A grueling third day of the one-off Test match saw India Women firmly establish control, leaving England Women with a mountain to climb to save the match. At the close of play on Day 3, England found themselves reeling at 130 for 6 in their second innings, still trailing by 327 runs after being set a monumental target of 457 runs.
India's dominance was anchored by a spectacular second-innings batting performance. Resuming their campaign with a solid foundation, India declared at 341 for 7. The star of the innings was undoubtedly Yastika Bhatia, who played a magnificent, patient knock of 113 off 158 deliveries, featuring 14 boundaries. Opening batter Smriti Mandhana set the tone early with a fluent 70, while Richa Ghosh added late fireworks with an unbeaten 50 off just 52 balls. Despite England spinner Sophie Ecclestone’s heroic bowling marathon, where she claimed figures of 5 for 118 in 33.3 overs, India’s batters dictated the terms.
This dominant second-innings display followed a highly successful first-innings outing for both sides. India had posted 285 in their first essay, powered by Mandhana's 83 and half-centuries from Harmanpreet Kaur (58) and Deepti Sharma (57). England’s first innings was a disappointing affair, as they were bundled out for just 170. Kranti Gaud was the destroyer-in-chief for India, picking up a sensational 5 for 37. Only Amy Jones offered significant resistance for England in the first innings, scoring a fighting 52.
Tasked with chasing a historic 457, England's second-innings chase began disastrously. Openers Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier fell cheaply, leaving the top order exposed. India’s bowling attack applied relentless pressure, with Sayali Satghare (2/19), Kranti Gaud (2/40), and Sneh Rana (2/33) chipping away at the wickets.
By stumps, Amy Jones once again stood as England's lone warrior, remaining unbeaten on 52 alongside Sophie Ecclestone. With England still needing 327 runs and having only four wickets in hand, India is poised on the cusp of a memorable Test victory heading into the final day.
By Adam Sporttex
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