Fri Oct 18 11:01:04 UTC 2024: ## New Zealand’s O’Rourke Wreaks Havoc on India’s Batting Line-up in Bengaluru Test
**Bengaluru, India (October 17, 2024) -** New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke has taken the Indian batting line-up apart in the first Test match of the three-match series at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
O’Rourke has dismissed three Indian batsmen for ducks, including captain Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and local hero KL Rahul, leaving India reeling at 34/6 before lunch on the first day.
O’Rourke’s deliveries have been precise, exploiting the edges of the batsmen and getting them caught out. He has been ably assisted by the fielding of Ajaz Patel, who has taken two stunning catches, including a diving catch to dismiss Jaiswal for 13 runs.
India’s disastrous start is their lowest score at home since 1969, surpassing their previous lowest of 27 runs against New Zealand in Hyderabad.
The only glimmer of hope for the home team is the presence of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant and all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin, who will have to bat responsibly if India is to avoid a humiliating collapse.
This series marks New Zealand’s 12th attempt at a Test series win in India, with their last victory coming in 1988 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. If they can overcome this early setback, New Zealand will be in prime position to achieve a historic victory in India.
First Piper 