Note (September 2026): An earlier version said New Zealand won the 2024 Test series in India 2–0 (it was 3–0), carried out-of-date ODI and T20I totals in the format breakdown, and said New Zealand had won more ICC knockout meetings; those meetings are now level at three wins each. All figures are updated to September 2026.
India lead New Zealand in all three formats. As of September 2026, India have won 22 of 65 Tests to New Zealand’s 16 (27 drawn), 63 of 123 ODIs to 52, and 19 of 31 T20 internationals to 11. ICC knockout meetings are level at 3–3, most recently India’s 96-run win in the 2026 T20 World Cup final.
Key Takeaways
- Tests: 65 played, India 22 wins, New Zealand 16, 27 draws. New Zealand’s 3–0 win in India in 2024 was their first Test series win there and India’s first 3–0 whitewash at home.
- ODIs: 123 played, India 63, New Zealand 52, one tie and seven no results. New Zealand won their first ODI series in India in January 2026 (2–1).
- T20Is: 31 played, India 19 (two of them via Super Overs), New Zealand 11, one tie.
- ICC knockouts are level 3–3: New Zealand won in 2000, 2019 and 2021; India won in 2023, 2025 and 2026.
The India vs New Zealand cricket rivalry has evolved into one of the most balanced and fascinating rivalries in world cricket. From their first Test series in India in 1955–56 to India’s 96-run win in the 2026 T20 World Cup final, both teams have delivered memorable performances across formats. India lead the head-to-head record in all three formats, while ICC knockout meetings are level: New Zealand won the first three (2000, 2019 and 2021) and India the next three (2023, 2025 and 2026). This timeline explores every era, format, and highlight of the India vs New Zealand history, offering a clear view of how the rivalry has taken shape over seven decades.
Introduction: Why the India Vs New Zealand Timeline Matters
The story of the India vs New Zealand cricket team rivalry is about respect, adaptability, and consistency. Unlike the fiery India–Pakistan or Australia–England rivalries, this one is defined by quiet competitiveness and sportsmanship. Over the years, both sides have produced historic matches — from low-scoring thrillers in swinging New Zealand conditions to high-scoring blockbusters in India.
This detailed timeline covers every major phase from the first Test in 1955 to the 2026 T20 World Cup final — Tests, ODIs, T20s, and ICC tournaments — highlighting the biggest moments, statistics, and players that shaped this journey. Whether you’re a new cricket follower or a seasoned fan, this guide gives you everything you need to understand the India vs New Zealand cricket rivalry completely.
India Vs New Zealand Cricket Team Timeline: Key Results by Era
| Year / Period | Format / Event | Result / Outcome | Key Highlights & Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975–1980s | Tests & Early ODIs | India led early series at home; NZ competitive away | Rivalry foundation laid; India strong on spin tracks, NZ relied on swing bowling. |
| 1990s | Bilateral ODIs & Tests | Mostly balanced results; India improving record | Rise of Tendulkar, Fleming, Cairns; more frequent encounters built mutual respect. |
| 2000 | ICC KnockOut / Champions Trophy Final | New Zealand won by 4 wickets | NZ’s first major ICC trophy; Cairns starred, start of Kiwi dominance in knockouts. |
| 2000–2010 | Bilateral Series (All Formats) | India led overall in home series | Dravid, Sehwag, Ganguly era gave India ODI and Test control; NZ strong in home ODIs. |
| 2011–2018 | Tests, ODIs, T20s | India dominated most formats | India dominated home Tests and ODIs; NZ consistent at home; rivalry evened out globally. |
| 2019 | ICC World Cup Semi-Final | New Zealand won | Famous semifinal win; NZ knocked India out in Manchester; added ICC edge to rivalry. |
| 2021 | ICC World Test Championship Final | New Zealand won by 8 wickets | NZ became first WTC champion; strengthened reputation in long format. |
| 2022–2023 | ODI & T20 Series | Closely contested series; India edged overall | Younger players like Shubman Gill and Rachin Ravindra emerged as new faces of the rivalry; India also beat New Zealand by 70 runs in the 2023 World Cup semi-final in Mumbai. |
| 2024–25 | Test Series in India | New Zealand won 3–0 | NZ’s first-ever Test series win in India; historic milestone in rivalry history. |
| 2025 | ICC Champions Trophy Final | India won by 4 wickets | India chased 252 to win the final; Rohit Sharma starred; balanced modern rivalry. |
| 2026 | ICC T20 World Cup Final | India won by 96 runs | India 255/5 (Samson 89), New Zealand 159; Bumrah 4/15. Largest margin in a men’s T20 World Cup final. |
Disclaimer: All records and results are compiled from official and reputable cricket databases (ICC, BCCI, NZC, ESPNcricinfo, MyKhel) and are updated to September 2026. Figures and match outcomes are accurate to the best of verified data available. Future updates or new matches may alter some totals; readers are encouraged to cross-check with official scorecards for the latest results.
