In a shocking turn of events, New Zealand bowled out India for a meager total of 46 on day two of the first Test in Bengaluru. The Indian team, playing on their home turf, suffered one of their worst collapses in Test history, with New Zealand’s bowlers taking full advantage of the seaming conditions.
India’s Disastrous Collapse
After the entire first day of the Test was washed out by rain, India won the toss and chose to bat on what turned out to be a lively pitch, conducive to seam bowling. Unfortunately for India, the decision backfired as they were bowled out for their third-lowest total ever in Test cricket. New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke, delivered devastating spells that dismantled India’s batting lineup.
Henry took an outstanding 5-15, while O’Rourke claimed 4-22, leading the charge for New Zealand. The Indian batsmen struggled throughout, with key players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin all failing to score and departing for ducks.
The only Indian batsmen who managed to reach double figures were Rishabh Pant, who scored 20, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made 13. Pant’s brief resistance was the only bright spot in an otherwise dismal batting performance by the top-ranked team in the World Test Championship.
Historic Low for India
India’s total of 46 is now their lowest-ever score in a home Test, surpassing their previous low of 36 against Australia in Adelaide in 2020 and 42 against England at Lord’s in 1974. This dramatic collapse places India’s performance as one of the 18th lowest totals in Test cricket history.
Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, expressed his frustration after the game, stating, “I’m hurting a little bit because I made that call… the challenges that were thrown at us, we didn’t respond to well and found ourselves in a situation where we got bowled out for 46. As a captain, it definitely hurts to see that number.”
New Zealand in Control
In response to India’s collapse, New Zealand put on a strong batting display, reaching 180-3 by the close of play. The opening partnership between Tom Latham and Devon Conway set the tone, as they quickly overtook India’s score with a solid 67-run stand. Conway, who has been in fine form, played a brilliant innings of 91 from 105 balls, falling just short of a century.
By the end of day two, New Zealand had already secured a 134-run lead, putting them firmly in control of the Test. With India struggling to regain momentum, New Zealand’s disciplined performance has given them a significant advantage moving forward.
How the Collapse Unfolded
India’s downfall began early when captain Rohit Sharma was bowled for 6 by Tim Southee in the seventh over, attempting an ambitious drive. Virat Kohli followed soon after, falling for a duck as he gloved O’Rourke to leg slip after facing just nine balls.
Sarfaraz Khan’s attempt to counter-attack ended in disappointment as he was caught one-handed by Conway. After a brief rain delay, India’s hopes of recovery were dashed when Jaiswal was dismissed for 13, cutting O’Rourke to point. Wickets continued to tumble as KL Rahul was caught down the leg side, and Jadeja and Ashwin fell in consecutive deliveries to Henry.
Rishabh Pant’s resistance ended when he edged Henry to second slip, and Henry continued his exceptional spell by dismissing Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav to claim his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. India’s innings was wrapped up swiftly, leaving New Zealand in complete control.
Henry’s Reflection
Reflecting on the remarkable day for New Zealand, Matt Henry said, “We were going to bat first too, so it was a good toss to lose. It was nice when the clouds rolled in when the toss was done. We were expecting it to be a flatter wicket, but there was plenty of assistance this morning.”
What’s Next for India?
India, now trailing by 134 runs with New Zealand in a dominant position, face an uphill battle to get back into the match. The pressure will be on their bowlers to restrict New Zealand from extending their lead further, while the Indian batsmen will need to regroup and respond with a much-improved performance in the second innings if they are to salvage anything from this Test.
For now, the spotlight remains firmly on New Zealand’s bowling brilliance and India’s historic collapse, which has stunned cricket fans worldwide.
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