TL;DR: In a shocking collapse, India recorded its lowest Test score at home, bowled out for just 46 by New Zealand in Bengaluru. Pacers Matt Henry and William O’Rourke ran riot, taking nine wickets between them. Despite tough batting conditions, India’s lineup showed little resistance, with only Rishabh Pant (20) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) making double figures. New Zealand, riding high after bundling out the hosts, ended Day 2 at 82/1, setting the stage for a commanding lead. Fans need to accept the outcome and focus on constructive criticism to help Indian cricket move forward.
Full Match Breakdown 📊
1. India’s Batting Collapse:
• India’s first innings lasted just 31.1 overs, ending with a total of 46 runs, their lowest-ever at home and the third-lowest in their Test history.
• Five batters returned with ducks, exposing the top order’s inability to deal with New Zealand’s seam movement.
• Rishabh Pant fought hard with 20 off 49 balls, while opener Yashasvi Jaiswal managed 13. The rest of the lineup folded under relentless pressure from the Kiwi pacers.
2. Bowling Brilliance from New Zealand:
• Matt Henry led the charge, delivering an exceptional spell of 5/15, his precise line and movement dismantling India’s top order.
• William O’Rourke, playing his first Test in India, grabbed 4/22, using bounce and clever variations to trouble the batters.
• Veteran pacer Tim Southee chipped in with 1/8, completing a near-perfect bowling performance.
3. New Zealand’s Response:
• At stumps on Day 2, New Zealand stood strong at 82/1, thanks to Devon Conway’s unbeaten 61, building a commanding lead under tricky conditions .
What Went Wrong for India? 🤔
• Batting Struggles in Swing-Friendly Conditions: Under overcast skies, Indian batters failed to adapt to the movement and bounce. The dismissals reflected a lack of application, with several playing rash shots rather than grinding it out.
• Poor Shot Selection: India’s batters struggled to rotate the strike or occupy the crease, resulting in mounting pressure.
• Underestimating New Zealand’s Attack: Though Matt Henry and O’Rourke are not the biggest names in world cricket, their discipline and skill outshone the Indian batters.
A Lesson for Fans and Players 🏏
While such defeats are hard to digest, it’s essential for fans to accept these outcomes gracefully. New Zealand deserved full credit for a phenomenal bowling display. For Indian cricket, this is an opportunity to reflect and learn. Constructive criticism—not blame—should guide discussions moving forward. Improvements in playing swing and seam bowling, particularly in home conditions, will be critical for future matches .
What do you think went wrong? Is it time to tweak India’s batting strategy, or was it just a bad day at the office? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
