India vs New Zealand 1st Test Day 2 India all out for 46, registers lowest-ever test score at home
PTC News Desk: In a shocking turn of events, India registered its lowest-ever score in a Test match at home, getting all out for just 46 runs in the 1st Test against New Zealand. The dismal performance came during the ongoing India vs New Zealand (Ind vs NZ) series at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This is the first time in 92 years of India’s cricketing history that the team has been bowled out for less than 50 runs on home soil, setting a new low in India's Test records.
The match, part of a three-match Test series between India and New Zealand, saw India opt to bat first after winning the toss. However, the decision quickly backfired as the Indian batting lineup crumbled under the pressure of the Kiwi pacers. The pitch, offering dangerous seam movement and unpredictable bounce, proved to be a nightmare for the Indian batters, who struggled to find their footing. Despite being led by experienced skipper Rohit Sharma, none of the Indian batsmen showed resilience, and wickets fell in rapid succession.
The 46-run total stands as India’s lowest score in Test cricket at home, breaking an unwanted record that had stood for nearly a century. It marks only the second time India has been bowled out for under 50 runs in a Test, and it is a moment that will be remembered as one of the most embarrassing chapters in India’s Test stats.
Before this collapse, India’s previous lowest Test score at home was 75, recorded against West Indies in 1987. The 46-run debacle in Bengaluru sets a new record for the lowest score by India in a Test match on home turf, cementing this performance in the annals of India’s Test history.
The Kiwi pacers, led by a fiery spell from Trent Boult, were relentless, exploiting the conditions to dismantle India's batting lineup. In a matter of hours, India’s innings folded, with no batsman managing to reach double digits, highlighting the depth of the batting collapse.
This abysmal performance adds an unwelcome chapter to India’s otherwise stellar Test records. India has long been a formidable force in Test cricket, particularly at home, where the team has enjoyed significant success over the decades. This collapse comes as a rare blemish in India’s Test stats, as the team has often dominated on home soil, boasting one of the best winning percentages in world cricket.
To put this in perspective, India’s lowest-ever Test score remains the 42 they scored against England at Lord’s in 1974, but this is the first time such a collapse has occurred in front of a home crowd. Prior to this, India’s lowest home score had stood for 36 years.
New Zealand, meanwhile, capitalized on India’s frailties and delivered a stunning bowling performance. Their pacers consistently bowled in the right areas, exploiting the seam-friendly conditions. This win is likely to boost the morale of the Kiwi squad, as they look to carry this momentum through the remainder of the Ind vs NZ Test series.
As the India vs New Zealand series progresses, Team India will need to regroup and reassess its strategies if they are to avoid further embarrassment. The Indian side, known for its fighting spirit, will undoubtedly look to bounce back in the second innings and beyond. However, this match will be remembered for the shocking collapse that saw them bowled out for their lowest-ever score at home, a new low in India's Test stats.
The cricketing world will be closely watching how India responds to this historic setback as they continue their series against New Zealand.
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- With inputs from agencies
