IND vs ENG 5th Test: Too close to breathe! India's narrowest-ever Test wins
India pulled off a stunning six-run victory in the final Test at The Oval to level the five-match series 2-2, capping off one of the most fiercely contested battles in recent memory.
It was a match that swung back and forth before the visitors held their nerve to deny England a historic chase.
Mohammed Siraj was the star on Day 5 with a five-wicket haul, delivering the final blow by clean bowling Gus Atkinson with a searing yorker that crashed into the base of off stump. Siraj finished with figures of 5 for 104, sealing a famous win that sparked wild celebrations among the Indian players.
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The game, which saw England fall just six runs short of a 374-run target, also featured a moment of immense bravery as Chris Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury, came out to bat with one arm tucked into his sweater.
Though he didn't face a ball, his presence at the crease added drama to an already tense finish.
Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj press conference: India stars answer all questions
While India's bowlers deserve credit for their perseverance, the match will be remembered for the margin itself — six runs — which is now etched into Indian cricket's history books. The result is India's narrowest-ever win by runs in Test cricket, surpassing their 13-run win over Australia at the Wankhede in 2004.
Poll
What was the most memorable moment of the match at The Oval?
Mohammed Siraj's five-wicket haul
Chris Woakes batting with an injury
India's narrow six-run victory
The dramatic final session
India's ten narrowest wins in Tests by runs
India vs England – 6 runs – 31 Jul 2025 – The Oval
India vs Australia – 13 runs – 3 Nov 2004 – Wankhede
India vs England – 28 runs – 30 Dec 1972 – Eden Gardens
India vs Australia – 31 runs – 6 Dec 2018 – Adelaide
India vs West Indies – 37 runs – 19 Apr 2002 – Port of Spain
India vs West Indies – 49 runs – 30 Jun 2006 – Kingston
India vs Australia – 59 runs – 7 Feb 1981 – Melbourne
India vs New Zealand – 60 runs – 25 Sep 1969 – Brabourne
India vs West Indies – 63 runs – 20 Jun 2011 – Kingston
India vs South Africa – 63 runs – 24 Jan 2018 – Johannesburg
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