India faced a disastrous collapse, getting bowled out for just 46 runs on day two of the rain-affected first Test against New Zealand, marking their lowest Test total at home. This shocking outcome came under overcast skies as New Zealand’s bowlers capitalized on favorable conditions.

For the first time in 14 years, India struggled severely in the opening session of a home Test match, slumping to 34 for six. It was only the third instance since 1990 where India lost three wickets for 10 or fewer runs in a home Test, with New Zealand causing damage each time. Similar collapses occurred in Mohali in 1999 (7 for 3) and Ahmedabad in 2010 (2 for 3). Before this match, India's previous lowest score at home was 75 against the West Indies in New Delhi, 1987. Their overall lowest Test score was 36 against Australia in 2020.

India's innings took a sharp downturn after captain Rohit Sharma chose to bat first. New Zealand’s pace attack—led by Tim Southee, Matt Henry, and debutant William O'Rourke—decimated India’s star-studded batting line-up. Within the first hour, India was reeling at 10 for 3, with only Yashasvi Jaiswal (13) managing to score in double digits.

Tim Southee dismissed captain Rohit Sharma (2), while O'Rourke made an immediate impact by removing Virat Kohli (0) with a short ball that was caught at leg gully. Sarfaraz Khan (0) and KL Rahul (0) followed quickly, leaving India in serious trouble. Kohli’s dismissal marked his first duck in 32 Test innings, with his last scoreless outing also against New Zealand in 2021.

Although Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten on 15, he received little support as Ravindra Jadeja (0) was dismissed just before lunch. Post lunch, Ravichandran Ashwin fell for a golden duck, and the rest of the tail, including Bumrah (1) and Kuldeep (2), contributed little.

Matt Henry took an impressive five-wicket haul, effectively dismantling India’s batting order and putting New Zealand firmly in control.

Brief scores: India 46 in 31.2 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 13, Rishabh Pant 15; Tim Southee 1/8, Matt Henry 5/15, William O'Rourke 4/22) vs New Zealand.

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