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Exploring India's Lowest Test Scores in Cricket History

A Deep Dive into Memorable Batting Collapses and Records

Exploring India's Lowest Test Scores in Cricket History

  • 17 Nov, 2025
  • 387

India's Lowest Test Scores: An Insight into Cricket History

In the annals of Test cricket, India's lowest Test scores have often been significant talking points, especially during overseas tours or high-pressure home matches. These instances hold great importance for current affairs, competitive exams, and cricket-related general knowledge. Despite playing over 500 Test matches, a few innings are remembered for their exceptionally low scores, often due to outstanding bowling, tricky pitches, or unexpected batting collapses.

The Infamous Bengaluru Test, October 2024

In October 2024, India recorded a shocking 46 against New Zealand in Bengaluru, marking their lowest Test score at home and the third-lowest overall. This collapse was characterized by early movement and uneven bounce, expertly utilized by New Zealand's bowlers. By the end of Day 2, New Zealand had firmly grasped the match with a lead of 180/3.

Memorable Batting Collapses

Another notable collapse occurred on 16 November 2025, when India was bowled out for 93 in the fourth innings against South Africa at Eden Gardens. This innings is remembered as India's third-lowest fourth-innings total in Test cricket, marked by severe seam and swing conditions that the South African pace attack exploited to their advantage.

Top 10 Lowest Test Totals by India

  • 36 vs Australia in Adelaide, 17 Dec 2020
  • 42 vs England at Lord’s, 20 Jun 1974
  • 46 vs New Zealand in Bengaluru, 16 Oct 2024
  • 58 vs Australia in Brisbane, 28 Nov 1947
  • 58 vs England in Manchester, 17 Jul 1952
  • 66 vs South Africa in Durban, 26 Dec 1996
  • 67 vs Australia in Melbourne, 06 Feb 1948
  • 75 vs West Indies in Delhi, 25 Nov 1987
  • 76 vs South Africa in Ahmedabad, 03 Apr 2008
  • 78 vs England in Leeds, 25 Aug 2021

Further Insights into India's Cricketing Challenges

India's lowest Test scores are not just a reflection of individual matches but are also indicative of the broader challenges faced by teams, such as adapting to foreign conditions and countering adept bowling attacks. These matches serve as crucial learning points and have significantly contributed to the strategic evolution of Indian cricket.

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