K L Rahul (149) and Rishabh Pant (114) forged a defiant 204-run stand in the final session of the fifth test, before leg spinner Adil Rashid dismissed them both to guide England to a 118-run win over India in the final test at Kennington Oval. With this victory, England clinched the five-match series 4-1 after wins in Birmingham, Lord's and Southampton. India won the third test at Nottingham.
Rahul and Pant both played superb knocks to delay England's victory charge with the double century partnership for the sixth wicket, but the hosts ultimately reached home. India who were 298/5 at tea, lost centurion Rahul on the score of 149 early in the third session- when a Rashid delivery took a vicious turn to claim his wicket. Rahul played calmly to take his overnight 46 to 149 by the mid afternoon break. India's 20-year-old Pant had joined Rahul before lunch, and played superbly to reach a maiden test century from 117 balls. He reached the three-figure with a huge six off Rashid shortly before tea, making him the first Indian wicket keeper to score a test century in England. Their partnership of 177 brought the victory target below 200, giving India a slim chance of a victory.
