Yastika Bhatia remained unbeaten on 91 as India reached 250 for four at lunch on day three of the one-off Women's Test at Lord's, extending their lead to 365 runs over England. Bhatia's innings, which included several elegant straight drives and effective footwork against spinners, has put India in a commanding position.
Morning Session: Three Wickets Fall but Bhatia Stands Firm
India resumed the day at 154 for one in their second innings. Smriti Mandhana, who had scored 70 off 130 balls, was dismissed early in the session, caught down the leg side off pacer Lauren Bell. Bell was the standout bowler of the morning, also removing Jemimah Rodrigues for 3 off 12 balls with a delivery that seamed back sharply to crash into the stumps.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur struggled for fluency, scoring 16 off 34 balls before falling to left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone, who trapped her in front with a straighter one. The on-field umpire initially ruled not out, but Ecclestone successfully overturned the decision via DRS.
Bhatia's Composed Knock
Bhatia, who was batting on 39 overnight, began the day with a classy straight drive off Bell. She reached her half-century with another drive down the ground off the same bowler. According to match reports, Bhatia's hallmark has been her use of feet against spinners and her sumptuous straight drives off pacers.
At the break, Bhatia was batting on 91 off 139 balls, alongside Deepti Sharma, who was 10 not out off 38 deliveries.
India's Dominance in the Match
India had taken complete control of the game on day two by dismissing England for 170 in their first innings, following India's first-innings total of 285. With a lead of 365 runs and five wickets remaining, India are well placed to push for a victory in the final two days.
