In a dramatic display of pace bowling, New Zealand‘s Matt Henry tore through India’s batting lineup, condemning the hosts to a paltry 46 runs on Day 2 of the 1st Test in Bengaluru. In overcast conditions that favoured swing, Henry’s figures of 5/15 were instrumental in skittling out the Indian side, marking one of the most remarkable collapses in Indian Test history.
Record-Breaking spell by Matt Henry
Matt Henry’s devastating spell ranks among the best by a New Zealand bowler on Indian soil, earning him a place in an elite group. His figures of 5/15, while impressive, were not the best for a New Zealand bowler in India, a record still held by Tim Southee’s 7/64 in Bengaluru back in 2012.
Henry’s performance, however, solidifies his position as one of New Zealand’s premier pacers, becoming the fastest New Zealand bowler to 100 Test wickets in just 26 matches, behind only Richard Hadlee and Neil Wagner.
India’s lowest Total in Asia
India’s collapse to 46 runs is now their lowest total in Asia, surpassing the previous record of 53 set by the West Indies against Pakistan in Faisalabad in 1986.
The hosts struggled against the relentless New Zealand pace attack, with six Indian players recording ducks—tying a dubious record for most ducks in a single innings for India. It is also their third-lowest score in Test cricket, after the infamous 36 all out against Australia in Adelaide in 2020.
New Zealand capitalises on Ideal Conditions
From the moment India elected to bat, it was clear the conditions were not going to make it easy. Overcast skies and a responsive pitch allowed Henry, along with his fellow bowlers, to exploit the swing and bounce on offer.
India failed to adjust to the conditions, with many of their dismissals owing as much to poor shot selection as the difficult circumstances. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Sarfaraz Khan all fell cheaply, struggling to find a way out of the relentless pressure from the New Zealand bowlers.
Challenges await New Zealand
Although Matt Henry’s heroics have put New Zealand in a commanding position, their task is far from over. The same challenging conditions await them, with Indian spinners likely to capitalise on the footmarks left by Henry and O’Rourke. India’s bowlers will aim to claw their way back into the match, and with three left-handers in New Zealand’s top order, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be eager to make an impact.
Day to forget for India Cricket Team
As the dust settles on a shocking first innings for India, the collapse will undoubtedly spark intense reflection in the dressing room. The decision to bat first on a pitch that heavily favoured New Zealand’s pace attack, combined with poor shot selection, has left India in an unenviable position.
The Bengaluru crowd, used to seeing their team dominate on home soil, watched in stunned silence as the team was bundled out for 46, leaving New Zealand firmly in control.
Now, India’s hopes rest on their bowlers as they look to salvage something from a difficult start to the series.
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