Resuming the third day with a commanding lead, India continued to pile on the pressure as Yastika converted her overnight score into a landmark hundred. The left-hander became the first woman in cricket history to score a Test century at Lord's, adding another chapter to Indian women's cricket at one of the game's most iconic venues.

Her innings came after vice-captain Smriti Mandhana had laid the foundation with a composed 70 before falling early on the third morning. The pair had stitched together a crucial partnership that ensured India tightened its grip after already securing a first-innings advantage.

Yastika remained composed throughout her knock despite England's attempts to claw their way back into the contest. She eventually scored 113 off 158 deliveries, striking 14 boundaries in an innings that combined patience with controlled aggression. Her century helped India declare their second innings at 341 for seven, setting England a daunting target of 457 runs.

England spinner Sophie Ecclestone emerged as the home side's standout performer with a five-wicket haul, becoming the first England woman to feature on the Lord's honours board for bowling in a Test. However, India's sizeable lead meant the visitors remained overwhelming favourites despite her efforts.

The pressure immediately shifted onto England's batting lineup.

India's pace attack made early inroads in the fourth innings, removing key batters and leaving the hosts struggling in their pursuit of the massive target. Veteran batters Tammy Beaumont and Heather Knight, who were playing their final international Test innings, failed to make significant contributions as England's top order collapsed under sustained pressure.

By the close of play on Day Three, England had slipped to 130 for six, still requiring more than 300 runs for victory. Amy Jones offered resistance with an unbeaten half-century, but India needed only four more wickets to complete what would be one of their most significant overseas Test victories.

The match has already produced several milestones.

Earlier in the Test, fast bowler Kranti Gaud became the first woman to enter the Lord's honours board for a five-wicket haul, while Yastika's century ensured India added another historic achievement at the Home of Cricket. Smriti Mandhana also continued her consistent Test form with another valuable contribution at the top of the order.

Yastika's innings carried added significance given her return from a serious knee injury that had interrupted her international career. Her century not only rescued India from any possibility of an England comeback but also underlined the growing depth in the Indian women's batting unit ahead of a packed international calendar.

India have shown complete control across all three days, excelling with both bat and ball after taking the first-innings lead. Unless England produce an extraordinary fightback on the final day, Harmanpreet Kaur's side appears set to register a famous Test victory at Lord's and cap off a memorable performance with one of the biggest wins in Indian women's cricket history.