In one of the most dramatic Test match finishes in recent years, India secured a nail-biting 6-run victory over England in the 5th and final Test at The Oval, levelling the five-match series 2–2. Mohammed Siraj was the hero of the final day, delivering a five-wicket haul and claiming the last England wicket to clinch a win that will be remembered for years.

Mohammed Siraj Stars with 5-Wicket Haul

Starting Day 5 with just 35 runs needed by England and four wickets in hand, India faced long odds. But Siraj turned the tide with an inspired bowling performance. He dismissed Jamie Smith, Jamie Overton, and eventually Gus Atkinson to end England’s chase at 367 — falling just six runs short of the 374-run target.

Siraj finished with figures of 5 for 104, including the match-clinching yorker to Atkinson, who had briefly threatened to steal victory with a six. “I always believe in myself,” Siraj said post-match. “That dropped catch was on my mind, but I knew I had to finish the job.”

Prasidh Krishna Provides Crucial Support

Equally instrumental was Prasidh Krishna, who took four key wickets and helped apply pressure throughout the second innings. His pace and discipline in tandem with Siraj created constant doubts in the English lower order.

Together, the duo accounted for 9 of the 10 wickets in the second innings, making the difference in a match that swung wildly across five days.

India's Fightback: From Behind to Heroic Finish

India had trailed by 23 runs in the first innings after scoring 224 in response to England's 247. But the visitors staged a spirited comeback with the bat in the second innings.

Yashasvi Jaiswal led the revival with a superb 118, supported by a gritty 66 from nightwatchman Akash Deep, helping India post 396 and set England a challenging 374 to win.

Captain Shubman Gill, who took over the Test leadership following Rohit Sharma’s retirement earlier this year, was lauded for his composure and motivational presence on the field. On Day 4, his rallying cry to his bowlers — “Ek ghanta zor lagayenge…” (Let’s give it our all for one more hour) — became symbolic of India’s resilience.

England's Late Collapse

England, riding on Joe Root’s 104 and a hard-fought knock from Harry Brook, looked on course for victory late on Day 4. However, wickets began to tumble quickly on the final day. Jamie Overton and Gus Atkinson fought back with counter-attacking shots, and Chris Woakes, despite a dislocated shoulder, bravely returned to the non-striker’s end to support the final push.

But Siraj’s unplayable final delivery ended England's hopes and triggered wild celebrations from the Indian side.

Match Summary

India 1st Innings: 224

England 1st Innings: 247

India 2nd Innings: 396

England 2nd Innings: 367

Result: India won by 6 runs

Series: Drawn 2–2

Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj

Historic Win

The 6-run margin marks India’s narrowest victory by runs in Test history. It also ensures the series ends on even terms, after England had taken a 2–1 lead going into the final Test.

This match will go down as one of the closest-fought finishes in modern Test cricket, showcasing the grit, depth, and fighting spirit that both teams brought to the field.