In a shocking turn of events, India, fresh from their explosive victory against Bangladesh in the previous Test, found themselves bowled out for just 46 runs against New Zealand in Bengaluru on Thursday (October 17). This sudden collapse has not only stunned fans but also rewritten several records in cricket history.

After rain washed out the first day of play, India’s top order crumbled in just over a session on the second day. Their dismal total of 46 is now their lowest Test score on home soil, surpassing their previous low of 75 set against the West Indies in 1987 in Delhi. Globally, this ranks as India’s third-lowest total, after being bowled out for 36 against Australia in Adelaide in 2020 and 42 against England at Lord's in 1974.

This game also marks a first in Asian Test history, as no team has ever been dismissed for less than 50 runs on Asian soil. India now holds this unfortunate record, surpassing the previous lowest Test score of 53 set by both West Indies in Faisalabad in 1986 and Pakistan against Australia in Sharjah in 2002.

New Zealand, too, broke records with this performance. India’s 46 is the lowest ever score by a team in a Test match against New Zealand, breaking Zimbabwe’s previous low of 51 in Napier in 2012.

Matt Henry spearheaded the New Zealand bowling attack, claiming 5 wickets for just 15 runs, while Will O’Rourke took 4 for 22, leaving India in tatters. Their combined efforts marked the first time since 2012 that an entire Indian innings has been taken by overseas pacers on Indian soil.

Key stats from the collapse:

·         Lowest in Asia: India's 46 is the lowest-ever Test score in Asia.

·         Home Soil Record: This is India’s lowest total in a home Test.

·         New Zealand's Best: India’s 46 is the lowest score by any team against New Zealand.

·         Historic Collapse: Five Indian batsmen were dismissed for a duck, only the second time in Test history where five of the first eight players were out without scoring.

Matt Henry's incredible performance also saw him reach 100 Test wickets in just 26 matches, equalling Neil Wagner and ranking second fastest for New Zealand after Sir Richard Hadlee, who achieved the feat in 25 matches.