Note (September 2026): India and Zimbabwe first met at the 1983 World Cup, not in 1992, and the T20I record stood at 17 matches (India 14, Zimbabwe 3), not 12 or 15. Zimbabwe’s 2001 Harare Test win came in the second Test, not the first; these points are corrected below.
As of September 2026, India lead Zimbabwe in every format. In 11 Tests India have won 7 and Zimbabwe 2, with 2 draws. In 66 ODIs India have won 54 and Zimbabwe 10, with 2 ties. In 17 T20 internationals India have won 14 and Zimbabwe 3. The teams first met at the 1983 World Cup.
Key Takeaways
- India and Zimbabwe first met in a One Day International at the 1983 World Cup; their first Test was Zimbabwe’s inaugural Test in Harare in October 1992.
- As of September 2026, India lead 7–2 in Tests (2 draws), 54–10 in ODIs (2 ties) and 14–3 in T20Is.
- Zimbabwe’s two Test wins over India both came at Harare Sports Club, in 1998 (by 61 runs) and 2001 (by four wickets).
- Zimbabwe’s most famous ODI win over India came at the 1999 World Cup in Leicester, by three runs.
- India have won eight T20Is in a row against Zimbabwe since July 2024, including a 3–0 series sweep in Harare in July 2026.
Cricket fans often search for the complete Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Timeline. If you’re wondering about the head-to-head stats, historic wins, key series, and the full match history from their first meeting at the 1983 World Cup to the latest series, you’ve come to the right place.
In this detailed guide, you’ll find a full timeline covering all major battles between these two nations across Test matches, ODIs, and T20Is. You’ll also explore the India Vs Zimbabwe head-to-head stats, match results, and key moments that shaped this cricket rivalry.
Let’s dive straight into the journey of Zimbabwe Vs India cricket.
Introduction to the Zimbabwe Vs India Cricket Rivalry
The Zimbabwe Vs India cricket rivalry might not be the fiercest in world cricket, but it holds a special place for fans of both teams. This rivalry has given us some unforgettable moments, incredible individual performances, and major upsets over the years.
India first played Zimbabwe in a One Day International at the 1983 World Cup in England, and the first Test between them followed in October 1992, when Zimbabwe made its Test debut against India in Harare. Few expected this cricket relationship to develop into a long-standing competition across all three formats. Since then, the Zimbabwe Vs India cricket timeline has seen dramatic matches, dominant performances, and occasional surprises.
Zimbabwe Vs India Head-To-Head Overview
Let’s start by answering the big question: how do Zimbabwe and India stack up against each other overall? The figures below are as of September 2026, after the July 2026 T20I series in Harare.
- Test Matches Played: 11
- India Wins: 7
- Zimbabwe Wins: 2
- Draws: 2
- ODI Matches Played: 66
- India Wins: 54
- Zimbabwe Wins: 10
- Tied Matches: 2
- T20I Matches Played: 17 (as of September 2026)
- India Wins: 14
- Zimbabwe Wins: 3.
Over the years, the India Vs Zimbabwe head-to-head record has heavily favored India, but Zimbabwe has managed to pull off some memorable wins that cricket lovers will never forget.
Zimbabwe Vs India Match History: Test Matches (1992–2005)
Early Test Encounters
India and Zimbabwe first clashed in a Test match in 1992. That match, played at Harare Sports Club from 18 to 22 October 1992, was Zimbabwe’s inaugural Test. Zimbabwe’s introduction to Test cricket was new, but they showed spirit against the experienced Indian side and secured a draw, becoming the first team since Australia in 1877 to avoid defeat in its first Test.
Notable Test Series
- 2001 Series in Zimbabwe: India won the first Test in Bulawayo by eight wickets, but Zimbabwe stunned everyone by winning the second Test in Harare by four wickets in June 2001, levelling the series 1–1. This was one of the most celebrated Zimbabwe Vs India historic wins in Test cricket.
- Subsequent Tours: India dominated most of the other Test series, both at home and in Zimbabwe. However, Zimbabwe always put up a fight.
Key Test Moments
- Zimbabwe’s win in Harare in 2001 stands out as a milestone.
- India’s fast bowlers and top-order batters consistently performed well against Zimbabwe’s bowling attacks.
The India Vs Zimbabwe complete match history in Test cricket shows a one-sided record overall, but it’s these few Zimbabwe victories that fans remember with pride.
Afghanistan Vs Bangladesh Cricket Team Standings.
Zimbabwe Vs India ODI Matches: Series Timeline and Key Moments
ODIs have been the most frequent contests between the two nations.
