The India vs England Test cricket rivalry has produced some of the most thrilling matches in history. Over the decades, these two proud cricketing nations have pushed each other to the limit. But there are a few Tests that stand out not just for the result, but for the drama, tension, and last-minute turns they brought to the game. These are matches that kept fans at the edge of their seats till the final ball. In this article, we relive the Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History, where matches could have gone either way, but were ultimately decided by moments of brilliance, pressure, or missed opportunities. These games show that Test cricket is not just about skill, but also about nerves, courage, and heart.
Here Are Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History
5. Chennai 1985 – Match Drawn
Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History, This match wasn’t supposed to be exciting. On the final day, England gave India a target of 136 runs in 20 overs, which in Test terms is considered a sporting declaration. But what followed turned a slow game into a memorable finish. India began aggressively, with Mohammad Azharuddin leading the charge. His 54 runs came off just 56 balls and made fans believe that a surprise win was possible. But wickets fell at the wrong time and in the end, India fell short by just 17 runs. Although the match was drawn, the chase added excitement and turned it into one of the Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Mohammad Azharuddin – Chennai 1985
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player | Mohammad Azharuddin |
| Runs | 54 |
| Balls | 56 |
| Strike Rate | 96.4 |
| Fours | 8 |
| Innings | 4th |
4. Lord’s 2014 – India Won by 95 Runs
Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History, This match had everything – momentum shifts, partnerships, and one of the most stunning final-day bowling spells by Ishant Sharma. England seemed on track for a draw, but Ishant’s use of short-pitched bowling caught the English batsmen by surprise. His figures of 7 wickets for 74 runs turned the match on its head. The way England collapsed from a stable position showed how quickly pressure can change a game. India’s win at Lord’s after 28 years made it a historic and one of the Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Ishant Sharma – Lord’s 2014
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wickets | 7 |
| Runs | 74 |
| Overs | 23 |
| Maidens | 4 |
| Strike Rate | 19.7 |
3. Mumbai 2006 – England Won by 212 Runs
Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History, The scoreline may suggest an easy win for England, but this Test was anything but. England were without many key players and defending a target on a turning pitch against India’s strong batting lineup. Enter Shaun Udal, a 37-year-old off-spinner with just 3 Tests behind him. Udal shocked everyone by taking 4 wickets for just 14 runs, as India collapsed for 100. The tension before the collapse, the pressure on both sides, and England’s unlikely heroes turned this into one of the Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History, especially for the visitors.
Shaun Udal – Mumbai 2006
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wickets | 4 |
| Runs | 14 |
| Overs | 10 |
| Maidens | 3 |
| Best Bowling | 4/14 |
2. Bangalore 1972 – Match Drawn
Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History, This was a true nail-biter. India needed 224 runs to win, and they were getting close. But England’s bowlers started chipping away, and soon India was 210/9. With just 14 runs needed and only one wicket left, it looked like England might win. But India’s last pair – Bishan Singh Bedi and BS Chandrasekhar – held their ground bravely for the final overs, forcing a draw. The pressure was intense, and every ball felt like the last. This match proves that not all close finishes end in wins. Some end in heroic draws—and this one surely deserves a spot in the Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Bishan Singh Bedi – Bangalore 1972
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Wickets | 3 |
| Runs Conceded | 45 |
| Overs | 27 |
| Maidens | 10 |
| Economy | 1.66 |
| Batting | 4* (held out draw) |
1. Chennai 2008 – India Won by 6 Wickets
Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History Coming just weeks after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, this match was emotionally charged. England posted a huge second innings score and set India a near-impossible target of 387 runs. Chasing such a target in the fourth innings was rare. But thanks to Virender Sehwag’s explosive start and Sachin Tendulkar’s calm hundred, India pulled off a stunning win. Tendulkar’s 103* under pressure was one of his finest Test innings. The crowd erupted, not just because of the win, but because it felt like a message of hope and strength. This match is clearly the most emotional and thrilling among the Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Sachin Tendulkar – Chennai 2008
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Runs | 103* |
| Balls | 196 |
| Fours | 9 |
| Sixes | 0 |
| Strike Rate | 52.55 |
| Innings | 4th |
| Result | India won by 6 wickets |
Conclusion
The rivalry between India and England has given cricket fans many unforgettable memories. But the matches that truly live on are the ones that went down to the wire. These Top 5 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History prove that Test cricket can be just as thrilling as any shorter format. From heroic innings and bowling spells to draws that felt like victories, each match on this list shows the spirit and unpredictability of cricket. For fans of the game, these moments are more than scores—they’re emotions that will be remembered forever.
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