Syed Kirmani made his ODI debut in 1976 against New Zealand as India's wicketkeeper. What total did India score in that match (state the figure exactly as recorded)?

Introduction / Context:
Early ODI scores from the 1970s were typically modest compared to modern totals. This question asks for India's exact total in Syed Kirmani's ODI debut versus New Zealand in 1976, testing precise historical knowledge of a specific match event.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Year: 1976.
• Opposition: New Zealand.
• Player focus: Syed Kirmani's ODI debut as wicketkeeper.
• Task: India's innings total.

Concept / Approach:
We recall that ODI scoring rates in that era were lower, often leading to sub-200 totals. Among the options, the figure that aligns with contemporary scoring patterns and match records is the lower, all-out total, not the higher partials that became more common later decades.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical ODI archives of India's early limited-overs matches indicate a modest total in this fixture, consistent with '154 all out' among the options given.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 254 all out / 222/9 / 219/5: These totals are inconsistent with the documented scoreline for that particular debut match and more typical of later-era ODI batting conditions.

Common Pitfalls:
Projecting modern ODI totals backward into the 1970s. Pitch conditions, equipment, and strategies of that time produced smaller targets on average.

Final Answer:
154 all out