The India-New Zealand cricket rivalry has emerged as one of the sport’s most fascinating and balanced competitions. From thrilling World Cup clashes to intense Test series and dynamic T20I encounters, this rivalry has grown immensely in the cricketing world.
Though their rivalry doesn’t have the historical depth of some others, India and New Zealand’s encounters, particularly in ICC tournaments, have delivered some of the most memorable moments in cricket.
Starting from their first Test encounter in 1955, these teams have met in various formats, building a rivalry filled with mutual respect and competitive spirit.
This blog explores the journey of India and New Zealand’s rivalry, highlighting key matches, memorable series, and remarkable moments that have made this matchup so exciting.
A Brief History of India vs. New Zealand Rivalry
The India-New Zealand cricket rivalry began when India toured New Zealand in 1955 for a Test series. Since then, the rivalry has seen both teams rise and evolve, producing cricketing legends who left their mark on the game.
Players like Richard Hadlee, Kapil Dev, Martin Crowe, Sachin Tendulkar, Daniel Vettori, and Virat Kohli have been part of this journey, each contributing to the intensity of the contest.
Over the years, New Zealand developed a reputation for resilience and consistency, often upsetting stronger teams in crucial moments, while India became known for its strong batting and spin bowling prowess.
In ICC tournaments, the stakes get even higher as these teams push each other to their limits. New Zealand has often had the upper hand in ICC knockout games, such as the unforgettable 2019 World Cup semi-final, while India has found success in bilateral series, especially on home soil.
India vs. New Zealand Head-to-Head Statistics
| Statistic | Test (1955–2024) | ODI (1975–2024) | T20I (2007–2024) |
| Span | 1955–2024 | 1975–2024 | 2007–2024 |
| Matches Played | 62 | 118 | 25 |
| Wins (India) | 22 | 55 | 14 |
| Wins (New Zealand) | 13 | 50 | 10 |
| Draws | 27 | 0 | 0 |
| Ties | 0 | 1 | 3 |
| No Result | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| Win Percentage (India) | 35.48% | 46.61% | 56.00% |
| Win Percentage (New Zealand) | 20.97% | 42.37% | 40.00% |
In Tests, India has historically led, especially in matches played in India, where spinners dominate. ODIs have often been close contests, with each team finding an edge on home turf. New Zealand, however, has performed impressively in ICC events and holds a slight edge in T20I contests.
Timeline of India vs New Zealand Matches
India vs New Zealand Test Matches Timeline
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Test cricket has allowed both India and New Zealand to showcase their grit and resilience, especially in challenging conditions. In Test matches, each team’s strengths and weaknesses are revealed over extended play, often leading to remarkable displays of skill and determination.
Here are some significant Test series that have shaped the India-New Zealand rivalry over the years:
| Series/Tournament + Season | Winner | Margin |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 1955/56 | India | 2-0 (5) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 1964/65 | India | 1-0 (4) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series 1967/68 | India | 3-1 (4) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 1969/70 | Drawn | 1-1 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series 1975/76 | Drawn | 1-1 (3) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 1976/77 | India | 2-0 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series 1980/81 | New Zealand | 1-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 1988/89 | India | 2-1 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series 1989/90 | New Zealand | 1-0 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Match 1993/94 | Drawn | 0-0 (1) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 1995/96 | India | 1-0 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series 1998/99 | New Zealand | 1-0 (2) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 1999/00 | India | 1-0 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series 2002/03 | New Zealand | 2-0 (2) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 2003/04 | Drawn | 0-0 (2) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series 2008/09 | India | 1-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 2010/11 | India | 1-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 2012 | India | 2-0 (2) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series 2013/14 | New Zealand | 1-0 (2) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 2016/17 | India | 3-0 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series 2019/20 | New Zealand | 2-0 (2) |
| India v New Zealand Test Match (in England) 2021 | New Zealand | 1-0 (1) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 2021/22 | India | 1-0 (2) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series 2024/25 | New Zealand | 3-0 (3) |
Key Moments:
- 1969/70 Series: India clinched a crucial 3-1 victory at home, establishing themselves as a strong team on their own soil.
- 2002/03 Series in New Zealand: New Zealand’s 2-0 win exposed India’s vulnerabilities in seaming conditions, marking a turning point in how India approached away series.
- 2020 Series: New Zealand showcased their mastery at home by defeating India 2-0 in a series that highlighted their pace attack.
India vs New Zealand ODI Matches Timeline
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ODIs have often featured intense clashes between India and New Zealand, with both teams competing closely. Their matches in ICC tournaments have produced some of the most memorable moments, especially in high-stakes knockout games.