Afghanistan Vs Bangladesh Cricket Team Standings.
Origins and Early Encounters (Pre-1975 to 1980s)
The India vs New Zealand history began in the 1950s with their first-ever Test series, but the modern rivalry took shape in the mid-1970s when One Day Internationals entered the scene. During these early years, matches were relatively low-scoring, and both teams relied on disciplined bowling and classical batting.
- The first ODI between the sides was played at the 1975 World Cup at Old Trafford, Manchester, where New Zealand won by four wickets; India then toured New Zealand in 1975/76.
- New Zealand toured India in 1976/77 for a Test series where India won comfortably at home.
- Through the late 1970s and 1980s, the teams met intermittently, mostly in bilateral series, establishing mutual respect and familiarity.
These initial decades created the foundation of the India vs New Zealand timeline — balanced, strategic, and filled with emerging stars on both sides.
The 1990s: The Era of Growing ODI Battles
The 1990s brought the rise of one-day cricket, and with it, the India vs New Zealand rivalry began to intensify. Both teams developed unique strengths — India became known for world-class batting, while New Zealand excelled with disciplined bowling and fielding.
During this decade:
- India and New Zealand met multiple times in bilateral ODI series.
- Matches often turned unpredictable due to changing weather and pitch conditions.
- The rivalry gained global attention when they clashed in ICC tournaments.
It was also the period when iconic players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Stephen Fleming, and Chris Cairns began defining moments in India vs New Zealand matches.
2000–2010: ICC Clashes and Memorable Finals
The turn of the century gave the India vs New Zealand cricket team rivalry some of its most famous moments. The year 2000 stands out in particular.
- In the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy (now Champions Trophy) final, New Zealand defeated India in Nairobi. That match remains a milestone as New Zealand’s first ICC title win.
- Throughout the 2000s, India dominated most home series, while New Zealand used their swing-friendly conditions to secure wins at home.
- New stars like Rahul Dravid, Daniel Vettori, Virender Sehwag, and Jacob Oram carried the rivalry forward with consistent performances.
This decade marked the beginning of New Zealand’s reputation as a “tournament team” — one that could defeat stronger opponents in crucial knockout matches.
Sri Lanka Vs New Zealand Cricket Timeline.
2010–2019: Balance Across Formats
The 2010s witnessed the rise of multi-format cricket. Both teams started competing regularly in Tests, ODIs, and the newly popular T20 Internationals.
Test Matches
India dominated most Test series at home during this decade. Their spinners, including Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, exploited conditions brilliantly.
ODIs and ICC Tournaments
The rivalry reached its emotional peak in the 2019 ICC World Cup Semi-Final, where New Zealand stunned India to reach the final. India, among the tournament favorites, lost by 18 runs in a rain-affected match at Old Trafford, Manchester, that spilled into the reserve day (9–10 July 2019).
