Akash Deep Slams Crucial Maiden Fifty for India

Akash Deep stunned England with a gritty unbeaten 51 as a night watchman during the 5th Test at The Oval in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Walking in at 72/2, the pacer frustrated England’s bowlers with his solid defense and 12 boundaries, marking the second-highest night watchman score by an Indian since 2000. His heroic knock turned the tide and reignited India’s hopes in the crucial series decider.

Akash Deep's 66 as Night Watchman Frustrates England in Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025

The Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 produced another iconic moment as Akash Deep, known more for his pace than his batting, stunned England with a gritty and unbeaten 66-run knock at The Oval. Coming in as a night watchman at 72/2, Akash Deep was expected to survive the evening session merely. Instead, he anchored India's innings, absorbed pressure, and frustrated the English bowling unit, turning the tide of Day 2 in India's favour.

Akash Deep's Knock – A Masterclass in Grit and Guts

66 runs with 12 boundaries in his 94-ball innings, Akash Deep displayed a wide range of strokes, solid technique, and above all, mental strength. His resistance blunted England's early momentum and left their bowlers visibly frustrated. The likes of Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, and Jamie Overton tried everything—short balls, full deliveries, swing—but Akash Deep stood tall, calmly negotiating the threats and rotating the strike.

It was like watching a seasoned top-order batter wearing a tail-ender's number," one commentator quipped.

Scorecard Highlights:

• Runs -  66 
• Balls Faced  - 94
• Fours - 12
• Role -  Nightwatchman (Came in at 72/2)
• Record -  2nd Highest Indian Night Watchman Score Since 2000

Top Night Watchman Scores for India Since 2000

S. N.	Player	Against and year	Score
1	Amit Mishra	England, 2011	84
2	Akash Deep	England, 2025	66
3	Amit Mishra	Bangladesh, 2010	50
4	Irfan Pathan	Australia, 2008	46
5	Murli Kartik	Bangladesh, 2000	43

(Top Night Watchman Scores for India Since 2000)

For nearly two hours, Akash Deep stonewalled England's best efforts, forcing them into bowling changes, field rotations, and even bouncers. What was supposed to be an easy passage to clean up India's lower order turned into an exhausting grind.

His defensive solidity and strokeplay on loose deliveries sapped England's energy. The bowlers' frustration was evident in their body language—with every play-and-miss or straight bat, Akash Deep chipped away at their control of the game.

Not Just a Bowler Anymore: The Rise of an All-Round Option

Known for his fiery pace in domestic cricket and IPL appearances, Akash Deep's emergence as a lower-order saviour has added a new dimension to his profile. This innings showed:

• Composure under fire
• Clear game awareness
• Partnership-building ability
• A temperament suited for Test cricket

Selectors and fans alike will now see him as more than just a fast bowler—he's shown genuine all-round potential.

Final Word: A Night Watchman Who Lit Up The Test

When India needed a fighter, Akash Deep answered the call. His 51 not out may not headline centuries and five-wicket hauls, but in the context of the match—and the series—it stands tall. It wasn't just about the runs; it was about blunting England's charge, lifting his team, and showing that Test cricket still values courage over flair. In a series where every run matters, Akash Deep's knock could very well be the moment India's comeback began.

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