Here are some iconic ODI series and games that stand out in this rivalry:
| Series + Date | Winner | Margin |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 15, 2023 | India | 70 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 22, 2023 | India | 4 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jan 24, 2023 | India | 90 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jan 21, 2023 | India | 8 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jan 18, 2023 | India | 12 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Nov 30, 2022 | No result | – |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Nov 27, 2022 | No result | – |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Nov 25, 2022 | New Zealand | 7 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Feb 11, 2020 | New Zealand | 5 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Feb 8, 2020 | New Zealand | 22 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Feb 5, 2020 | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jul 9-10, 2019 | New Zealand | 18 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Feb 3, 2019 | India | 35 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 31, 2019 | New Zealand | 8 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 28, 2019 | India | 7 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 26, 2019 | India | 90 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 23, 2019 | India | 8 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 29, 2017 | India | 6 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 25, 2017 | India | 6 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 22, 2017 | New Zealand | 6 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 29, 2016 | India | 190 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 26, 2016 | New Zealand | 19 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 23, 2016 | India | 7 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 20, 2016 | New Zealand | 6 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 16, 2016 | India | 6 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 31, 2014 | New Zealand | 87 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 28, 2014 | New Zealand | 7 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 25, 2014 | Tied | – |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 22, 2014 | New Zealand | 15 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 19, 2014 | New Zealand | 24 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Dec 10, 2010 | India | 8 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Dec 7, 2010 | India | 5 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Dec 4, 2010 | India | 9 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Dec 1, 2010 | India | 8 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 28, 2010 | India | 40 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Aug 25, 2010 | India | 105 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Aug 10, 2010 | New Zealand | 200 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Sep 11, 2009 | India | 6 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 14, 2009 | New Zealand | 8 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 11, 2009 | India | 84 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 8, 2009 | India | 58 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 6, 2009 | No result | – |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 3, 2009 | India | 53 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Sep 6, 2005 | New Zealand | 6 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Sep 2, 2005 | India | 6 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Aug 26, 2005 | New Zealand | 51 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 15, 2003 | India | 145 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 6, 2003 | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 23, 2003 | No result | – |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Mar 14, 2003 | India | 7 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 14, 2003 | New Zealand | 6 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 11, 2003 | India | 1 wicket |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 8, 2003 | India | 2 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 4, 2003 | New Zealand | 7 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 1, 2003 | New Zealand | 5 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Dec 29, 2002 | New Zealand | 35 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Dec 26, 2002 | New Zealand | 3 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Aug 2, 2001 | India | 7 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jul 26, 2001 | New Zealand | 67 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jul 20, 2001 | New Zealand | 84 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 15, 2000 | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 17, 1999 | India | 7 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 14, 1999 | New Zealand | 48 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 11, 1999 | India | 14 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 8, 1999 | India | 174 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 5, 1999 | New Zealand | 43 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jun 12, 1999 | New Zealand | 5 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 19, 1999 | New Zealand | 70 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 16, 1999 | India | 5 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 14, 1999 | No result | – |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 12, 1999 | India | 2 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jan 9, 1999 | New Zealand | 5 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jul 3, 1998 | No result | – |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jun 23, 1998 | No result | – |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Apr 20, 1998 | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Apr 17, 1998 | India | 15 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI May 14, 1997 | India | 8 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 29, 1995 | New Zealand | 99 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 26, 1995 | India | 5 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 24, 1995 | India | 6 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 18, 1995 | India | 6 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 15, 1995 | New Zealand | 8 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Feb 16, 1995 | India | 107 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Nov 3, 1994 | India | 7 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 28, 1994 | New Zealand | 6 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Apr 2, 1994 | India | 12 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 30, 1994 | India | 7 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 27, 1994 | New Zealand | 28 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 25, 1994 | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Mar 12, 1992 | India | 1 run |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 6, 1990 | New Zealand | 108 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 1, 1990 | India | 2 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Dec 17, 1988 | India | 53 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Dec 15, 1988 | India | 5 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Dec 12, 1988 | India | 4 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Dec 10, 1988 | India | 52 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Apr 1, 1988 | India | 73 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Mar 27, 1988 | India | 9 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 31, 1987 | India | 16 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Oct 14, 1987 | India | 3 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Apr 10, 1986 | India | 22 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Feb 2, 1986 | India | 5 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jan 25, 1986 | New Zealand | 5 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jan 23, 1986 | New Zealand | 3 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jan 18, 1986 | India | 5 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jan 11, 1986 | India | 7 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Mar 5, 1985 | New Zealand | 57 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Feb 15, 1981 | New Zealand | 78 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Feb 14, 1981 | New Zealand | 22 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jan 18, 1981 | New Zealand | 10 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jan 10, 1981 | India | 6 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Dec 23, 1980 | New Zealand | 3 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Dec 21, 1980 | India | 5 runs |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Dec 9, 1980 | New Zealand | 8 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Jun 13, 1979 | New Zealand | 80 runs |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Feb 22, 1976 | New Zealand | 9 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India ODI Feb 21, 1976 | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand ODI Jun 14, 1975 | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
Key Moments:
- 2019 World Cup Semi-final: New Zealand defeated India in a rain-affected match, knocking out the tournament favorites in a game remembered for its tension and heartbreak.
- 2019 ODI Series in New Zealand: India won the series 4-1, showcasing their capability to adapt to foreign conditions with remarkable ease.
- 2020 ODI Series in New Zealand: New Zealand returned the favor by sweeping India 3-0, asserting their dominance at home.
