Devon Conway guides New Zealand after India collapses to lowest-ever home total
Devon Conway led New Zealand to a commanding 82-1 in response to India’s shocking collapse for their lowest-ever home total of 46 on day two of the rain-affected first Test in Bengaluru on Thursday.
New Zealand fast bowlers Matt Henry and William O’Rourke dismantled India in just 31.2 overs after the hosts elected to bat under overcast skies. The first day was entirely washed out by rain, but New Zealand made the most of the favorable bowling conditions on day two.
India’s 46 is their third-lowest total in Test history, surpassing only 36 in Adelaide in 2020 and 42 at Lord’s in 1974. It marked their worst home performance, with the previous low being 75 against the West Indies in 1987.
New Zealand responded strongly with Conway putting on 67 runs for the opening stand alongside skipper Tom Latham, who made 15. Conway reached his fifty off 54 balls, including a six off Ravichandran Ashwin, before Latham fell to Kuldeep Yadav for India’s only breakthrough.
Henry claimed 5-15, including his 100th Test wicket, while O’Rourke took 4-22, silencing the home crowd as Virat Kohli fell for a duck.
New Zealand holds a 36-run lead, with Conway unbeaten on 61 at tea.
(Source: AFP)