T20 Encounters
In T20 Internationals, New Zealand won most of the early meetings, including a 47-run win at the 2016 World T20 in Nagpur, where India were bowled out for 79. The famous Super Over finishes came just after the decade ended: India won tied games in Hamilton and Wellington in January 2020 on the way to a 5–0 series sweep.
The 2010s thus balanced the scales — India led the head-to-head record overall, but New Zealand proved superior in high-pressure games.
2020–2025: New Zealand’s Breakthrough and India’s Redemption
This period has reshaped the India vs New Zealand cricket rivalry entirely.
2021 ICC World Test Championship Final
In June 2021, New Zealand defeated India by 8 wickets in Southampton to win the inaugural World Test Championship title. It was a historic achievement and solidified New Zealand’s dominance in multi-day cricket.
2024–25 Test Series in India
New Zealand created history again by defeating India in a Test series on Indian soil for the first time. Their balanced team effort earned them the series 3–0, the first time India had been whitewashed 3–0 in a home Test series. Matt Henry’s 5 for 15 helped bowl India out for 46 in Bengaluru, their lowest Test total at home, and spinners Mitchell Santner (13 wickets in Pune) and Ajaz Patel (15 wickets in the series) completed the sweep.
2025 Champions Trophy Final
India got their revenge when they defeated New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai. Chasing 252, India finished on 254 for 6 with an over to spare, and Rohit Sharma’s 76 earned him the player of the match award. This victory restored India’s pride and balanced the recent trend of New Zealand’s ICC success.
This era reflects the unpredictability and respect that defines the India vs New Zealand 2025 rivalry — one where both sides have legitimate claims to dominance.
2026: India Win the T20 World Cup Final Against New Zealand
The rivalry reached its biggest stage yet on 8 March 2026, when India and New Zealand met in the final of the T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India won by 96 runs, the largest margin in any men’s T20 World Cup final.
India batted first and made 255 for 5, the highest total ever made in a final of the tournament, with Sanju Samson scoring 89. New Zealand were bowled out for 159 in reply, Jasprit Bumrah taking 4 for 15 and being named player of the match.
For New Zealand it was a third defeat in an ICC final in six years. For India it completed a turnaround from the 2019 World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final, both of which New Zealand had won, and made them the first team to retain a men’s T20 World Cup.
Format-Wise Breakdown: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is
Test Matches
- Matches Played: 65
- India Wins: 22
- New Zealand Wins: 16
- Draws: 27
India leads overall but struggles in away conditions, while New Zealand has grown stronger even in subcontinental Tests.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Matches Played: 123
- India Wins: 63
- New Zealand Wins: 52
- No Results/Ties: 8 (seven no results, one tie)
ODIs have produced classic contests — from rain-affected thrillers to last-over finishes.
T20 Internationals
- Matches Played: 31
- India Wins: 19 (including two Super Over wins)
- New Zealand Wins: 11 (plus one tied match)
In T20 cricket, momentum decides outcomes, and both teams have showcased brilliant chases and bowling defenses.
This section of the India vs New Zealand stats reveals the competitive balance between both teams, with India slightly ahead overall but New Zealand holding key wins in ICC tournaments.
India Vs Pakistan Cricket Matches Timeline.
Key Matches That Defined the Rivalry
Some matches transcend statistics and define eras. Below are those iconic contests that shaped the India vs New Zealand rivalry history:
- 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy Final – New Zealand defeated India by 4 wickets to win their first major title.
- 2019 World Cup Semi-Final – New Zealand knocked India out in a dramatic two-day game.
- 2021 World Test Championship Final – New Zealand won their first WTC title.
- 2024–25 Test Series in India – New Zealand won 3–0, becoming the first visiting team to win a Test series in India since England in 2012–13.
- 2025 Champions Trophy Final – India beat New Zealand in a thrilling chase, reclaiming ICC glory.
Each of these matches shifted momentum and added depth to the India vs New Zealand rivalry history.
Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
Over five decades, legendary players have left lasting marks on this rivalry.
Indian Icons
- Sachin Tendulkar: His centuries against New Zealand defined consistency.