India vs New Zealand T20I Matches Timeline
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The T20 format has added a new dimension to the India-New Zealand rivalry, bringing a fast-paced, action-packed version of cricket. Both teams have had closely contested T20 series, with each displaying a mix of aggression and strategic gameplay.
| Series/Tournament + Season | Winner | Margin |
| India vs New Zealand, Ahmedabad, Feb 1, 2023 | India | 168 runs |
| India vs New Zealand, Lucknow, Jan 29, 2023 | India | 6 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand, Ranchi, Jan 27, 2023 | New Zealand | 21 runs |
| New Zealand vs India, Napier, Nov 22, 2022 | Tied | – |
| New Zealand vs India, Mount Maunganui, Nov 20, 2022 | India | 65 runs |
| India vs New Zealand, Eden Gardens, Nov 21, 2021 | India | 73 runs |
| India vs New Zealand, Ranchi, Nov 19, 2021 | India | 7 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand, Jaipur, Nov 17, 2021 | India | 5 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand, Dubai (DICS), Oct 31, 2021 | New Zealand | 8 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India, Mount Maunganui, Feb 2, 2020 | India | 7 runs |
| New Zealand vs India, Wellington, Jan 31, 2020 | Tied | – |
| New Zealand vs India, Hamilton, Jan 29, 2020 | Tied | – |
| New Zealand vs India, Auckland, Jan 26, 2020 | India | 7 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India, Auckland, Jan 24, 2020 | India | 6 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India, Hamilton, Feb 10, 2019 | New Zealand | 4 runs |
| New Zealand vs India, Auckland, Feb 8, 2019 | India | 7 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India, Wellington, Feb 6, 2019 | New Zealand | 80 runs |
| India vs New Zealand, Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 7, 2017 | India | 6 runs |
| India vs New Zealand, Rajkot, Nov 4, 2017 | New Zealand | 40 runs |
| India vs New Zealand, Delhi, Nov 1, 2017 | India | 53 runs |
| India vs New Zealand, Nagpur, Mar 15, 2016 | New Zealand | 47 runs |
| India vs New Zealand, Chennai, Sep 11, 2012 | New Zealand | 1 run |
| New Zealand vs India, Wellington, Feb 27, 2009 | New Zealand | 5 wickets |
| New Zealand vs India, Christchurch, Feb 25, 2009 | New Zealand | 7 wickets |
| India vs New Zealand, Johannesburg, Sep 16, 2007 | New Zealand | 10 runs |
Key Moments:
- 2019 T20I Series: India achieved a historic 5-0 whitewash over New Zealand, marking their first-ever clean sweep in a T20I series in New Zealand.
- 2021 T20I Series in India: India clinched the series 3-0 at home, demonstrating their depth in the shortest format.
Key Moments in the India vs. New Zealand Rivalry
Iconic Test Match Moments:
- 1976 Wellington Test: India achieved a significant away victory, chasing down 203 runs with five wickets remaining in a challenging match.
- 2020 Test Series in New Zealand: New Zealand’s 2-0 victory at home revealed India’s struggles in seam-friendly conditions, showcasing New Zealand’s strength in their home conditions.
Memorable ODI Moments:
- 2019 World Cup Semi-final: New Zealand’s 18-run win over India in a rain-affected game was one of the most thrilling and emotional matches in World Cup history, ultimately dashing India’s hopes for a title.
- 2019 ODI Series: India’s commanding 4-1 series win in New Zealand displayed their adaptability and resilience in unfamiliar conditions.
Thrilling T20 Encounters:
- 2019 T20I Series: India’s unprecedented 5-0 whitewash over New Zealand underscored their dominance in the T20 format.
- 2021 T20I Series in India: India’s clean sweep highlighted their T20 depth and adaptability, especially at home.
Conclusion: The Future of the Rivalry
The India-New Zealand cricket rivalry is characterized by mutual respect and fierce competition. While New Zealand has often outperformed India in ICC tournaments, India has dominated in bilateral series, particularly at home.
As both teams continue to nurture young talent and refine their strategies, future encounters between India and New Zealand are expected to be thrilling and closely contested.
With new players stepping up to the plate and veterans aiming to solidify their legacies, this rivalry promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
FAQ
When did India and New Zealand first play a Test match?
They first played a Test match in 1955 during India’s tour of New Zealand.
Who has the upper hand in Test matches between India and New Zealand?
India leads in Test matches, especially at home, with 22 wins out of 62 matches played.
What was the result of the 2019 World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand?
New Zealand won by 18 runs, eliminating India from the tournament.
How has India performed against New Zealand in T20Is?
India has a slight edge, winning 14 out of 25 T20I matches.
Has New Zealand won any Test series in India?
No, New Zealand has not won a Test series in India to date.
What’s the head-to-head record in ODIs between India and New Zealand?
India leads with 55 wins, while New Zealand has 50 victories out of 118 matches.
Which team has a better win percentage in T20Is?
India has a higher win percentage in T20Is against New Zealand, with approximately 56%.
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