Major ODI Series:
- 1998 Coca-Cola Champions Trophy (Sharjah): Zimbabwe pulled off a famous 13-run victory against India in a league match on 11 November 1998, shocking cricket fans globally, although India won the final two days later by 10 wickets.
- 2010 Zimbabwe Tri-Series: Zimbabwe beat India in both of their meetings, by six wickets in Bulawayo on 28 May and by seven wickets in Harare on 3 June 2010, creating one of the Zimbabwe Vs India key series moments. India did not reach the final, which Sri Lanka won.
- 2016 Bilateral Series: India dominated, winning 3-0 in Harare.
- 2022 Bilateral Series: India whitewashed Zimbabwe 3-0 once again.
Highlights from ODI History:
- Zimbabwe’s thrilling win over India in the 1999 World Cup is still remembered as one of their finest moments.
- India’s young players like Shubman Gill and Deepak Chahar showcased brilliant performances in the recent tours.
The Zimbabwe Vs India cricket timeline shows that Zimbabwe occasionally surprised India, especially in the late 1990s and early 2000s, but India’s strength and consistency in ODIs have been hard to match.
Zimbabwe Vs India T20 Matches: New-Age Rivalry
T20 matches between Zimbabwe and India started more recently, but they’ve already delivered some exciting cricket.
Key T20I Series:
- 2016 T20I Series: Zimbabwe shocked India by winning the first match. However, India bounced back to clinch the series.
- 2024 T20I Series: India, led by Shubman Gill, won the five-match series 4-1. Zimbabwe’s lone win in the opening match was a proud moment for their fans.
T20I Highlights:
- Zimbabwe’s ability to surprise India in T20 matches proves that in the shortest format, anyone can win on the day.
- Young Indian players used these series to make a mark on the international stage.
The Zimbabwe Vs India cricket rivalry in T20Is has become one-sided recently: since Zimbabwe’s 13-run win in Harare on 6 July 2024, India have won eight meetings in a row, as of September 2026.
India Women Vs Sri Lanka Women Cricket Standings.
India Vs Zimbabwe Series Timeline: Major Tours Since 1983
Here’s a quick timeline of the major series that shaped the Zimbabwe Vs India cricket battles:
- 1992: First-ever Test meeting.
- 1998: Zimbabwe beat India by 61 runs in a one-off Test in Harare in October 1998, and also won ODIs against India in Harare (by 37 runs) and in the Coca-Cola Champions Trophy in Sharjah (by 13 runs).
- 1999: Zimbabwe’s World Cup win over India.
- 2001: Zimbabwe’s famous Test victory in Harare.
- 2010: Tri-Series success against India.
- 2016: India won the ODI series 3–0, but the T20I series only 2–1 after Zimbabwe won the opening match by two runs.
- 2022: India’s 3-0 ODI series win.
- 2024: India’s 4-1 T20I series win.
- 2026: India beat Zimbabwe by 72 runs in a T20 World Cup Super Eight match in Chennai on 26 February, then swept a three-match T20I series 3–0 in Harare in July.
The India Vs Zimbabwe series timeline is filled with Indian dominance but also features inspiring Zimbabwe moments that remain etched in cricket history.
Zimbabwe Vs India Head-To-Head Stats by Format
| Format | Matches | India Wins | Zimbabwe Wins | Draw/Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 |
| ODIs | 66 | 54 | 10 | 2 |
| T20Is | 15 | 12 | 3 | 0 |
Correction (September 2026): the T20I row in this table is out of date. After the 2026 T20 World Cup meeting in Chennai and the July 2026 series in Harare, the T20I record stands at 17 matches, with India winning 14 and Zimbabwe 3. This table clearly reflects how India has dominated, but it also highlights Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit.
Zimbabwe Vs India Historic Wins: Matches That Stunned Fans
Some of the most memorable moments in the Zimbabwe Vs India cricket timeline include:
- 1999 World Cup Shock: Zimbabwe beat India by three runs in one of the tournament’s biggest surprises.
- 2001 Harare Test: Zimbabwe defeated India by four wickets, a huge achievement for their cricketing history.
- 2010 ODI Series: Zimbabwe’s two wins over India in the 2010 tri-series, by six wickets and by seven wickets, showed their ability to compete with top teams.
These Zimbabwe Vs India historic wins continue to inspire upcoming Zimbabwean players.
