India’s cricket team faced a humiliating defeat as they collapsed to a mere 46 all out against New Zealand, who ran riot in the series opener in Bengaluru. The Black Caps dominated the match, reaching stumps at 180 for three, securing a lead of 134 runs in a display of dominance on the field.
The beginning of the match, which saw the first day washed out by rain, spelled trouble for India as their decision to bat first backfired spectacularly. Seamers Matt Henry and William O’Rourke shone brightly, snatching a total of nine wickets between them. Henry clinched an impressive five for 15, while O’Rourke wasn’t far behind with four for 22. This resulted in India recording their lowest Test total on home soil, with 46 all out marking a disappointing performance for Rohit Sharma’s side.
Devon Conway’s aggressive innings of 91 off 105 balls for New Zealand further consolidated their dominance in the match. His explosive knock, which included three sixes and 11 fours, helped the Black Caps reach a commanding position at 180 for three. Despite his valiant effort, Conway fell short of a century after being dismissed on 91, missing out on the landmark as he was bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin.
India’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure, with key players failing to deliver. Rohit Sharma was an early casualty, falling to Tim Southee after a mistimed charge. The prized wicket of Virat Kohli followed soon after, as he departed for a nine-ball duck. The collapse continued as Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and others succumbed to the relentless bowling attack of Henry and O’Rourke.
As the match progressed, India found themselves in a dire situation at 34 for seven, with only Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant managing to reach double figures. Pant’s spirited knock of 20 offered some resistance, but it wasn’t enough to prevent India from being bundled out for a paltry total in just 31.2 overs.
New Zealand’s openers efficiently chased down India’s target in the 13th over, with Conway leading the charge against the Indian spinners. Despite a scare when Pant missed a stumping chance, the Black Caps maintained their composure as they continued to dominate proceedings. While Conway’s dismissal for 91 provided a moment of respite for the Indian team, New Zealand remained firmly in control of the match.
Overall, India’s dramatic collapse and New Zealand’s commanding performance set the stage for an enthralling series ahead, with the Black Caps showcasing their prowess on foreign soil. The second day of the series opener proved to be a gripping display of cricket, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this intense battle between two formidable cricketing nations.