Photo via Wisden

113 all out: India Test batters blown away in ominous start to New Zealand tour

India A endured a disastrous opening day during their tour opener against New Zealand A, collapsing to a paltry total of 113 within 39.3 overs. Five different players failed to score, while only four reached double digits, anchored primarily by Yash Rathod's unbeaten 44.

Simon Keene dismantled the batting lineup with a five-wicket haul, supported by Zak Gibson's three dismissals. In reply, the hosts established a commanding 132-run opening partnership before losing three quick wickets near the close of play to reach 135-3 at stumps.

The touring side's latest batting failure extends a long historical struggle in New Zealand conditions, where the senior program has secured just a single victory since 1976 and has not triumphed in a series there since 2009. During the previous 2020 visit, the squad failed to surpass 250 runs across four complete innings, highlighting deep-seated challenges in the country that the current generation must overcome.

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