OVAL, AUG 4: India defeated England by just 6 runs in a nail-biting finish to the fifth and final Test at The Oval, leveling the five-match series 2-2.
Centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook went in vain as the hosts fell agonizingly short of the 374-run target.
England, chasing 374 for victory, needed only 35 runs with four wickets in hand on the final day, while India required four wickets. Indian bowlers held their nerve and wrapped up the English innings for 367 runs, securing a dramatic win.
The match began with England winning the toss and opting to bowl first. India managed 224 in their first innings, while England responded with 247 to take a narrow lead.
India bounced back strongly in the second innings, posting 396 runs thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century and fifties from Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar.
Despite the strong foundation laid by Root and Brook with their centuries, England’s lower order crumbled under pressure on the final day.
Mohammed Siraj emerged as the hero for India, claiming nine wickets in the match and playing a pivotal role in sealing the win.
