India has witnessed the most dark period in Test cricket history. After the match with New Zealand on day 1 was called off due to bad weather in Bengaluru, India were all-out for 46 runs in 31.2 overs on day 2 with the striking bowling attack of Matt Henry, William O’Rourke’s lifting deliveries and the swing of Tim Southee.
This score marked the host’s lowest-ever score on the home ground in the history of Test cricket. Despite the Indian’s enormous efforts to build a partnership, the batters weren’t able to get the perfect timing. Whether India’s bad luck or New Zealand’s good luck, this day will always be painful for the Indian fans.
The Highlights of the 2nd and 3rd day of India vs New Zealand 1st Test
India tumbled from the start as skipper Rohit Sharma got back to the pavilion after registering only 2, followed by the ducks of Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan with bowls of Will O’Rourke and Matt Henry. The New Zealand spinners didn’t stop to claim the golden chance as O’Rourke made opener Yashasvi Jaiswal his next prey who’s been trying to settle on the pitch.
Afterward, Henry and O’Rourke built a storm of wickets by dismissing KL Rahul, Rabindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Rishabh Pant who scored the highest 20 runs.
The attack continued for the lower order as Henry and O’Rourke ended India’s innings in only 46 runs.
Matt Henry became the highest wicket-taker of the innings with 5 wickets, followed by Will O’Rourke’s 4 and Tim Southee’s 1.
Simultaneously, New Zealand also delivered a terrific batting performance as well with Rachin Ravindra making his second International Test century.
Moreover, Devon Conway’s 91 runs out of 105 deliveries, and Tim Southee’s crucial 65 runs contributed a lot in building a high margin target against the opponents.
Thanks to Ravindra’s groundbreaking 134 runs they ended up the game in the score of 402 all-out.
Needless to say, the 1st day proved quite expensive for the host.
However, in the second innings, India registered a decent score of 231/3 with the incredible 140-run partnership of Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan.
In fact, openers Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal became unbeatable till the 18th over. After Jaiswal became the prey of Ajaz Patel the skipper made a half-century before being bowled out by Patel.
While Khan is now still on the pitch, Kohli was dismissed in the last ball before the umpire declared stumps for the day.
Hoping for a comeback is the only thing the fans can do right now.