- Virat Kohli: His aggressive leadership and hundreds in all formats made him a central figure.
- Rohit Sharma: Known for match-winning knocks in ICC tournaments.
- Ravichandran Ashwin and Jadeja: Dominated New Zealand in spin-friendly conditions.
New Zealand Heroes
- Kane Williamson: Calm, composed, and consistently brilliant across formats.
- Chris Cairns: The 2000 KnockOut final hero.
- Trent Boult and Tim Southee: Lethal with the new ball in swinging conditions.
- Rachin Ravindra: The new generation star making an impact post-2023.
These players transformed matches into memories, ensuring that the India vs New Zealand head to head record remained unpredictable.
India Vs New Zealand Records and Statistics
Here’s a snapshot of the all-time India vs New Zealand records list:
| Format | Matches | India Wins | New Zealand Wins | Draw/Tie/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 65 | 22 | 16 | 27 |
| ODIs | 123 | 63 | 52 | 8 |
| T20Is | 31 | 19 | 11 | 1 |
Head-to-Head Insights
- India have historically been strongest at home, although New Zealand won the 2024 Test series 3–0 and the January 2026 ODI series 2–1 in India.
- ICC knockout encounters are level at three wins each: New Zealand won in 2000, 2019 and 2021, India in 2023, 2025 and 2026.
- The win-loss record remains close, keeping the rivalry unpredictable.
India Vs New Zealand ICC Tournament Encounters
The rivalry has produced some unforgettable moments in global events:
- World Cups (1975–2026): The ODI World Cup record is level at five wins each, with New Zealand winning the 2019 semi-final in Manchester and India the 2023 semi-final in Mumbai. At the T20 World Cup, New Zealand won the first three meetings (2007, 2016 and 2021) before India won the 2026 final.
- Champions Trophy: Shared honors, with each team winning finals against the other.
- World Test Championship: New Zealand won the first final in 2021. In the league stages India won the 2021 home series 1–0, but New Zealand’s 3–0 win in India in 2024 came in a 2023–25 cycle in which India failed to reach the final.
These ICC meetings show how evenly the sides are matched when it matters most: six knockout meetings, three wins each.
Where the Rivalry Stands Now
New Zealand’s 2024–25 series win in India remains the landmark result of the recent era: their first Test series victory on Indian soil. India have answered it in white-ball cricket, winning the 2025 Champions Trophy final and then the 2026 T20 World Cup final.
Across all three formats India now lead the head-to-head, but the pattern of the rivalry is that New Zealand have repeatedly troubled India in ICC knockouts — the 2019 World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final — while India have won the two most recent finals between them.
Conclusion
The India vs New Zealand timeline, from the first Test in 1955 to the 2026 T20 World Cup final, tells a story of mutual growth, consistent competition, and shared respect. Both sides have produced legends, unforgettable matches, and historical shifts in power. India leads the overall record, but New Zealand’s ability to perform in ICC finals keeps the rivalry fresh and balanced.
This is not just a rivalry of numbers but of values — discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship. As cricket continues to evolve, so will the India vs New Zealand rivalry, ensuring that the next generation of fans experiences the same thrill fans have witnessed for seven decades.
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record by Format
India lead New Zealand in Tests, ODIs and T20 internationals. According to ESPNcricinfo and Wikipedia records, correct as of September 2026, the all-time men’s head-to-head stands as follows.
| Format | Played | India won | New Zealand won | Drawn / tied / no result | First meeting | Most recent meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 65 | 22 | 16 | 27 drawn | 1955 (India) | November 2024, Mumbai |
| ODIs | 123 | 63 | 52 | 1 tie, 7 no results | 1975 World Cup, Manchester | January 2026, Indore |
| T20Is | 31 | 19 | 11 | 1 tie | 2007 World Twenty20, Johannesburg | March 2026 T20 World Cup final, Ahmedabad |
India’s 19 T20I wins include two tied matches they won in Super Overs, at Hamilton and Wellington in January 2020. The sides have not met in a Test since New Zealand’s 3–0 series win in 2024.
