India's lowest totals in Tests ft. 46 runs vs NZ in Bengaluru

The ongoing India vs New Zealand 1st Test match has turned into a nightmare for the hosts and the fans. The Indian Cricket Team hit a new low with the star-studded side, which failed to bat under the overcast conditions in Bengaluru. The New Zealand bowlers did a brilliant job in dismissing the batters at such a low total. After a disappointing performance with the bat, the bowlers were expected to provide some relief.

Contrary to the expectations, bowlers couldn't take rapid wickets and allowed the batters to settle in and score runs freely. Moreover, the weather conditions improved, which helped the New Zealand batters. Well, this isn't the first time India's batting line-up has collapsed in Test cricket. 

Here are the four matches where India scored the lowest total in Tests:

1. 36 vs Australia, Adelaide, 2020

In 2020's Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India scored their lowest total against Australia in Adelaide. It was an embarrassing moment for the team as none of the batters could touch 10 runs in the second innings, and they lost the game by eight wickets. The bowlers did a good job dismissing Australia before completing the trail, but India went on to lose the game because of their low score in the second innings. 

2. 42 vs England, Lord's, 1974

Back in 1974, when India went on a tour to England, Dennis Amiss slammed 188 runs, Mike Denness scored 118 runs and Tony Greig scored 106 runs in the first innings, taking the total to 629 runs. When India came in to bat, they scored only half of the runs, 302. Since they couldn't avoid the follow-on, they had to bat again, where they scored just 42 runs. It was an upsetting performance as Chris Old and Geoff Arnold finished off the batting line-up. Together, they claimed nine wickets, and India lost the game by an innings and 285 runs. 

3. 46 vs New Zealand, Bengaluru, 2024

The third-lowest total came in 2024 against New Zealand in Bengaluru, where India scored just 46 runs in the first innings. Matt Henry was the standout bowler for the Kiwis as he claimed a fifer and took a stunning catch to dismiss Jasprit Bumrah. Along with Henry, William O'Rourke was also magnificent with his bowling as he claimed four wickets as well. Only Rishabh Pant scored 20 runs. Also, five batters got out for a duck, which was extremely upsetting. 

Also Watch: Matt Henry takes magnificent sliding catch to dismiss Jasprit Bumrah in 1st Test

4. 58 vs Australia, Brisbane, 1947 

In 1947, after India got Independence, the cricket team went on a tour to Australia, where they scored 58 runs in the first innings and 98 runs in the second innings. This was expected since they were new to the exposure and playing in overseas conditions.

However, Sir Don Bradman scored 185 runs in 336 balls. Australia went on to win the game by an innings and 226 runs since India couldn't avoid following on in the first innings. The hosts scored 382 runs in the first innings. Lala Amarnath was India's standout bowler, claiming four wickets.