Bengaluru: India's batting misery reached new lows on Day 2 of the ongoing Test against New Zealand at Chinnaswamy Stadium, as the hosts were bowled out for a meagre 46 in 31.2 overs on Thursday, marking their third-lowest total in Test history.
New Zealand's bowlers thrived under overcast skies, with India's decision to bat first proving disastrous. Five Indian batsmen, including Virat Kohli and local favourite KL Rahul, failed to open their accounts, leaving the side in tatters.
Resuming at 34/6 after lunch, India’s slim hopes of recovery were quickly extinguished. Matt Henry and William O'Rourke continued their relentless assault, with Henry wrapping up the innings by dismissing Kuldeep Yadav (2) and Mohammed Siraj (4).
Kuldeep was caught by substitute fielder Michael Bracewell at short cover, while Siraj’s brief resistance ended when he edged O'Rourke to the boundary before falling as the last man.
India’s top order had already collapsed earlier in the day. Rishabh Pant (20 off 49) was the only batsman to offer any resistance, but his dismissal after lunch was the final blow. A tentative push against Henry found the outside edge, with Tom Latham comfortably holding on at second slip.
India were 13/3, having faced just 10 overs before rains interrupted the play for 25 minutes. This provided no respite, as wickets fell regularly. O'Rourke removed KL Rahul for a duck, before sending Jasprit Bumrah (1) packing with a well-directed short ball that produced a top-edge, brilliantly caught by Henry sprinting in from long leg.
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Henry and O'Rourke, displayed outstanding control and discipline. Henry finished with 5 for 15, while O'Rourke claimed 4 for 22, both exploiting the conditions perfectly. The pitch, offering seam movement and bounce, was expertly utilised by the duo, with Henry nearly claiming a hat-trick after removing Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin off consecutive deliveries.
India’s dismal batting display has left them in a perilous position, with little hope of a recovery. New Zealand, having dominated the first innings, will look to build a commanding lead when they come out to bat, confident of dictating the match’s course.
Brief Scores:
India 1st Innings: 46 all out in 31.2 overs (Rishabh Pant 20; Matt Henry 5-15, William O'Rourke 4-22).