In one of the most exhilarating finishes in recent Test cricket history, India pulled off a sensational 6-run victory against England in the 5th and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Kennington Oval, London. With this win, the five-match series ends in a 2-2 draw, marking a heroic comeback for Team India after trailing earlier in the series.
The match, played from July 31 to August 4, delivered a gripping finish on Day 5 morning, as England, chasing 374, were bowled out for 367, falling just 6 runs short of what would have been a memorable win. The Indian bowling unit, led by Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, orchestrated a stunning turnaround, dismissing the last four English wickets in quick succession on the final day.
Day 5 Drama: India Snatch Victory from the Jaws of Defeat
England began the final day needing just 35 runs with 4 wickets in hand and Harry Brook set at the crease. But what followed was a remarkable spell of pressure bowling. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna held their nerve to produce a flurry of wickets that stunned the home crowd.
From 339/6, England collapsed to 367 all out, handing India a famous win. The margin of 6 runs made it one of the closest victories in India’s Test history and a defining moment in the 2025 series.
Match Summary
India 1st Innings – 224 All Out (69.4 overs)
India’s first innings was marked by a shaky start. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early for 2 runs, and although Karun Nair held firm with a gritty 57 off 109 balls, consistent wickets derailed India’s innings. Other contributions included Sai Sudharsan (38) and Washington Sundar (26), but disciplined English bowling, particularly Gus Atkinson (5/63), restricted India to a modest 224.
England 1st Innings – 247 All Out (51.2 overs)
England responded with aggression, thanks to a quickfire 64 from Zak Crawley and 43 off 38 from Ben Duckett. With a 23-run lead, they looked strong, but Indian bowlers struck back. Siraj (4/86) and Krishna (4/68) rattled the middle and lower order to keep India in the game.
India 2nd Innings – 396 All Out (88 overs)
The visitors produced a spirited fightback in the second innings, led by a majestic 118 from Yashasvi Jaiswal (14 fours, 2 sixes). Tailender Akash Deep turned heads with a vital 66 off 94 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja (53) and Washington Sundar (53) stabilized the middle order. India set England a challenging target of 374.
England bowlers:
Josh Tongue: 5/125 (30 overs)
Gus Atkinson: 3/127 (27 overs)
Jamie Overton: 2 wickets
England 2nd Innings – 367 All Out (76.5 overs)
England looked on course for victory thanks to centuries from Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111). But a late collapse under pressure saw them fall agonizingly short. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna struck in quick succession, turning the match on its head and sparking wild celebrations from the Indian camp.
Weather Worries? London Rain Holds Off for Day 5 Finale
Ahead of Day 5, there were concerns that rain might affect play, but the weather stayed clear during the crucial morning session, allowing for an uninterrupted and thrilling conclusion to this epic contest.
Scorecard Summary:
India 1st Innings: 224 (Karun Nair 57, Atkinson 5/63)
England 1st Innings: 247 (Crawley 64, Siraj 4/86)
India 2nd Innings: 396 (Jaiswal 118, Tongue 5/125)
England 2nd Innings: 367 (Brook 111, Root 105, Krishna 3 wickets, Siraj 3 wickets)
Result: India won by 6 runs
Series: Drawn 2-2
What This Win Means for India
India’s narrow win at The Oval not only prevented a series loss but also showcased the team’s resilience under pressure. From struggling in the first innings to delivering a composed and clinical finish, the match underlined the team’s depth and fighting spirit.
The match also highlighted rising stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who continues to prove himself as a long-format anchor, and Akash Deep, whose all-round performance could redefine his role in the team.
The 5th Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 will be remembered as a modern-day classic—a Test that had everything: shifting momentum, batting brilliance, lethal spells, and a thrilling finish. Cricket fans were treated to an unforgettable showdown, and the 2-2 series result is a fair reflection of how evenly matched the two teams were.
This win at The Oval will go down in Indian cricket folklore as one of the greatest fightbacks in overseas conditions.