Every ICC Knockout Match Between India and New Zealand
India and New Zealand have met six times in the knockout stage of an ICC event, and each side has won three. New Zealand won the first three; India have won the three since.
| Year | Event and stage | Venue | Winner | Margin | Player of the match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | ICC KnockOut Trophy final | Nairobi | New Zealand | 4 wickets | Chris Cairns (102 not out) |
| 2019 | ODI World Cup semi-final | Old Trafford, Manchester | New Zealand | 18 runs | Matt Henry (3 for 37) |
| 2021 | World Test Championship final | Rose Bowl, Southampton | New Zealand | 8 wickets | Kyle Jamieson |
| 2023 | ODI World Cup semi-final | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | India | 70 runs | Mohammed Shami (7 for 57) |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy final | Dubai | India | 4 wickets | Rohit Sharma (76) |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup final | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | India | 96 runs | Jasprit Bumrah (4 for 15) |
The 2000 final in Nairobi was New Zealand’s first ICC title: India made 264 for 6 with Sourav Ganguly scoring 117, and Chris Cairns’ unbeaten 102 took New Zealand home with two balls to spare. In the 2023 semi-final India made 397 for 4 and bowled New Zealand out for 327, with Mohammed Shami’s 7 for 57 the best ODI figures by an Indian bowler. For a full list of title winners, see the ODI Cricket World Cup winners list and the T20 World Cup winners list.
How Have India and New Zealand Fared at World Cups?
ODI World Cup
India and New Zealand have won five World Cup matches each against the other. New Zealand won the first meeting in 1975 and the 2019 semi-final; India won both 1987 group games, in the second of which Sunil Gavaskar scored the only ODI century of his career, and both 2023 meetings, in Dharamshala by four wickets and in the Mumbai semi-final by 70 runs.
T20 World Cup
New Zealand won the first three T20 World Cup meetings: by 10 runs in Johannesburg in 2007, by 47 runs in Nagpur in 2016 and by eight wickets in Dubai in 2021. India reversed the trend in the biggest match of all, the 2026 final, where their 255 for 5 was the highest total in a T20 World Cup final and Sanju Samson’s 89 the highest individual score in one.
Champions Trophy
New Zealand won the 2000 final. In 2025 India beat New Zealand twice in Dubai: by 44 runs in the group stage, with Varun Chakravarthy taking five wickets, and by four wickets in the final, which made India the first team to win the Champions Trophy unbeaten. New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra was named player of the tournament.
What Happened When New Zealand Last Toured India?
New Zealand toured India in January 2026, just before the T20 World Cup, and the two white-ball series went different ways.
- ODIs (New Zealand won 2–1): India won the first match in Vadodara by four wickets, then New Zealand won in Rajkot by seven wickets and in Indore by 41 runs. It was New Zealand’s first ODI series win in India. Daryl Mitchell scored 352 runs and was player of the series.
- T20Is (India won 4–1): India won in Nagpur, Raipur, Guwahati and Thiruvananthapuram, and New Zealand won in Visakhapatnam by 50 runs. Suryakumar Yadav scored 242 runs and was player of the series; Arshdeep Singh took eight wickets, including five in the final match.
Record-Breaking Moments in India vs New Zealand Cricket
- 1955–56: In the first series between the sides, which India won 2–0, Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy put on 413 for the first wicket, a Test record that stood until 2008. Mankad’s 231 was then India’s highest Test score, and Bert Sutcliffe’s 230 was New Zealand’s highest until 1968.
- 2020: India became the first side to win a five-match bilateral T20I series 5–0; New Zealand then swept the ODIs 3–0, India’s first ODI whitewash since 1989, and won the Tests 2–0.
- 2021: In Mumbai, New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel became the third bowler to take all ten wickets in a Test innings, although India won the match by 372 runs and the series 1–0.
