Kiwis bundle out India for 46 runs! Here’s a list of 10 lowest totals in Test cricket history!

India was bowled out for 46 on the second day of the opening Test against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday. This represents their lowest total in a home Test and is also the third-lowest score in India's Test history.

Against this backdrop, let us take a look at the lowest Test totals in the history of cricket.

The 10 Lowest Team Totals in Test Cricket History

In the world of Test cricket, while high scores often steal the limelight, there have been numerous instances where teams have struggled dramatically, failing to even reach three figures. Here’s a look at the ten lowest team totals in Test cricket history:

10. Australia - 42 Runs

Opponent: England, 1888
In a match in Sydney, Australia was bowled out for a mere 42 runs, chasing a lead of 71 after England scored 113. Australia ultimately lost by 126 runs, managing just 82 in their second innings.

9. New Zealand - 42 Runs

Opponent: Australia, 1946
During a match in Wellington, New Zealand faltered with a score of 42. With Australia declaring at 199/8, New Zealand crumbled again in their second innings, totaling just 54 runs and losing by an innings and 103 runs.

8. Ireland - 38 Runs

Opponent: England, 2019
In a historic Test at Lord's, Ireland had a shocking collapse, scoring just 38 runs while chasing 182. This followed a commendable first innings where they made 207 and dismissed England for 85.

7. India - 36 Runs

Opponent: Australia, 2020
In a Test match in Adelaide, India recorded their lowest Test score of 36 in the second innings, after leading by 53 runs in the first. Australia chased down the modest target with ease, winning by eight wickets.

6. Australia - 36 Runs

Opponent: England, 1902
In Birmingham, Australia managed just 36 runs after England set a daunting total of 376/9. Following on, they scored 42 before the match ended in a tie.

5. South Africa - 36 Runs

Opponent: Australia, 1932
In Melbourne, South Africa fell to 36 runs against Australia. After conceding a first-innings lead of 117, they were dismissed for just 45 in their second innings, losing by an innings and 72 runs.

4. South Africa - 35 Runs

Opponent: England, 1899
In Cape Town, South Africa crumbled for 35 runs after bowling England out for 92. Set a target of 246, they lost by 210 runs in a shocking display.

3. South Africa - 30 Runs

Opponent: England, 1924
During a Test in Birmingham, South Africa was dismissed for only 30 in reply to England’s 438. They lost by an innings and 18 runs after a follow-on effort.

2. South Africa - 30 Runs

Opponent: England, 1896
In Gqeberha, South Africa again faced defeat with a score of just 30, chasing 319 runs. They lost the match by a staggering 288 runs.

1. New Zealand - 26 Runs

Opponent: England, 1955
The record for the lowest total in Test history belongs to New Zealand, who were bowled out for just 26 runs in Auckland. Trailing by 46 runs after the first innings, they lost the match by an innings and 26 runs.

These matches serve as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the unpredictable world of Test cricket, often leading to astonishing lows for even the most storied teams.