In a stunning turn of events, India were bowled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings on Day 1 of the opening Test match against New Zealand. The visitors’ bowling attack proved to be irresistible as India’s top order crumbled under pressure at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
The Indian batting line-up, renowned for its resilience, was no match for the precision and relentless accuracy displayed by New Zealand’s bowlers. Kyle Jamieson led the charge, claiming 4 wickets for just 10 runs, while Neil Wagner and Tim Southee also chipped in with key scalps.
The collapse began early, with India losing their first wicket within the first five overs. Despite brief resistance from skipper Rohit Sharma (9) and Shubman Gill (8), wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving the Indian team in disarray. Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ravichandran Ashwin were among the major casualties, all dismissed cheaply.
The pitch, offering considerable assistance to the seamers, was deemed to be challenging, but no one expected India’s top-order to be dismantled so thoroughly. The visitors were all out in just 22.5 overs, their lowest total in Test cricket in recent memory.
New Zealand, taking full advantage of the favorable conditions, will now look to build a substantial lead in their first innings. Early signs indicate that the pitch may offer increasing assistance for the bowlers as the match progresses, adding further pressure on India as they attempt to recover.
India will need a remarkable turnaround to stay competitive in this match, and with the world watching, it remains to be seen how they will respond to this devastating collapse.