- 2023: Mohammed Shami’s 7 for 57 in the World Cup semi-final is the best ODI bowling by an Indian.
- 2024: India’s 46 all out in Bengaluru is their lowest Test total at home, and Mitchell Santner’s 13 wickets in Pune were his first ten-wicket match haul.
- 2026: India’s 96-run win in the T20 World Cup final made them the first team to win three men’s T20 World Cup titles and the first to retain one.
For India’s other long-running rivalries, see the India vs England head-to-head record and the Zimbabwe vs India cricket timeline. Fans who want to follow the next series live can compare options in this guide to live cricket streaming sites.
FAQs
Q1. When did India and New Zealand first play each other?
They first met in Test cricket in the 1950s, but their modern rivalry started in the 1970s when ODIs became regular.
Q2. Who leads the India vs New Zealand head to head record?
India leads in all three formats: 22–16 in Tests, 63–52 in ODIs and 19–11 in T20 internationals. New Zealand long had the edge in ICC knockouts, winning the 2019 World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final, but India have taken the two most recent finals between them.
Q3. What happened in the India vs New Zealand World Cup 2019 semi-final?
New Zealand defeated India in a thrilling two-day semi-final to reach the final.
Q4. What was the result of the India vs New Zealand World Cup 2025 match?
India beat New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final in Dubai to win the title.
Q5. Which team won more Test matches in India vs New Zealand Test series?
India holds a better record overall but New Zealand achieved a historic series win in 2024–25 in India.
Q6. Who are the key players in recent India vs New Zealand matches?
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Trent Boult are among the key names.
Q7. What makes the India vs New Zealand rivalry unique?
It’s known for balanced competition, respect between players, and unpredictable results across formats.
Q8. How can fans watch India vs New Zealand live?
Fans can watch live matches on official broadcasters and streaming platforms approved by ICC, BCCI, and NZC, along with detailed scorecards on cricket websites.
Q9. Who won the 2026 T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand?
India, by 96 runs, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 8 March 2026. India made 255 for 5 and bowled New Zealand out for 159. It is the largest winning margin in a men’s T20 World Cup final.
Q10. What is the current India vs New Zealand head-to-head record?
In Tests they have played 65, India winning 22 and New Zealand 16, with 27 drawn. In ODIs they have played 123, India winning 63 and New Zealand 52. In T20 internationals they have played 31, India winning 19 and New Zealand 11.
Has New Zealand ever won an ODI series in India?
Yes. New Zealand won their first ODI series in India in January 2026, beating India 2–1. After losing the first match in Vadodara, New Zealand won in Rajkot by seven wickets and in Indore by 41 runs, with Daryl Mitchell named player of the series.
How many ICC knockout matches have India and New Zealand played?
India and New Zealand have played six ICC knockout matches, and each side has won three. New Zealand won the 2000 KnockOut Trophy final, the 2019 World Cup semi-final and the 2021 World Test Championship final; India won the 2023 World Cup semi-final, the 2025 Champions Trophy final and the 2026 T20 World Cup final.
Who won the Mumbai World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand?
India won the 2023 World Cup semi-final by 70 runs at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on 15 November 2023. India made 397 for 4 and bowled New Zealand out for 327, with Mohammed Shami taking 7 for 57.
When were India bowled out for 46 against New Zealand?
India were bowled out for 46 in the first innings of the first Test in Bengaluru in October 2024, their lowest Test total at home. Matt Henry took 5 for 15, and New Zealand won the match by eight wickets on the way to a 3–0 series win.
Have India and New Zealand ever played a tied match?
Yes. One ODI between India and New Zealand has ended in a tie, and in T20 internationals there has been one tie plus two tied matches in January 2020, at Hamilton and Wellington, that India won in Super Overs.
Final Thoughts
The India vs New Zealand cricket rivalry remains one of the most consistently entertaining timelines in international cricket — built on mutual respect, steady competition, and timeless matches. From the 1970s to the present day, this rivalry has produced stories worth retelling — and the next chapter promises to be even better.
