In an intense final Test match at The Oval, India defeated England by a margin of 6 runs, leveling the five-match series 2-2, despite setting a challenging target of 374 runs, England’s batters fell short under pressure on the final day.
Indian bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna has displayed remarkable discipline and aggression, also secured a dramatic win and denied England a series victory. The match not only showcased India’s resilience it also highlighted the depth of their young squad, who rose to the occasion in the absence of senior players.
India’s Fightback in the First Innings
India’s first innings saw them score 224 runs, with Karun Nair contributing the highest score of 57 runs off 109 balls. Despite contributions from Sai Sudharshan (38), Shubman Gill (21), and Ravindra Jadeja (9), the Indian batters were taken aback by England’s Gus Atkinson, and he took an impressive 5 wickets for 33 runs, with Josh Tongue adding 3 wickets for 57 runs, putting India in a difficult position.
A thrilling end to a captivating series 🙌#TeamIndia win the 5th and Final Test by 6 runs
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Tc2xpWNayE
#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/9ybTxGd61A
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 4, 2025
England Responds with a Solid Score
In reply, England posted 247 runs in 51.2 overs, with Zak Crawley’s 64 runs off 57 balls leading the way, Ben Duckett (43), Joe Root (29), and Ollie Pope (22) made valuable contributions to this as well as, Harry Brook played a crucial innings, scoring 53 runs off 64 balls, keeping England’s chase alive and the India’s bowlers, especially Siraj (4/86) and Krishna (4/62), restricted England’s total and kept India in the game.
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India’s Second Innings: Jaiswal Leads the Charge
India’s second innings, Yashasvi Jaiswal was the star where he scored a brilliant 118 runs off 164 balls, including 14 fours and 2 sixes where Washington Sundar (53), Ravindra Jadeja (53), and Akash Deep (66) also made significant contributions, helping India post a total of 396 runs in 88 overs whereas, England’s Gus Atkinson fought back with 3 wickets for 127 runs, but India’s lead was too strong for England to overcome.
A Dramatic Final Day: India’s Resilience Shines Through
On the final day, with rain delaying play and India still in contention, England needed just 57 runs to win however, India’s bowlers refused to back down and Brook, who had been in excellent form, was dismissed before tea. Root, who scored 105 runs, was caught behind off Prasidh Krishna after the latter had taken the wickets of Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue and as England’s wickets fell, the target seemed out of reach as well as Siraj took the final wicket, sealing a thrilling 6-run win for India and leveling the series.
Conclusion: A Series Drawn, India’s Young Squad Shines
India’s dramatic victory in the final Test proved their resilience and the strength of their young squad and despite missing several senior players, the team fought back with determination and skill, they also showcased the depth of their talent and this thrilling series draw highlights India’s potential for the future, with players like Siraj, Krishna, Jaiswal and many showing they are ready for bigger challenges ahead.
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