Ben Duckett’s unbeaten 149 leads England to their second-highest successful Test run chase as India falter despite five centuries
Headingley, Leeds – June 24, 2025:
In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Test cricket history, England pulled off a stunning 5-wicket victory over India, chasing down a mammoth target of 371 runs on Day 5 of the first Test at Headingley. The win gives England a 1–0 lead in the five-match series, and marks their second-highest successful run chase in Test cricket.
🔥 Duckett’s Dazzling 149* Powers England to Victory
The star of the match was undoubtedly Ben Duckett, whose unbeaten 149 off 159 balls anchored the English chase. Displaying poise, aggression, and incredible shot-making—highlighted by a reverse-slap six off Ravindra Jadeja—Duckett led from the front, forging a match-winning 188-run opening stand with Zak Crawley (65).
England’s new approach under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum—fondly known as “Bazball”—once again proved effective, mixing aggression with calculated risk to chase down a daunting fourth-innings target.
🇮🇳 India’s Strong Start Unravels
Despite centuries from KL Rahul (137), Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant’s twin tons (134 & 118), India couldn’t translate their dominance into a win.
India became the first team in Test history to score five centuries and still lose a match, underlining the missed opportunities in the field and inconsistencies in bowling.
Shardul Thakur briefly revived India’s hopes with two wickets in two balls, removing Duckett’s partner and Harry Brook just before tea, but it proved too little, too late.
⚙️ Bowlers Struggle, Fielding Fails
- Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up a five-wicket haul in the first innings, went wicketless in the second.
- Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur picked up key wickets, but couldn’t prevent England’s middle-order from steadying the ship.
- India dropped three crucial catches, including one when Duckett was on 97, which proved costly.
📈 England’s Tactical Maturity
- Joe Root (53*) and Jamie Smith (44*) closed the chase with composure after a brief scare.
- The victory showcased England’s “Bazball with brains” approach—measured aggression, smart partnerships, and fearless cricket.
- The successful chase also marked England’s highest-ever fourth innings chase at Headingley.
📢 Post-Match Comments
🗣️ Ben Duckett (Player of the Match):
“It’s an amazing feeling. We knew it wouldn’t be easy chasing 370+ against a side like India, but we backed ourselves. Happy to contribute to a great win.”
🗣️ Shubman Gill (India Captain):
“We had our chances but couldn’t capitalize. Dropped catches and the inability to break partnerships cost us. Still a long series to go.”
📊 Match Summary
India – 471 & 364
England – 465 & 373/5
📌 England won by 5 wickets
🏅 Key Performers
| Player | Performance |
|---|---|
| Ben Duckett (ENG) | 62 & 149* (Player of the Match) |
| KL Rahul (IND) | 137 (1st innings) |
| Rishabh Pant (IND) | 134 & 118 |
| Zak Crawley (ENG) | 65 in 2nd innings |
| Joe Root (ENG) | 53* (2nd innings anchor) |
| Shardul Thakur (IND) | 2 wickets in 2 balls |
| Jasprit Bumrah (IND) | 5-wicket haul (1st innings) |
🔮 What’s Next?
The second Test begins at Edgbaston next week, with India under pressure to bounce back and level the series. England, on the other hand, will look to carry forward their momentum and extend their series lead.
📌 Article by Abinash Dev | Cricket Analyst & Sports Columnist
📰 Stay tuned for daily insights and full match breakdowns.
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