India defeated England by 6 runs in the fifth and final Test match, leveling the five-match series 2-2. With this emphatic win, India denied England a series victory and showcased their resilience in the longest format of the game.
The final test match in India-England series becomes special in history of cricket at it becomes the narrowest test victory.
Set a challenging target of 374 runs, England’s batters faltered under pressure on the final day at The Oval, a ground known for dramatic finishes. The Indian bowling attack stepped up with discipline and aggression, sealing a memorable victory and leveling the series in dramatic fashion.
Despite England having earlier led the series 2-1, this final Test saw India bounce back strongly. The result not only salvaged pride for the visitors but also highlighted the depth and promise within the young Indian squad, even in the absence of several senior players.
In the thrilling match played between India and England, both teams displayed excellent batting and bowling. India scored 224 runs in their first innings, in which Karun Nair scored 57 runs off 109 balls, which was the highest score for India. Sai Sudharshan added 38 runs, while Shubman Gill (21) and Ravindra Jadeja (9) also contributed. However, the excellent bowling of England’s Gus Atkinson shocked the Indian batters; he took 5 wickets for 33 runs, while Josh Tongue took 3 wickets for 57 runs.
England scored 247 runs in 51.2 overs in response. Zak Crawley scored a blistering 64 runs off 57 balls. Ben Duckett (43), Joe Root (29), and Ollie Pope (22) made good contributions, but Harry Brook played a match-winning innings of 53 runs (5 fours and 1 six) off 64 balls. India bowlers Mohammed Siraj (4/86) and Prasidh Krishna (4/62) bowled effectively and restricted England to 247 runs.
In India’s second innings, Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a brilliant 118 runs, off 164 balls, including 14 fours and 2 sixes. Washington Sundar (53), Ravindra Jadeja (53), and Akash Deep (66) also made important contributions, helping India score 396 runs in 88 overs. Gus Atkinson made things difficult for England by taking 3 wickets for 127 runs.
Despite century from Harry Brook and Joe Root, England failed to win the match.
