then removed Issy Wong and Lauren Bell before Sneh wrapped up the match by bowling Sophie Ecclestone, who had earlier scored her maiden Test fifty.

The victory gave India their seventh win in the last 11 women’s Tests and extended their unbeaten record in red-ball cricket on English soil.

Tributes poured in following the historic triumph. Former England captain Michael Vaughan praised India’s all-round performance, while National Cricket Academy head VVS Laxman congratulated the team on the memorable victory and highlighted the significance of winning at Lord’s.

India’s triumph was built on outstanding performances throughout the four-day match. Vice-captain Smriti Mandhana scored 83 and 70, Yastika Bhatia struck a superb 113, becoming the first woman to score a Test century at Lord’s, while Richa Ghosh smashed an unbeaten 50 off just 52 balls. Kranti Gaud also etched her name in the record books by claiming the first five-wicket haul in a women’s Test at the iconic venue.