In a standout performance on the second day of the first Test match between New Zealand and India held in Bengaluru, the visitors took firm control, driven by an exceptional bowling display and a key innings from Devon Conway. Devon Conway delivered a composed and determined half-century, narrowly missing out on a century with a score of 91. However, it was the stunning bowling partnership of Matt Henry and William O’Rourke that truly stole the show, leaving India’s batsmen reeling at being bowled out for just 46 runs.
After winning the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma chose to bat, hoping to set the stage with a strong opening performance. Unfortunately for the Indian side, his decision quickly turned regrettable as adverse conditions played perfectly into the hands of the New Zealand pacers. The combination of overcast skies and a damp pitch was a welcoming sight for the Black Caps’ fast bowlers, who quickly adapted to the environment. Though the initial half-hour was challenging for the bowlers, who regularly beat the bat without success, Tim Southee was the man to spearhead the breakthrough. A superb delivery cut back through Rohit Sharma’s defense, setting in motion a collapse of the Indian batting lineup.
Taking the baton from Southee, young William O’Rourke along with the experienced Matt Henry orchestrated a devastating spell. O’Rourke, carrying momentum from an impressive tour in Sri Lanka, took full advantage of the responsive conditions, dismissing Indian stalwarts Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan for zero. Kohli, having been promoted to No.3, was caught at leg slip from a delivery that leapt from the surface, while Sarfaraz fell victim to a poorly chosen shot, brilliantly caught by Conway at mid-off. The catching of the New Zealand fielders was as commendable as their bowling, with key dismissals occurring due to sharp fieldwork.
The Indian lower order, known for resilience in their home conditions, offered little resistance as New Zealand’s quicks sliced through the lineup methodically. KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin were all dismissed without scoring, as the ball continued to dart and move sharply throughout the innings.
. Even Rishabh Pant, who tried to spark a mini-revival, was fortunate on several occasions before being eventually dismissed. Henry capped off the innings with outstanding figures of 5-15, complemented by O’Rourke’s 4-22.
With the bowlers having achieved dominance, the baton was passed to the New Zealand batsmen, where Devon Conway found himself at the center of the action. Despite struggling against Jasprit Bumrah, he gradually found his rhythm, retaliating against the Indian spinners, particularly taking on Ravichandran Ashwin with confidence. On an improving pitch, where batting seemed slightly easier as it dried out under the afternoon sun, Conway and his fellow batters established a sturdy base. Although Indian spinners did manage to find some traction on the surface, they struggled to capitalize as effectively.
In spite of early resilience from Indian pacers, their performance dwindled somewhat under pressure, with even Bumrah seemingly unable to hit his usual high standards consistently. As the day wore on, spinners played their part in keeping the match from slipping away completely, taking wickets at crucial junctures. Ashwin and Jadeja both struck late, claiming the crucial wickets of Will Young, and fare worse still, Conway himself, giving India glimpses of hope. Their partnership of 75 runs had built a sizeable foundation well into New Zealand’s innings after an opening 67-run stand.
New Zealand wrapped up the day’s play with a commanding lead of 134 runs, showing remarkable resilience through Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell. They warded off India’s late surge, maintaining composure to close out the day without further damage. This set them up well, aiming to extend their lead further, ideally by adding at least another 100 runs, with tougher batting conditions likely on the horizon for the final innings.
New Zealand will now be banking on the first two sessions of the third day’s play being decisive in cementing their stronghold on the match. While the weather forecast appears uncertain, the anticipation of regular periods of play should maintain momentum, pointing towards an enthralling continuation of this first Test.