India’s batting collapse on Day 2 in Bengaluru leaves them trailing by 134 runs in a Test match shocker.
A Dramatic Day for New Zealand in Bengaluru
New Zealand seized control of the first Test match in Bengaluru, taking a commanding lead of 134 runs over Indian Team at the close of day two. After being sent into bowl, Matt Henry led the charge, claiming five wickets as hosts were bowled out for just 46 runs, their lowest-ever score at home. The day ended with New Zealand at 180 for 3, courtesy of Devon Conway’s 91.
India’s Batting Collapse marked a historical low
Opting to bat first in overcast conditions, India’s decision backfired as New Zealand’s seam attack tore through the lineup. India’s total of 46 is their third-lowest score in Test cricket history. This was also the fourth-lowest first-innings total ever posted by a side that had chosen to bat. It marked a nightmare day for the batsmen, with the New Zealand bowlers exploiting the conditions masterfully.
New Zealand’s Seamers Dominate
Although New Zealand lost the toss and didn’t get the chance to bat under favorable conditions, their bowlers made the most of the day. Matt Henry was the standout, grabbing five wickets and surpassing the milestone of 100 Test wickets in his career. India’s batsmen, starting with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit Sharma, struggled to deal with the moving ball. The collapse started early, and wickets fell in clusters throughout the morning session.
Key Players Fail to Fire
With Shubman Gill unavailable due to injury, Virat Kohli moved up to No. 3 but failed to stabilize the innings, dismissed off the ninth ball he faced. Sarfaraz Khan, another surprise selection, fell cheaply to an acrobatic catch from Conway at mid-off, reducing hosts to 13 for 3. As the situation worsened, the remaining Indian batsmen crumbled under relentless pressure from the New Zealand pacers.
Matt Henry Leads the Way
Henry’s exceptional bowling performance rattled India. His accuracy, coupled with effective seam movement, consistently troubled the Indian lineup. By the time India’s innings ended, Henry had claimed five wickets, and Will O’Rourke added four more. Henry’s effort was well-supported by O’Rourke, whose probing deliveries took key wickets, including that of R Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah.
New Zealand Consolidates Lead with Conway’s Knock
Despite some assistance from the pitch, New Zealand’s batsmen applied themselves well. Devon Conway played an aggressive yet calculated knock of 91 runs, keeping India’s spinners at bay. His innings laid the foundation for New Zealand’s substantial first-innings lead. Although Men in Blue Cap missed several catching opportunities, Conway’s dominance gave New Zealand the upper hand as they seek to bat hosts out of the game.
Home Team Faces an Uphill Battle
With three spinners in their lineup, Sharma’s Men will be hoping the pitch deteriorates quickly to justify their selection choices. However, New Zealand’s current lead puts them in a strong position, and India will need a remarkable comeback to avoid defeat. The sun shone brighter in the second half of the day, reducing the seam movement, but India’s bowlers were unable to replicate New Zealand’s earlier success.
Also read: Sajid Khan Spins Pakistan to Commanding Position in 2nd Test.
New Zealand’s Dream Day in Bengaluru
At the close of play, New Zealand were well in control, having taken full advantage of India’s batting collapse. While the hosts misread the conditions, New Zealand’s bowlers capitalized on their opportunity, and their batsmen are now looking to build a lead that could prove insurmountable. With India already 134 runs behind and the pitch expected to favor the bowlers further, New Zealand is well on track to secure a famous victory in Bengaluru.
