Bengaluru: In an unexpected turn of events at the ICC World Test Championship, India was bowled out for a record-low home total of 46 by New Zealand’s pacers on Day 2 of the Test in Bengaluru. The match, which is part of the ongoing series between the two teams, saw India’s strategic decision to bat first backfire spectacularly.
According to International Cricket Council, the initial day of the Test was washed out, leading to the toss and the start of play on the second day. Indian captain Rohit Sharma, choosing to bat amid overcast conditions, could not have foreseen the devastation that New Zealand’s bowlers would bring. Tim Southee initiated the collapse by dismissing Sharma early for just two runs. Matt Henry, with figures of 5/15, and William O’Rourke, who took 4/22, decimated the Indian batting lineup, marking Henry’s entry into the 100 Test wickets club during his 26th Test.
This total of 46 is now India’s lowest-ever score at home, surpassing previous dismal performances against major cricketing nations. The score is India’s third-lowest overall and the fourth-lowest by any team that elected to bat first after winning the toss. Notably, only two Indian batsmen, Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal, reached double figures, with five of the top eight batsmen dismissed for ducks—a rare occurrence in Test cricket.
This performance also sets a new low for any team’s total in Asia, previously held by the West Indies and Pakistan. Furthermore, it is the lowest total any team has scored against New Zealand in Test history.
Following the dramatic bowling performance, New Zealand began their innings strongly, already matching India’s total by tea on the same day.