Top Performers in Zimbabwe Vs India Cricket Battles
🇮🇳 For India:
- Sachin Tendulkar
- Shubman Gill
- Deepak Chahar
- Ajit Agarkar
🇿🇼 For Zimbabwe:
- Andy Flower
- Heath Streak
- Sikandar Raza
- Dion Myers
These players have created unforgettable moments in the India Vs Zimbabwe match history.
India National Cricket Team Coaches.
Zimbabwe Vs India 2026: India Sweep the T20I Series
India toured Zimbabwe in July 2026 for a three-match T20 international series, all played at the Harare Sports Club, and won it 3–0. Shreyas Iyer captained India and Sikandar Raza led Zimbabwe.
First T20I, 23 July. Zimbabwe batted first and were held to a below-par total (125 for 7); India reached the target in 13.2 overs (126 for 3) to win by seven wickets, with Mayank Yadav named player of the match.
Second T20I, 25 July. India posted 219 for 5 and then dismissed Zimbabwe (129 all out in 17.5 overs) for the biggest win of the series (90 runs), with Ishan Kishan named player of the match.
Third T20I, 26 July. India made 192 for 5 and held Zimbabwe to 157 for 7, winning by 35 runs.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi was named player of the series after scoring 151 runs across the three matches. Mayank Yadav took five wickets for India, while Ryan Burl made 100 runs and Blessing Muzarabani took four wickets for Zimbabwe.
Conclusion
The Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Timeline, from the 1983 World Cup to the 2026 series in Harare, tells a story of a growing cricket rivalry. Although India has dominated most matches, Zimbabwe has fought bravely and occasionally stunned the cricketing world with their victories.
From historic wins to modern-day T20 battles, this rivalry has given us moments of pure joy, excitement, and surprises. Whether you’re a fan of Zimbabwe or India, this journey is one to cherish.
The India Vs Zimbabwe head-to-head is more than just numbers-it’s about the spirit of the game, the thrill of the unexpected, and the constant push to compete at the highest level.
India vs Zimbabwe Head-to-Head Record by Format
The India vs Zimbabwe head-to-head record, as of September 2026, according to ESPNcricinfo’s head-to-head records and match scorecards, is summarised below. The two teams have not played a Test since 2005 or an ODI since August 2022.
| Format | Matches | India won | Zimbabwe won | Draw/Tie | First meeting | Latest meeting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 11 | 7 | 2 | 2 draws | October 1992, Harare | September 2005, Harare |
| ODIs | 66 | 54 | 10 | 2 ties | June 1983, Leicester | August 2022, Harare |
| T20Is | 17 | 14 | 3 | 0 | June 2010, Zimbabwe | July 2026, Harare |
When Did India and Zimbabwe First Play Each Other?
India and Zimbabwe first played each other at the 1983 Cricket World Cup in England, not in 1992. The teams met twice in the group stage. India won at Grace Road, Leicester, on 11 June 1983 by five wickets, and again at the Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells, on 18 June 1983 by 31 runs.
The Tunbridge Wells match is one of the most famous in one-day cricket. Kapil Dev came in with India on 9 for 4, which soon became 17 for 5, and made 175 not out to lift India to 266 for 8. India went on to win the tournament; see the full list of Cricket World Cup winners.
The first India vs Zimbabwe Test followed nine years later, from 18 to 22 October 1992 at Harare Sports Club. It was Zimbabwe’s inaugural Test, and it was drawn.
How Many Test Matches Has Zimbabwe Won Against India?
Zimbabwe have won two Test matches against India, both at Harare Sports Club. India have won seven and two were drawn, from 11 Tests played between 1992 and 2005.
- October 1998, Harare: Zimbabwe won a one-off Test by 61 runs, with Henry Olonga playing a significant role on his return to the Test side.
- June 2001, Harare: Zimbabwe won the second Test by four wickets to level the series 1–1, after India had won the first Test in Bulawayo by eight wickets.
Other notable Test moments include Andy Flower’s 232 not out at Nagpur in November 2000, a nine-hour innings after Zimbabwe had been made to follow on, which saved the Test. In the most recent series, in September 2005, Irfan Pathan took 21 wickets as India won 2–0.
Zimbabwe’s Notable ODI Wins Over India
Zimbabwe have won 10 of the 66 ODIs against India. The best-known wins include:
- 30 September 1998, Harare: Zimbabwe won the third ODI by 37 runs, though India took the series 2–1.
- 11 November 1998, Sharjah: Zimbabwe won a Coca-Cola Champions Trophy league match by 13 runs.
- 19 May 1999, Leicester: Zimbabwe beat India by three runs at the World Cup, with Henry Olonga taking three late wickets.
