TNFBengaluru/TNF
In a shocking turn of events during the second day of the Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Team India was bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings. This is not only India’s lowest score on home soil but also the lowest Test score by any team in Asia. The previous record for the lowest Test score in Asia was held by the West Indies, who scored 53 runs against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1986.
A Series of Disappointments
The Indian batting lineup faced a catastrophic collapse, with notable batsman Virat Kohli among the five players dismissed for a duck (zero runs). Kohli has now been dismissed without scoring on 38 occasions in his international career, which places him third on the list of Indian batsmen with the most ducks. During this innings, five out of ten Indian batsmen failed to open their accounts, including Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and R. Ashwin.
Record-Breaking Low Scores
This match marks India’s third lowest score in Test history. The record for the lowest innings score for the Indian team is 36, which occurred against Australia in Adelaide. The previous lowest score against New Zealand was 81 runs, set in Wellington back in 1976. With this latest performance, India has surpassed this long-standing record, underscoring their struggles against the Kiwi bowlers.
In addition, this 46-run total is the lowest score ever recorded by any team during a Test match in India. The previous low was set by New Zealand in 2021, when they managed just 62 runs against India in Mumbai.
Bowler’s Delight: Matt Henry’s Milestone
On the bowling front, New Zealand’s fast bowler Matt Henry made history by taking five wickets in this match, bringing his Test wicket tally to 100. Henry’s outstanding performance included an impressive bowling figure of 5 wickets for just 15 runs in 13.2 overs, marking his best figures in India. This performance also makes him the fourth New Zealand fast bowler to take five or more wickets in a Test innings in India.
Moreover, Henry has achieved a unique record as he became the New Zealand bowler to take five wickets or more in a Test innings with the fewest runs conceded, surpassing the previous record held by Richard Hadlee, who took 7 wickets for 23 runs against India in 1976.
The Aftermath and Implications
The disastrous performance has raised questions about the Indian batting lineup and their preparations. As the match progresses, cricket analysts and fans alike are eager to see how the Indian team will bounce back in the remaining innings. The defeat also puts pressure on the management and coaching staff to address the issues within the squad.
This historic low not only reflects on the current state of the Indian batting order but also emphasizes the quality of the New Zealand bowling attack. As the series continues, both teams will be looking to capitalize on this performance, setting the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive series ahead.
In conclusion, the Bengaluru Test will be remembered for its remarkable statistics and shocking outcomes. With the lowest score in Asia and a record-setting performance by Matt Henry, this match is sure to make headlines in the cricketing world for years to come.
