India Bowled Out for 46 Against New Zealand in First Test
This was India’s third-lowest total ever in Test cricket and their lowest at home.
New Zealand’s bowlers, especially William O'Rourke and Matt Henry, took control after Tim Southee dismissed captain Rohit Sharma early in the day.
A week after a big win in Kanpur, India faced a shocking defeat against New Zealand in Bengaluru, getting bowled out for just 46 runs on Day 2 of the first Test.
This was India’s third-lowest total ever in Test cricket and their lowest at home.
Key Events
India batted for only 31.2 overs. New Zealand’s bowlers, especially William O'Rourke and Matt Henry, took control after Tim Southee dismissed captain Rohit Sharma early in the day.
Five Ducks: Five Indian players scored zero runs. Virat Kohli, batting at No. 3, was one of them, along with Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul, and R Ashwin.
India’s Lowest Test Totals:
1. 36 all out vs Australia in 2020
2. 42 all out vs England in 1974
3. 46 all out vs New Zealand in 2024 (this match)
4. 58 all out vs Australia in 1947
5. 58 all out vs England in 1952
Lowest at Home: 75 all out vs West Indies in 1987
This match also established an unwanted record for the lowest Test total in the subcontinents as it broke West Indies' 53 against Pakistan in 1986.
Reasons for the Collapse:
Tactical Mistakes: India won the toss but chose to bat first, which backfired. They missed the chance to let their fast bowlers attack a struggling New Zealand side.
Surprising Batting Order: Kohli was sent in to bat at No. 3 instead of KL Rahul, who has experience opening. This decision did not work, as Kohli was out for a duck.
Indian legendary cricketer Anil Kumble expressed his displeasure about the team’s performance, calling it disappointing.
He highlighted the need for players to adapt to tough conditions. Overall, this match was a hard lesson for India after their earlier success.
