England bowled out India for 170 runs on Monday, July 14, clinching a thrilling 22-run victory in the third Test at Lord’s and taking a 2-1 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series. Set a target of 193 runs in 108 overs, the Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, fell short by 22 runs, despite a valiant, unbeaten 61-run knock by Ravindra Jadeja. The match, played at the iconic Home of Cricket, turned into a tense low-scoring battle on the final day. Although India appeared in control at various stages, England’s relentless bowling attack ensured they seized the crucial moments. This defeat marked India’s fourth-smallest loss by runs in Test history and their second-smallest defeat by runs in an away Test, underlining just how close the contest truly was.
India’s top 5 closest-run losses in Test cricket
1) 12 runs vs Pakistan, Chennai 1999
This iconic Test match, played from January 28 to February 1, 1999, at Chepauk, Chennai, is universally remembered for its thrilling and heartbreaking conclusion. Pakistan, after setting India a challenging target of 271 runs in the fourth innings on a rapidly deteriorating pitch, looked to be in control. Sachin Tendulkar then played one of his most heroic innings, scoring a magnificent 136 despite battling severe back pain, almost single-handedly guiding India towards a famous victory. He shared crucial partnerships, notably with Nayan Mongia.
However, after Tendulkar’s dismissal, India suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last four wickets for a mere 11 runs, unable to cross the finish line. Saqlain Mushtaq‘s masterful off-spin, which yielded a crucial five-wicket haul in the second innings, was instrumental for Pakistan. The match concluded with Pakistan winning by just 12 runs, leading to the memorable sight of the knowledgeable Chennai crowd giving the victorious Pakistani team a standing ovation, acknowledging the high-quality cricket and sportsmanship.
2) 16 runs vs Australia, Brisbane 1977
The first Test of the 1977-78 series, played in Brisbane, proved to be a gripping encounter that set the tone for a competitive series. Australia, led by the returning Bob Simpson, managed to set India a target of 341 runs in the fourth innings. India’s chase was anchored by a magnificent century from captain Sunil Gavaskar, who scored 113, showcasing his resilience and technique against a strong Australian attack.
Wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani also played a valuable supporting role with a defiant 55. Despite these significant contributions and a valiant effort from the lower order, India ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 324. The 16-run defeat highlighted India’s fighting spirit and their ability to compete fiercely even in challenging overseas conditions against a formidable Australian side, making it a memorable, albeit painful, loss.
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3) 16 runs vs Pakistan, Bengaluru 1987
This was the deciding fifth and final Test of the 1986-87 series against arch-rivals Pakistan, played in Bengaluru on a challenging, turning track. Pakistan, after being dismissed for a paltry 116 in their first innings (thanks to Maninder Singh‘s exceptional 7-wicket haul), managed to recover and set India a target of 221 runs. The chase became an epic battle, primarily remembered for Sunil Gavaskar‘s gritty innings of 96, played in his farewell Test match.
He batted with immense concentration and skill, almost single-handedly guiding India towards what would have been a historic series victory. However, the spin duo of Pakistan’s Iqbal Qasim and Tauseef Ahmed proved to be unplayable on the deteriorating surface, taking crucial wickets at regular intervals. India were eventually bowled out for 204, losing the match and the series by a heartbreaking margin of 16 runs, a truly agonizing defeat for the home side.
4) 22 runs vs England, Lord’s, July 2025
This thrilling 3rd Test, played from July 10-14, 2025, at Lord’s, saw England win by a narrow 22-run margin. Both teams scored 387 in their first innings, setting up a tense contest. England then posted 192 in their second innings, leaving India to chase 193 for victory. India were eventually bowled out for 170, falling agonizingly short. Ben Stokes was named Player of the Match for his all-round heroics, contributing scores of 44 and 33 with the bat, and taking 2/63 and 3/48 with the ball. This match was a true cliffhanger, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Test cricket.
5) 25 runs vs New Zealand, Wankhede, November 2024
This 3rd Test, played from November 1-3, 2024, at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, saw New Zealand secure a hard-fought 25-run victory over India. New Zealand posted scores of 235 and 174, while India managed 263 and 121. Chasing a target of 147, India were bowled out for 121. The Player of the Match was New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel, who delivered a match-winning performance with figures of 5/103 and 6/57. Will Young was named Player of the Series for his consistent batting, scoring 244 runs. This low-scoring thriller showcased a dominant performance by spin bowlers on a turning Wankhede pitch.
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