New Zealand’s fast bowlers, Matt Henry and William O’Rourke, dismantled India’s batting lineup, bowling them out for a record low of 46 in their own backyard on the second day of the first Test in Bengaluru. This is India’s lowest-ever Test total at home, surpassing the previous low of 75 set against the West Indies in 1987.
The Test match, disrupted by rain on the first day, saw India electing to bat under overcast skies. However, they struggled from the start, collapsing in just 31.2 overs. Rishabh Pant was the top scorer with 20 runs, while five Indian batsmen, including star player Virat Kohli, were dismissed for ducks.
Matt Henry took five wickets, including his 100th Test scalp, and O’Rourke played a key role with timely breakthroughs. Tim Southee started the downfall by dismissing India’s captain Rohit Sharma for 2 runs. O’Rourke soon sent Virat Kohli back to the pavilion for a duck, leaving the home crowd in shock.
India was reeling at 10-3 in the first 10 overs, and despite a brief rain interruption, the wickets continued to fall. KL Rahul was also dismissed for a duck, and by lunchtime, India was 34-6. After the break, New Zealand wrapped up the remaining wickets with excellent catching, securing a dominant position in the match.
India’s lowest-ever Test score remains 36, recorded against Australia in a pink-ball Test in Adelaide in 2020.