Top 10 Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England – A Powerful Cricketing Rivalry

The Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England have left a lasting mark on cricket fans around the world. Known for their rich cricketing traditions, both India and England have played matches filled with intensity, dramatic twists, and nail-biting results. These matches go beyond the scoreboard they show the mental strength, grit, and determination of both teams.

In this article, we look back at the Top 10 Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England, starting from number 10 to number 1. These games prove that Test cricket is not just a game of patience, but also a game of heart.

List of Top 10 Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England

10. Ahmedabad 2021 – India Won by 10 Wickets (2-Day Finish)

The 2021 Pink Ball Test in Ahmedabad is one of the shortest yet most dramatic contests in the list of Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England. The match lasted just two days, but the tension was high throughout. After Day 1, both teams were neck and neck. The pitch started turning sharply on Day 2, creating panic among batters.

Axar Patel emerged as the match-winner, using the pink ball to perfection. His 11 wickets in the match dismantled England’s batting lineup in both innings. Despite the wide victory margin, the quick pace of the game and frequent momentum shifts made it an unforgettable encounter.

Key Player: Axar Patel

Player	Wickets	Runs	Overs	Maidens	Match Figures
Axar Patel	11	70	34	12	6/38 & 5/32

9. Ahmedabad 2021 – India Won by 10 Wickets (2-Day Finish)

At first glance, this may not appear on the list of Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England, due to the big margin. But in reality, this match was full of tense moments. India looked strong at 215/2 in their second innings. What followed was a shocking collapse that turned the game completely in England’s favour.

Ollie Robinson’s excellent line and length broke the Indian middle order, and India lost eight wickets for just 63 runs. The match highlighted how fast momentum can change in Test cricket, especially between two giants like India and England.

Key Player: Ollie Robinson

Player	Wickets	Runs	Overs	Maidens	Best Figures
Ollie Robinson	5	65	15	3	5/65

8. Nottingham 2007 – India Won by 7 Wickets

This match is remembered for the famous jelly bean incident when Zaheer Khan was mocked by England fielders, sparking a fiery response. He returned the favour with the ball, producing a classic spell of fast bowling. India had to chase a tricky 73-run target in tense conditions.

The pressure was immense as wickets fell quickly, but the team held its nerve. This match ranks among the Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England not because of a close scoreline but due to the off-field drama and high emotional intensity.

Key Player: Zaheer Khan

Player	Wickets	Runs	Overs	Maidens	Inning
Zaheer Khan	5	75	25	6	2nd

7. Oval 1979 – Match Drawn

This Test match is one of the most heartbreaking draws in the history of Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England. Chasing 438, India came agonizingly close. At 429/8, the stage was set for a historic win. But the final two wickets couldn’t add the remaining 9 runs.

Sunil Gavaskar led from the front with a magnificent 221, one of the finest innings by an Indian abroad. The courage, patience, and determination shown by the Indian team made this a match fans still remember more than four decades later.

Key Player: Sunil Gavaskar

Player	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Result
Sunil Gavaskar	221	443	21	0	Match Drawn

6. Kolkata 1972 – India Won by 28 Runs

In one of the tightest matches played in India, England was chasing just 192 in the fourth innings. They were in a good position at 117/3, but Indian spinners, especially Chandrasekhar, turned the game on its head. England was all out for 163, giving India a narrow victory.

This match is a classic from the archives of Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England, showcasing the impact of Indian spin on home soil and the resilience required to win low-scoring contests.

Key Player: B.S. Chandrasekhar

Player	Wickets	Runs	Overs	Maidens	Best
B.S. Chandrasekhar	5	62	24	6	5/62

5. Chennai 1985 – Match Drawn

Test matches that end in draws can still be full of thrill, and this game proves it. England set India a small target of 136 in 20 overs. India accepted the challenge and began aggressively. Mohammad Azharuddin’s bold stroke play had the crowd on its feet.

Though India fell short of the target, this exciting fourth-innings run chase is one of the Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England. It brought energy to a game that could have been a dull draw.

Key Player: Mohammad Azharuddin

Player	Runs	Balls	SR	4s	Inning
Mohammad Azharuddin	54	56	96.4	8	4th

4. Lord’s 2014 – India Won by 95 Runs

On the fifth day of this Lord’s Test, a draw seemed likely. But Ishant Sharma changed everything with a fiery spell of short-pitched bowling. England, who were looking steady, suddenly collapsed as Sharma picked up 7 wickets.

This match is a shining entry in the Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England, especially because it came at the historic Lord’s ground. It reminded fans that no situation is beyond recovery in cricket.

Key Player: Ishant Sharma

Player	Wickets	Runs	Overs	Maidens
Ishant Sharma	7	74	23	4

3. Mumbai 2006 – England Won by 212 Runs

This match had all the ingredients of a memorable game. England’s team was missing many senior players. On a turning Mumbai pitch, India was expected to win. But England shocked the hosts by bowling them out for just 100 in the fourth innings.

Shaun Udal, a 37-year-old off-spinner, was the hero with a remarkable 4-wicket haul. It was one of the most surprising results in the list of Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England.

Key Player: Shaun Udal

Player	Wickets	Runs	Overs	Maidens	Best
Shaun Udal	4	14	10	3	4/14

2. Bangalore 1972 – Match Drawn

With India needing to bat out time, the match came down to the last pair. Chasing 224, India was 210/9. The pressure was intense, and fans were biting their nails. Bishan Singh Bedi and Chandrasekhar held their ground and survived the final overs.

This Test is one of the rare gems in the archive of Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England, where a draw felt like a win due to the drama and tension of the last session.

Key Player: Bishan Singh Bedi

Player	Wickets	Runs	Overs	Maidens	Econ
Bishan S. Bedi	3	45	27	10	1.66

1. Chennai 2008 – India Won by 6 Wickets

This match was not just about cricket. Coming shortly after the Mumbai terror attacks, it carried emotional weight. England set India a target of 387, and fans expected a slow, steady approach. But Sehwag launched a stunning attack, scoring 83 off just 68 balls.

Sachin Tendulkar then guided the team with a calm, unbeaten century. This Test is not only one of the Thrilling Test Match Finishes Between India and England, but also one of the most emotional and inspiring victories in Indian cricket history.

Key Player: Sachin Tendulkar

Player	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	Inning
Sachin Tendulkar	103*	196	9	0	4th

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