India’s six-run win against England at the Kia Oval to level a memorable series 2-2 completed their narrowest victory in Test cricket in thrilling style.
The last day of play in a gruelling five-match series had plenty of drama, with England starting the day needing 35 more runs for a win and India in search of the last four wickets. The next hour was a roller-coaster, as England hit a couple of early boundaries, but Mohammed Siraj kept India in the hunt with regular wickets.
The hosts lost their ninth wicket with 357 on the board, needing 16 more runs when an injured Chris Woakes, with a sling on his left arm, walked out to join Gus Atkinson. Despite one six from the latter, England failed to see off the run chase, as Siraj returned to dismantle his stumps, earning a well-deserved five-for.
The six-run win helped India draw the series for the second time in England, after the last tour in 2021-22 also ended 2-2. It is also the first time India have sealed a Test win with the margin being less than 10 runs.
India’s narrowest Test wins
IND vs ENG, 2025, The Oval - 6 runs
After losing their fifth toss in the series, India, batting first, posted 224 on the board. England got off to a flier courtesy of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, but Siraj and Prasidh Krishna’s disciplined bowling saw the hosts bundled out for 247, as they gained a slender lead.
India set England a target of 373 after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s second ton of the series, and they looked well on course to chase the target down as they recovered from 106-3 to 301-4. However, India bounced back spectacularly.
IND vs AUS, 2004, Wankhede - 13 runs
At the Wankhede, a low-scoring game played out as India were bowled out for 104 in the first innings, in which only Rahul Dravid crossed 20. India were pushed onto the back foot when Australia gained a 99-run lead, posting 203 in the second innings. In reply, India scored 205, wit hMichael Clarke taking six wickets, as Australia were set a target of 107.
Australia lost opener Justin Langer from the second ball of the innings, and could not recover as Harbhajan Singh ran riot. He picked up 5-29 in 10.5 overs, as Australia were bowled out for 93, handing India a marginal win.
IND vs ENG, 1972, Eden Gardens - 28 runs
Only the third time that India have won a Test by less than 30 runs. At another low-scoring game at Eden Gardens, India posted 210 in their first innings after batting first. Ajit Wadekar (44) and Farokh Engineer (75) were the only batters who put up any resistance, as the hosts lost their last five wickets for 47 runs. In reply, England were bowled out for 174, giving India a 36-run lead.
In the second innings, India fell from 133-4 to 155 all out. England, with a target of 192 to draw the five-match series, had no answer to Bishan Bedi and B Chandrasekhar, who picked up nine wickets between them. England were bowled out for 163.
List of narrowest Test wins by India
| Match | Margin of victory |
| India vs England, 2025 | India won by 6 runs |
| India vs Australia, 2004 | India won by 13 runs |
| India vs England, 1972 | India won by 28 runs |
| India vs Australia, 2018 | India won by 31 runs |
| India vs West Indies, 2002 | India won by 37 runs |
| India vs West Indies, 2006 | India won by 49 runs |
| India vs Australia, 1981 | India won by 59 runs |
| India vs New Zealand, 1969 | India won by 60 runs |
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