By Sachit Subba • Cricket • Aug 04, 2025 11:54 AM • 153 views
LONDON, August 4 — In a heart-stopping finale that will go down in Test cricket folklore, India pulled off their narrowest-ever Test victory, defeating England by just six runs on a nerve-racking fifth day at The Oval.
Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj emerged as the hero, claiming the final three wickets — including a searing yorker to bowl Gus Atkinson — to seal a five-wicket haul and level the series 2-2 in the most dramatic fashion imaginable.
England, resuming the day needing only 35 runs with four wickets in hand, looked favourites to chase down their target of 374 — especially with Chris Woakes preparing to brave the middle despite a dislocated shoulder. But Siraj, brimming with purpose, dismantled the lower order in under an hour.
"It was one of those matches where you never feel in control, even when you're ahead," said India captain Shubman Gill. "With 60-odd runs needed and seven wickets in hand, these games don't come often. I'm just relieved we crossed the line — we needed a bit of luck too."
England had dominated for long stretches of the match. At one point, they were cruising at 301 for 3, thanks to a stunning century from Joe Root (105) and a brilliant ton from Harry Brook. But Brook's careless dismissal ignited a collapse — the final seven wickets tumbling for just 66 runs.
India seized the momentum late on Day 4, removing Jacob Bethell and Root in fading light before bad weather ended the day early, leaving England still 35 runs adrift.
When play resumed on Monday, Prasidh Krishna struck first, dismissing Josh Tongue for a duck. Siraj then stepped up, removing Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton in quick succession.
In a final twist, Atkinson reignited English hopes by lofting Siraj for six and shielding Woakes from the strike. But Siraj delivered a lethal yorker to finish the job — earning India not only a series-levelling win but a place in history books for the narrowest Test triumph by an Indian side.
The whole house at The Oval witnessed a masterclass in tension and theatre, with the overcast skies only adding to the intensity.
Fittingly, Siraj — who had dropped Brook on 19 a day earlier, a mistake that nearly cost India dearly — redeemed himself in grand style.
"He dropped a catch, sure, but the way he came back shows character," Gill said. "And hats off to Woakes. I didn't expect him to come out with a sling and bat one-handed — absolute courage."
As India completed a jubilant lap of honour, cricket fans were left breathless, reminded once again why Test cricket — in all its unpredictability — remains the pinnacle of the sport.
