India’s top 5 narrowest Test wins by runs showcase thrilling cricket battles where victory came by the slimmest margins. From edge-of-the-seat finishes to heroic bowling efforts, these matches highlight India’s grit under pressure. Each win reflects strategic brilliance and nerve, cementing their place in Test history as unforgettable triumphs won by just a handful of runs.
37-run win vs West Indies – Port of Spain, 2002
One of India’s closest Test wins came in 2002 at Port of Spain against the West Indies. After securing an 84-run first-innings lead, India faltered in their second outing, managing just 218. That left the hosts with a target of 313 runs to chase. At 237/4, West Indies looked set to pull off the win, needing only 76 more runs. But a dramatic collapse saw them lose their final six wickets for just 33 runs. India bowled them out for 275, clinching a thrilling 37-run victory.
31-run win vs Australia – Adelaide, 2018
India’s iconic 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia began with a tense win in the first Test at Adelaide Oval. With just a 15-run lead after the first innings, relied on crucial knocks from Cheteshwar Pujara (71) and Ajinkya Rahane (70) to post 307 in the second innings, setting Australia a target of 323.
Australia stumbled to 115/5 but rallied through lower-order partnerships. However, held their nerve and bowled out the hosts for 291, sealing a memorable 31-run win and laying the foundation for their first-ever Test series win in Australia.
28-run win vs England – Eden Gardens, 1972
Eden Gardens has hosted many memorable matches, and the 1972 Test against England is among them. In a low-scoring affair, India posted 210 and 155 in their two innings, while England responded with 174 and 163.
Chasing 192 for victory, England were cruising at 114/4. But the legendary spin duo of Bishan Singh Bedi (5/63) and Bhagwath Chandrasekhar (4/42) turned the tide, bowling out England and securing a narrow 28-run win for India.
13-run win vs Australia – Wankhede, 2004
The 2004 Wankhede Test against Australia was one of the most dramatic matches in Indian Test history. Despite trailing by 99 runs in the first innings, bounced back with a gritty second-innings total of 205, thanks to a vital 69 from VVS Laxman.
Australia, needing just 107 runs to win, were expected to cruise home. But Indian spinners Harbhajan Singh (5/29) and Murali Kartik (3/32) had other plans. In a stunning turnaround, Australia were dismissed for just 93, handing a nail-biting 13-run win — their lowest-ever successfully defended total in Tests.
6-run win vs England – The Oval, 2025
India’s narrowest victory in Test cricket came at The Oval in 2025. Trailing 1-2 in the series, India needed a win to level it and set England a challenging target of 374 runs. England appeared in control, thanks to centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105), and were just 35 runs away from victory with four wickets in hand on the final day.
But India produced a stunning fightback, led by Mohammed Siraj. The pacer spearheaded the attack, as England were bundled out for 367. Siraj finished with nine wickets in the match and earned the Player of the Match award as India clinched a dramatic six-run win — their narrowest ever in Test history.