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The first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru witnessed a historic collapse, as India recorded their lowest Test total ever on home soil. The Indian team was bundled out for a paltry 46 runs in the first innings, marking a devastating defeat and setting a new record for the lowest Test total in India. This performance stands as the third-lowest total in India's Test history, only surpassed by their scores of 36 against Australia in Adelaide in 2020 and 42 against England at Lord's in 1974.
The dismal performance by the Indian batsmen was a stark contrast to the previous lowest total at home, 75 runs against the West Indies in Delhi in 1987. It also surpasses New Zealand's previous lowest total in India, which was 62 runs at the Wankhede Stadium during their last tour in 2021. This catastrophic collapse has left the Indian team reeling and facing an uphill battle to recover in the series.
The New Zealand bowling attack, led by Matt Henry, proved to be too strong for the Indian batting line-up. Henry claimed a magnificent five-wicket haul for 15 runs, securing his first five-wicket haul against India. His performance was particularly noteworthy as it also marked his 100th Test wicket, making him the joint second-quickest to achieve this milestone for New Zealand after Sir Richard Hadlee. This is a significant achievement for Henry, who continues to prove himself as a formidable bowler in Test cricket.
The match witnessed a number of records being broken, including the most ducks in a Test innings for India. Five Indian batsmen were dismissed for ducks, a number surpassed only by the six ducks recorded in two instances - once against England in Manchester in 2014 and once against South Africa in Cape Town in 2024. The Indian team has suffered a significant blow to their morale and will need to regroup quickly if they are to salvage any chance of winning the series.
The New Zealand bowlers, led by Henry's impressive performance, created a significant dent in the Indian batting order. The team's bowlers, particularly the pacers, displayed exceptional skill and precision, consistently challenging the Indian batsmen with accurate lines and lengths. This crushing victory serves as a resounding statement of intent from New Zealand, who will be looking to capitalize on their early momentum and secure a series victory.
Source: 46 all out: Records rewritten as India register lowest Test total at home