BENGALURU: India collapsed to their lowest-ever home Test score of 46 runs as New Zealand’s fast bowlers dismantled the hosts on day two of the first Test at Bengaluru on Thursday.
India’s shocking collapse, their third-lowest total in Test history, came after captain Rohit Sharma elected to bat under overcast skies. The weather-hit match had already lost the opening day to rain, but it did nothing to dampen the spirits of New Zealand’s pacers, Matt Henry and William O’Rourke.
The duo tore through India’s batting lineup, leaving the home crowd stunned. Henry finished with an impressive 5-15, while O’Rourke claimed 4-22.
India’s previous lowest Test score at home was 75 against the West Indies in New Delhi in 1987, and their lowest-ever overall is 36, recorded against Australia in Adelaide during the pink-ball Test of 2020.
In this innings, Rishabh Pant top-scored with just 20 runs, while five Indian batsmen, including star player Virat Kohli, were dismissed for ducks.
The batting disaster began early, with Tim Southee striking in the seventh over to bowl Rohit Sharma for two runs. O’Rourke soon added to India’s woes, removing Kohli for a duck, caught at leg gully.
The collapse continued as India found themselves at 33-5, and by lunch, the score was 34-6, with little resistance from the middle order.
Post-lunch, Henry and O’Rourke quickly polished off the remaining wickets. Kuldeep Yadav was the last man out, giving Henry his 100th Test wicket. India’s dismal innings ended at 46, with no signs of recovery.
New Zealand then took full control of the match, launching a strong reply and leading by 36 runs at tea.
Devon Conway, opening the innings, smashed a quick-fire 61 off 54 balls, including a six off Ravichandran Ashwin to bring up his half-century. He shared a 67-run stand with captain Tom Latham, who was dismissed for 15 after a successful review by India off the bowling of Kuldeep Yadav.
At tea, Conway remained unbeaten, guiding his side to 82-1, while Will Young, replacing the injured Kane Williamson, was at the crease with five runs. New Zealand appear poised to build a significant lead as they head into the evening session with the upper hand.
