Sometimes in cricket, it’s not the biggest wins that stay with us. It’s the tightest ones. The ones where every run counts, every wicket matters, and every moment feels like a final. That’s exactly what happened at The Oval in 2025, as India pulled off one of their most dramatic Test wins in history.
And with it, they made history – this was the first time India have ever won the 5th Test of a series away from home. Add to that, it was also their narrowest-ever win by runs in any Test match.
A thrilling end to a captivating series 🙌#TeamIndia win the 5th and Final Test by 6 runs
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 4, 2025
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Tc2xpWNayE
#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/9ybTxGd61A
A Match That Had It All
India were defending 374 runs, but England were cruising at 301/3, with Harry Brook and Joe Root in full flow. The game seemed all but over. Then, something magical happened.
Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna charged in with fire and fight. The ball started to swing. The crowd went quiet. The momentum flipped. In just a short spell, England were bowled out for 367 – just 6 runs short.
The scenes at the Oval? Pure chaos. Teammates hugged, Siraj roared, and England were left stunned. This wasn’t just a win – it was a heist.
India’s Narrowest Test Wins by Runs (All-Time):
| Margin | Opponent | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 runs | England | The Oval | 2025* |
| 13 runs | Australia | Wankhede, Mumbai | 2004 |
| 28 runs | England | Kolkata | 1972 |
| 31 runs | Australia | Adelaide | 2018 |
The 2004 thriller at Wankhede saw Australia fall just short on a turning pitch. The 2018 Adelaide win began India’s famous series triumph Down Under. But this 6-run win at The Oval? It was in a league of its own.
Why This Win Matters So Much?
- First time India won a 5th Test match of a series overseas
- Tied the series 2-2 after being down
- Proved the mental toughness of the team
- Sealed a place in Test cricket’s modern classics
This wasn’t just about numbers. It was about belief. When England needed just 74 runs with 7 wickets in hand, most thought it was over. But Shubman Gill’s men refused to back down. The bowlers rose, the fielders stepped up, and the fight was full.
Heroes in the Shadows
The real stars of the day were Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. While the batters grabbed headlines earlier in the series, it was these two who made sure India walked away with a win. Siraj’s reverse swing and Prasidh’s late movement brought India back from the brink.
Even Chris Woakes batting one-handed couldn’t change the result.
A Series for the Books
The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 will be remembered for many things – the records, the centuries, the partnerships. But this 5th Test win will sit right at the top of that memory list.
It was proof that no matter how strong the opposition is, and no matter how tough the conditions are, you never count this Indian team out.
And in the end, 6 runs were enough to make history.
