The stylish left-hander scored 113 off 158 deliveries, displaying impeccable footwork against spin and elegant straight drives against the seamers as India declared on 341 for seven in their second innings. Coupled with Richa Ghosh’s aggressive unbeaten half-century, Bhatia’s landmark knock helped India set England a formidable 457-run target.
England’s chase never gained momentum as Kranti Gaud produced another spectacular spell with the new ball. She dismissed Tammy Beaumont with the first delivery of the innings before accounting for Heather Knight, ensuring that a resilient England enjoyed a memorable farewell. Sayali Satghare matched Gaud’s intensity, snaring Maia Bouchier with a brilliant delivery that drifted back from the seam.
The hosts slipped to 34 for four and remained under pressure throughout the innings despite Amy Jones’s unbeaten 52. Jones and Mady Villiers delayed the inevitable with a 67-run partnership, but Richa Ghosh’s brilliant catch at silly point ended the stand and put India back in complete control. England closed the third day on 130 for six, still needing 327 runs with just four wickets in hand.
Earlier in the day, Bhatia overcame the absence of Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur to turn her overnight 39 into a memorable hundred. Lauren Bell impressed with the ball, while Sophie Ecclestone completed a creditable five-wicket haul, but it didn’t stop India from taking an iron grip on the competition.
Reflecting on his historic achievement, Bhatia admitted that he could hardly have imagined reaching the Lord’s honors board just six months after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL. The 25-year-old credited his family, coaches, teammates and the BCCI Center of Excellence for helping him return to international cricket and reiterated that he was only motivated by contributing to the team’s success.