The stylish left-hand bowler smashed 113 runs off 158 deliveries, displaying impeccable footwork against spin and elegant straight-line hitting as India declared 341 for 7 in their second innings. Combined with Richa Ghosh’s aggressive unbeaten half-century, Bhatia’s landmark knock helped India set a formidable target of 457 runs against England.
England’s chase never gained momentum and Kranti Gaude produced yet another brilliant performance with the new ball. She removed Tammy Beaumont in the first innings and then explained to Heather Knight, ensuring that none of England’s stalwarts enjoyed a memorable send-off. Sayali Satghare matched Gaud’s intensity with a superb pass to trap Maia Bouchier, who rebounded sharply.
Despite Amy Jones’ unbeaten 52 and the home team’s score slipping to 34 in four overs, they were under pressure throughout the innings. Jones and Maddie Villiers put off the inevitable with a 67-run partnership, but Richa Ghosh’s brilliant catch at silly point ended the stand and restored India’s complete control. England ended the third day at 130 for 6, with 327 runs needed and only 4 wickets in hand.
Earlier in the day, Bhatia overcame the loss of Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur to turn her 39 into a memorable hundred overnight. Lauren Bell impressed with the ball and Sophie Ecclestone took a well-deserved five-wicket haul, but neither could stop India from taking a firm grip on the match.
Looking back on her historic achievement, Bhatia admits she could hardly have imagined being on the Lord’s Honors Council just six months after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL. The 25-year-old thanked her family, coaches, teammates and BCCI Center of Excellence for helping her return to international cricket and reiterated that only contributing to the team’s success is what motivates her.
