India’s Sneh Rana reveals how manifestation, belief, and teamwork inspired the historic women’s Test victory at Lord’s. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side defeated England by 270 runs, with memorable performances from Kranti Gaud and Yastika Bhatia, creating an unforgettable chapter in Indian cricket history.
India women’s cricket team’s historic triumph at Lord’s has become one of the defining moments in the country’s cricketing journey, and all-rounder Sneh Rana has now shared the emotional story behind the unforgettable achievement. According to Rana, the landmark victory over England in the first-ever women’s Test at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground was the result of months of belief, visualisation, and determination to create history.
India defeated England by a commanding 270 runs under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, registering the first-ever victory in a women’s Test at Lord’s. The result also marked India’s second-largest win by runs in women’s Test cricket while maintaining the team’s unbeaten record in red-ball matches played in England.
Reflecting on the achievement after returning home, Rana revealed that the squad had begun imagining the historic occasion as soon as they learned that Lord’s would host its first women’s Test. She said the players constantly visualised lifting the trophy and ensuring India’s name would forever be associated with the iconic venue.
Rana described the emotional walk through the famous Long Room before the opening day as one of the greatest memories of her career. Wearing the traditional Test whites while walking onto the historic ground and singing the Indian national anthem in front of the iconic Lord’s pavilion remains a moment she will cherish forever. She added that sealing the victory on the fourth day completed a dream that every member of the squad had been imagining for months.
The experienced all-rounder credited head coach Amol Muzumdar for constantly reminding the team that they had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to write their names into cricket history. His message that the first women’s Test at Lord’s would remain special forever motivated the players to embrace the occasion and perform fearlessly.
Rana also recalled the moment she dismissed Sophie Ecclestone to claim the final wicket and secure India’s memorable victory. She admitted the team had eagerly waited for the final breakthrough, and celebrating the historic win together made the achievement even more meaningful.
The Test also produced individual milestones that will be remembered for years. Young fast bowler Kranti Gaud claimed a remarkable five-wicket haul, becoming the first pacer to achieve the feat in a women’s Test at Lord’s. Wicketkeeper-batter Yastika Bhatia scored a magnificent century, becoming the first woman to register a Test hundred at the venue and earning a place on the prestigious Lord’s Honours Board.
Rana praised Kranti’s maturity despite her young age, saying the new generation of cricketers is well-prepared through extensive domestic and international exposure. She also fondly remembered Shafali Verma’s brilliant diving catch that ensured Kranti completed her five-wicket haul, calling it a moment all three players would remember forever.
Speaking about Yastika Bhatia, Rana became emotional while discussing the batter’s inspiring comeback from an ACL injury suffered before last year’s ODI World Cup. She highlighted Yastika’s relentless hard work and determination, saying her century at Lord’s was a fitting reward for overcoming months of rehabilitation and setbacks. Witnessing Yastika’s name being added to the Lord’s Honours Board filled the entire dressing room with pride and emotion.
Adding to the significance of the occasion was a surprise visit from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar before the fourth day’s play. Rana recalled how thrilled the squad was to receive encouragement from the batting icon, who congratulated the players and reminded them to remain “hungry and humble.” His presence, she said, further inspired the team as they completed one of the greatest victories in Indian women’s cricket history.
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For Sneh Rana and her teammates, the triumph at Lord’s represents much more than a Test win. It is a historic milestone that has permanently etched India’s name into the rich legacy of the Home of Cricket while inspiring future generations of women cricketers to dream even bigger.
