Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey
India’s series against New Zealand got off to the worst possible start, bundled out for just 46 after winning the toss and electing to bat at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The score is India’s lowest ever at home – beating their 75 against West Indies in 1987 – and third-lowest overall.
No one could have imagined this. The two teams came into the series in contrasting fashion, with India achieving a memorable win against Bangladesh and New Zealand skittled in Sri Lanka. Also, India haven’t lost a home series since 2012, so all the odds seemed stacked in their favour.
New Zealand’s seamers ran rampant in helpful conditions. And the fielding, for the most part, was excellent. Under overcast skies on a pitch offering movement and bounce, India had little clue against Matt Henry (5/15) and Will O’Rourke (4/22). Both ran through the hosts’ batting lineup after Tim Southee struck first, with a record five ducks.
In the process, Henry became the joint-second fastest Black Cap to 100 Test wickets (26 matches), behind Richard Hadlee (25 matches). Given the slow start to his career, the achievement is certainly a magnificent one.
India’s 46 is also the lowest score by any team in Tests in Asia, beating Pakistan’s 53 against West Indies in Faisalabad in 1986. Also, it is the cheapest New Zealand have ever bowled out an opponent for, beating the 51 Zimbabwe managed against them in Napier 12 years ago.
In response, Devon Conway’s 91 led the way as New Zealand finished day two on 180/3. The impressive Rachin Ravindra (22*) and Daryl Mitchell (14*) will begin day three with the visitors 134 runs ahead.
India rolled for 46: fans, pundits react, with memes aplenty
Many questioned India’s decision to bat first in such conditions, with so much rain in Bengaluru recently. It backfired spectacularly, with Rohit Sharma’s team now banking on perfect cricket (and more rain) to save them from here.
Day one was washed out, but day two moved so quickly that New Zealand have a great shot at victory even with rain forecast in Bengaluru over the next two days. AccuWeather forecasts thunderstorms in the afternoon on both days three and four.
