On the second day of the first Test match between New Zealand and India in Bengaluru, the visitors commanded the proceedings, thanks to a robust half-century from Devon Conway, who scored 91, and an exceptional bowling performance led by Matt Henry and William O’Rourke. The duo dismantled the Indian batting line-up, bowling them out for a mere 46 runs, setting an assertive tone for the game. The initial decision by Indian captain Rohit Sharma to bat first backfired as the overhead conditions and a damp pitch created perfect opportunities for the New Zealand pacers who showcased their prowess by exploiting these conditions effectively.
The start wasn’t smooth sailing for the Kiwi bowlers. The first half-hour was a period of frustration as they managed to beat the bat consistently but failed to claim any wickets. It was Tim Southee who eventually made the breakthrough, sending Rohit Sharma back to the pavilion with a superb delivery that nipped back sharply to knock over the stumps. This wicket initiated a cascade of dismissals that left the Indian batting order in shambles.
William O’Rourke, bringing with him momentum from a successful series in Sri Lanka, was quick to seize the opportunity as he capitalized on the favorable conditions. He removed Indian stalwarts, Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan, both for ducks. Kohli, who had moved up to the No.3 position, was caught off guard by a rising delivery that he gloved to leg slip, while Sarfaraz was caught out playing a poor shot which was excellently caught one-handed by Conway at mid-off. The precision and accuracy of New Zealand’s seamers were complemented by their exceptional catching and fielding, which was as much a highlight as their bowling.
India’s batting line-up found no respite as more wickets tumbled. KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin were all dismissed without scoring, trapped by deliveries that deviated sharply around off the pitch, showcasing the relentless pursuit by Henry and O’Rourke. Rishabh Pant, who led a charmed existence on the crease having been dropped once, ultimately succumbed, as did the remaining Indian batsmen, unable to mount their usual resistance.
With New Zealand in a dominant position thanks to their bowlers, it was Devon Conway’s turn to shine with the bat.
. Despite struggling initially against Jasprit Bumrah’s intimidating new-ball spell, Conway displayed immense resilience and managed to steadily build his innings. While captain Tom Latham, with a more conventional approach, appeared more assured, it was Conway’s aggressive batting, particularly against the Indian spinners, that stood out. He played Ravichandran Ashwin with particular disdain, helping New Zealand toward a significant lead.
As the game progressed, batting appeared somewhat easier with the sun brightening the skies. However, there was still some assistance for the bowlers, and to India’s relief, their spinners found some purchase as well. However, given India’s weak batting display, a record low for any team in Asia, the bowlers were under undue pressure right from the get-go. Trying too hard with the new ball, even the usually disciplined Bumrah lacked his usual sharpness at times.
Despite the setbacks, Indian spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Ashwin, and Jadeja eventually managed to contain the runs and pick up necessary wickets. Yadav’s crucial LBW dismissal of Latham, after a successful review, ended the 67-run opening partnership. Will Young, who contributed a gritty 33, partnered well with Conway to establish a substantial 75-run stand that strengthened New Zealand’s lead.
The day wasn’t without late drama, as both Ashwin and Jadeja picked up vital wickets towards the end of the day’s play. Young’s attempt at a slog sweep landed him top-edging it to Jadeja, while Ashwin dismissed Conway off the very first ball of his new spell, thereby granting India a glimmer of hope. Despite these breakthroughs, the visitors remained unfazed, ending the day on a steady note with Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell managing to avoid any further damage, their solid partnership ensuring the scoring rate was maintained.
With New Zealand leading by 134 runs, the aim would be to add another 100 runs on the third day, considering batting conditions could become increasingly challenging in the final innings. With the weather forecast appearing unpredictable, the first two sessions on the third day will be pivotal to dictate the course of the match.