Fri Oct 18 08:02:24 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand Batters Run Riot, Inflict Humiliating Defeat on India in Bengaluru Test
**Bengaluru, India:** The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team suffered a crushing defeat in the first innings of the second Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, falling to their lowest ever home Test total of 46 runs. The Kiwis then capitalized on the early advantage, with Rachin Ravindra scoring a century and leading New Zealand to a dominant 299-run lead at lunch on Day 3.
This defeat marks the first time since 2012 that a visiting team has taken a lead of over 200 runs against India in the first innings. The last instance was in 2012 when England defeated India in Kolkata. It is also only the fourth time in Indian Test history that the team has conceded a 200+ run lead at home while batting first.
Ravindra’s century, along with a strong contribution from Tim Southee, put immense pressure on the Indian bowlers. The Kiwi duo took the brunt of scoring runs in patches, perfectly executing their plan of attack. The Indian bowlers struggled to contain the scoring rate, with several opportunities missed.
The Indian team’s hopes of a comeback were further hampered by a series of injuries, including one to Yashasvi Jaiswal who sustained an injury while taking a catch. Jasprit Bumrah, however, managed to take two crucial wickets, but the damage was already done.
Despite introducing Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian captain Rohit Sharma could not arrest the relentless New Zealand batting onslaught. The Kiwi team went to lunch with a commanding lead, leaving India facing an uphill battle to salvage the match.
First Piper 