In a dramatic turn of events that unfolded at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the Indian cricket team experienced one of their most challenging days on the field. The IND vs NZ 2024 1st Test not only tested the skills of the Indian cricketers but also etched some regrettable records into the annals of cricket history. As fans and analysts reel from the shock, we dive deep into the details of this unforgettable innings.
A Start Hampered by Weather and Opposition
Initially delayed by rain, the match resumed on a gloomy Day 2 with India opting to bat first. Facing the inclement weather and a determined New Zealand bowling attack, the Indian batsmen struggled from the outset. Spearheaded by Matt Henry, who claimed a spectacular five-wicket haul, and supported by William O’Rourke with four wickets, the Black Caps bowlers dominated the game. This lethal bowling attack left the Indian side reeling, ultimately dismissed for a paltry 46 runs.
Breaking Records, the Unwanted Way
India’s Lowest Innings Total at Home
This dismal score now stands as India’s lowest innings total in a home Test match, surpassing the previous low of 75 against the West Indies in Delhi back in 1987. It’s also India’s third-lowest total ever in Test cricket, a list that includes their collapses to 36 against Australia in 2020 and 42 against England in 1974.
A Parade of Ducks
The match was particularly harsh on India’s top-order batsmen. Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja all returned to the pavilion without troubling the scorers, marking the most ducks by India’s top seven in a home Test. This surpassed their previous instances of four top-seven players scoring zero, though those matches were away from home.
Top Four’s Tumble
India’s top four—Jaiswal, Sharma, Kohli, and Khan—managed a mere 15 runs combined, making it the third-fewest by the top four in a home Test for India. The record for the lowest remains at 10 runs against Pakistan in 1979.
When Six Wickets Fell Too Soon
At the fall of the sixth wicket, India’s scoreboard read a disheartening 34, the second-lowest at this stage in a home Test, just above the 27 scored against New Zealand in Hyderabad, 1969.
A New Low in Asia
The 46 all out is now the lowest Test total recorded on the Asian continent, breaking the previous record held by West Indies, who scored 53 against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1986.
In Perspective
While records in sports are usually celebrated, these records will prompt introspection within the Indian camp. As New Zealand takes to the pitch with a strong start, the Indian team and its supporters are left pondering the combination of skill, strategy, and spirit necessary to come back from such setbacks. This game will undoubtedly be remembered, but for reasons India would prefer to forget. As the series progresses, the team’s response to this challenge will be keenly watched by supporters and critics alike.
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