Cricket Kitchen

India Clinches Thrilling Victory Over England by 6 Runs to Level Test Series 2-2

August 4, 2025

 

Kathmandu – In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Test cricket history, India defeated England by 6 runs in the fifth and final Test at The Oval, leveling the five-match series 2-2. What appeared to be a near-certain victory for England turned into a stunning comeback win for India, thanks to a spirited performance by the Indian bowlers.

England, set a challenging target of 374 runs, were bowled out for 367 on the final day. Mohammad Siraj emerged as the hero for India, taking five wickets, while Prasidh Krishna claimed four, dismantling the English batting lineup at a crucial juncture.

The match seemed firmly in England’s grasp at one stage, with Harry Brook and Joe Root batting confidently and adding a massive 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their composed and commanding approach brought England to the brink of victory, but India clawed back late on Day 4 and carried the momentum into Day 5.

India had scored 224 runs in their first innings, while England managed 247, securing a modest first-innings lead. In their second innings, India put up a solid 396-run total, bolstered by a brilliant century from Yashasvi Jaiswal (118) and valuable half-centuries from Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar. With that, India set a steep target of 374 for England.

England’s chase got off to a rocky start, with early wickets falling at regular intervals. Siraj struck early to remove Zak Crawley and Ollie Pope, while Krishna provided further breakthroughs. However, Root and Brook’s resilience and flair brought the game alive for the home side. Brook, who received a crucial reprieve on 19 after a failed boundary catch attempt by Siraj, went on to score a century off 91 balls.

Despite the momentum being with England for much of Day 4, the Indian bowlers held their nerves. On the final day, they applied relentless pressure and eventually broke through the middle and lower order, sealing a narrow yet memorable victory.

The tightly contested series saw both sides producing exceptional performances. Shubman Gill finished as India’s top scorer in the series with 754 runs, while Mohammad Siraj ended as the leading wicket-taker. England’s Josh Tongue followed closely with 19 wickets.

The series began with England winning the opener in Leeds by five wickets. India responded emphatically in Birmingham, winning by 336 runs. England took the third Test at Lord’s by a narrow 22-run margin, while the fourth Test in Manchester ended in a draw. The Oval Test proved to be the series decider, and India’s gritty performance ensured that the honors were shared.

This fiercely competitive series will be remembered for its twists, world-class individual efforts, and edge-of-the-seat moments, offering a true testament to the enduring charm and unpredictability of Test cricket.