No time to read? Just listen to the news!
TL;DR:
- India collapsed to their lowest-ever home Test total of 46 runs against New Zealand in Bengaluru, with Matt Henry and William O’Rourke taking 9 wickets between them
- The innings lasted only 31.2 overs, with Rishabh Pant top-scoring with 20 and five Indian batsmen, including Virat Kohli, dismissed for ducks
- India’s previous lowest home total was 75 against the West Indies in 1987, and this collapse ranks as their third-lowest Test score overall
- The disastrous performance is a significant setback for India, who lead the World Test Championship table, as they face a challenging comeback in the match and series
India’s cricket team was dismissed for a mere 46 runs in their first innings against New Zealand on Thursday, marking their lowest-ever Test total on home soil. The disastrous performance unfolded on the second day of the rain-affected first Test at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
After winning the toss and electing to bat under overcast conditions, India’s decision backfired spectacularly. New Zealand’s fast bowling duo of Matt Henry and William O’Rourke exploited the favorable conditions, wreaking havoc on the Indian batting lineup.
Henry was the standout performer, claiming an impressive five-wicket haul and reaching the milestone of 100 Test wickets with his final dismissal. O’Rourke provided excellent support, taking four wickets in what turned out to be a nightmare for the Indian batsmen.
The innings lasted a mere 31.2 overs, with only two batsmen reaching double figures. Rishabh Pant top-scored with 20 runs, while Yashasvi Jaiswal contributed 13. Notably, five Indian batsmen, including star player Virat Kohli, were dismissed without scoring.
India’s previous lowest home total was 75 against the West Indies in New Delhi in 1987. This collapse also ranks as India’s third-lowest Test score overall, behind their infamous 36 against Australia in Adelaide in 2020.
The match, which had already lost its first day to rain, saw play begin on time on Thursday despite threatening skies. Indian captain Rohit Sharma’s decision to bat first quickly unraveled as Tim Southee struck in the seventh over, dismissing Sharma for just two runs.
O’Rourke’s impact was immediate, claiming Kohli’s wicket in his first over. The procession of wickets continued, with Sarfaraz Khan, making his debut in place of the injured Shubman Gill, lasting only three balls.
“We aim to set a solid score,” Sharma had said optimistically after winning the toss. However, those hopes were quickly dashed as the New Zealand bowlers dominated proceedings.
This collapse is a significant setback for India, who currently lead the World Test Championship table. The team will need to regroup quickly as they face the prospect of a challenging comeback in this Test and the remainder of the three-match series.
The cricket world watches in anticipation to see how India responds to this historic low, as New Zealand looks to capitalize on their extraordinary bowling performance in the coming days of the Test match.
