In a stunning display of skill and tenacity, New Zealand’s cricket team took a commanding position on the second day of the first Test against India in Bengaluru. The visitors were spearheaded by a robust bowling performance from Matt Henry and William O’Rourke, who, combined, dismantled the Indian batting lineup, restricting them to a shocking total of just 46 runs in their first innings. The unexpected turn of events put New Zealand firmly in the driver’s seat as they now hold a lead of 134 runs over the Indian side.
The day began with Indian skipper Rohit Sharma opting to bat first, a decision influenced by the conditions and strategic considerations of the game. However, this move quickly backfired as New Zealand’s pace attack exploited the overhead conditions and the slightly damp wicket to devastating effect. The initial half-hour saw frequent plays and misses, yet the visiting bowlers persisted, laying the groundwork for what would become a remarkable session of cricket.
Tim Southee was the man to break the initial resistance, delivering a superbly executed nip-backer that shattered Rohit Sharma’s stumps, setting the stage for a relentless assault on the Indian batsmen. Matt Henry and William O’Rourke capitalized on Southee’s breakthrough, launching a disciplined and aggressive bowling performance that left India’s formidable top and middle order in tatters.
O’Rourke, fresh off a successful series in Sri Lanka, thrived in the conditions, particularly relishing his battles against the duo of Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan. Kohli, who had moved up to the number three position, could not withstand a steep delivery that resulted in a catch to leg slip. Sarfaraz was another casualty, succumbing to a poor shot choice which led to a stunning one-handed catch by Devon Conway at mid-off.
New Zealand’s fielding was on par, if not superior, to their exceptional seam attack. The slip cordon’s sharp reflexes and the overall superior catching displayed added to India’s woes.
. The Indian batting card was further punctuated by ducks from KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin, each falling as the ball consistently nipped around them. Rishabh Pant showed some resilience, albeit temporarily, before his luck ran out as Henry and O’Rourke continued to ensure that India’s lower order, known for its resistance in home conditions, never emerged.
In sharp contrast, when it was time for New Zealand to bat, Devon Conway played a stellar innings, compiling a dogged 91 that took the game further away from India. Battling through a challenging new ball spell from ace Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, Conway showcased patience and grit, finding ways to persist and accumulate runs against an increasingly despondent Indian attack. His skipper, Tom Latham, while looking compact, could not match Conway’s free scoring, particularly against Ravichandran Ashwin, who found the left-hander’s attack challenging to contain.
While Conway held center stage, Will Young provided valuable support, forging a 67-run partnership at the top with Latham and following it with a resolute 75-run stand. India’s bowlers, particularly spinners, managed to arrest some of the inevitable run flow as the pitch offered them assistance under the more forgiving afternoon sun. Kuldeep Yadav managed to trap Latham lbw after a successful review, while Ashwin and Jadeja chipped in with late breakthroughs to send Young and Conway back to the pavilion as India clawed back slightly into the contest.
Despite these late strikes, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell emerged as the final obstacles India faced at the end of the day. The duo bided their time at the crease, preventing any further damage and ensuring that New Zealand maintained their strong position. With Ravindra building on his impressive form from the Sri Lanka series, the pair successfully maintained the tempo set earlier by Conway’s innings, ensuring the visitors stayed firmly ahead with a lead of 134 runs.
Now, as the match progresses to its third day, New Zealand will target extending their lead significantly, with an additional 100 runs on their radar as they anticipate tougher batting conditions later in the game. With the weather forecast looking uncertain, each session becomes crucial as the tourists aim to consolidate their advantage, asserting pressure on an Indian side reeling from its lowest-ever total on Asian soil.