India initiated the pursuit of triumph by declaring their second innings closed at the overnight score of 186 for 6, challenging England to overcome a substantial target of 479 runs in their second innings.
Under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian bowlers, led by off-spinner Deepti (4/32) and pacer Pooja Vastrakar (3/23), dismantled the English batting lineup, bowling them out for 131.
This victory now stands as the largest in terms of runs in the history of women’s Test cricket, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 309-run win over Pakistan in April 1998.
Notably, this win marked India’s first triumph over England at home in 15 Tests, having previously beaten them in away games twice in 2014. This victory provides a significant morale boost to the team ahead of the one-off Test against Australia scheduled to begin next week.
Despite a lack of Test cricket for two years and playing at home after nine years, the Indian team displayed no signs of rust over the three days, delivering a ruthless performance.
Deepti, with figures of 8-2-32-4, continued her exceptional form following her sensational 5 for 7 in the first innings, showcasing her prowess on a pitch that seemed more forgiving.
The morning session saw India swiftly securing the first breakthrough as pacer Renuka Singh dismissed Tammy Beaumont (17) by moving the ball in, knocking down her off-stump. England’s struggles deepened with twin blows in Pooja Vastrakar’s first over, as Sophie Dunkley (15) was caught at gully by substitute Harleen Deol and Vastrakar cleaned up Nat Sciver-Brunt for a first-ball duck.
Despite wasting two DRS reviews hastily, India continued their dominance.
Vastrakar’s excellent spell continued with Heather Knight’s dismissal, caught behind by Yastika Bhatia. England’s woes persisted as Danni Wyatt edged a delivery to the first slip, giving Deepti her first wicket in the innings. Deepti further contributed by dismissing Amy Jones (5) and taking two more wickets in her seventh over to remove Kate Cross (16) and Lauren Filer (0).
While Deepti narrowly missed achieving ten wickets in the game, Rajeshwari Gayakwad (2/20) had success with the dismissals of Sophie Ecclestone (10) and Lauren Bell (8).
The game showcased a perfect outing for India, with all debutants — Shubha Satheesh, Jemimah Rodrigues and Renuka — experiencing success, although Shubha missed action on the second and third days due to a fractured finger.