- 28 May and 3 June 2010, Bulawayo and Harare: Zimbabwe beat India twice in the tri-series that Sri Lanka won.
India’s recent ODI dominance is clear: India won bilateral ODI series in Zimbabwe 3–0 in 2015, 3–0 in 2016 and 3–0 in August 2022, when Shubman Gill made 130 in the third ODI and Sikandar Raza replied with 115.
Complete India vs Zimbabwe T20I Results
India and Zimbabwe have played 17 T20 internationals since June 2010. The full list, as of September 2026, is below.
| Date | Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 June 2010 | 1st T20I | Zimbabwe | India won by 6 wickets |
| 13 June 2010 | 2nd T20I | Zimbabwe | India won by 7 wickets |
| 17 July 2015 | 1st T20I | Harare | India won by 54 runs |
| 19 July 2015 | 2nd T20I | Harare | Zimbabwe won by 10 runs |
| 18 June 2016 | 1st T20I | Harare | Zimbabwe won by 2 runs |
| 20 June 2016 | 2nd T20I | Harare | India won by 10 wickets |
| 22 June 2016 | 3rd T20I | Harare | India won by 3 runs |
| 6 November 2022 | T20 World Cup | Melbourne | India won by 71 runs |
| 6 July 2024 | 1st T20I | Harare | Zimbabwe won by 13 runs |
| 7 July 2024 | 2nd T20I | Harare | India won by 100 runs |
| 10 July 2024 | 3rd T20I | Harare | India won by 23 runs |
| 13 July 2024 | 4th T20I | Harare | India won by 10 wickets |
| 14 July 2024 | 5th T20I | Harare | India won by 42 runs |
| 26 February 2026 | T20 World Cup Super Eight | Chennai | India won by 72 runs |
| 23 July 2026 | 1st T20I | Harare | India won by 7 wickets |
| 25 July 2026 | 2nd T20I | Harare | India won by 90 runs |
| 26 July 2026 | 3rd T20I | Harare | India won by 35 runs |
Zimbabwe’s first T20I win over India came on 19 July 2015, when a side captained by Sikandar Raza won by 10 runs. At the 2022 T20 World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav’s 61 not out off 25 balls set up India’s 71-run win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
At the 2026 T20 World Cup, India made 256 for 4 in Chennai, with fifties from Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya, and won by 72 runs despite Brian Bennett’s 97 not out for Zimbabwe. Past champions are listed in the T20 World Cup winners list.
Standout Individual Performances
- Kapil Dev, 175 not out (1983): rescued India from 17 for 5 at Tunbridge Wells.
- Andy Flower, 232 not out (2000): a nine-hour innings at Nagpur that saved the Test.
- Irfan Pathan, 21 wickets (2005): player of the series as India won the two-Test series 2–0.
- Abhishek Sharma, 100 off 47 balls (2024): his maiden T20I century, in the second T20I at Harare.
- Brian Bennett, 97 not out (2026): Zimbabwe’s top score in the T20 World Cup match in Chennai.
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi, 151 runs (2026): player of the series in India’s 3–0 win in Harare.
For India’s record against other teams, see the India vs New Zealand head-to-head timeline, the India vs Ireland match timeline and the India vs England squads and head-to-head record.
FAQs
1. When did India and Zimbabwe first play a cricket match?
India and Zimbabwe first played each other in a One Day International at the 1983 Cricket World Cup, at Grace Road, Leicester, on 11 June 1983, which India won by five wickets. Their first Test came later, at Harare Sports Club in October 1992, and was also Zimbabwe’s inaugural Test.
2. Who has won more matches in the India Vs Zimbabwe head-to-head record?
India has won most of the matches across all formats against Zimbabwe.
3. What is Zimbabwe’s most historic win against India?
Zimbabwe’s most memorable win was against India in the 1999 Cricket World Cup.
4. How many times have Zimbabwe and India played in T20Is?
As of September 2026, India and Zimbabwe have played 17 T20 internationals: India have won 14 and Zimbabwe 3, with no ties or no-results.
5. When was Zimbabwe’s last win over India?
Zimbabwe last beat India in the first T20I of the 2024 series, by 13 runs at Harare Sports Club on 6 July 2024. India have won every meeting since, as of September 2026.
6. How has India performed in recent matches against Zimbabwe?
India has consistently dominated Zimbabwe in the recent series, winning most matches.
7. Which players stood out in Zimbabwe Vs India matches?
Notable players include Andy Flower, Heath Streak, Sikandar Raza for Zimbabwe, and Sachin Tendulkar, Shubman Gill, Deepak Chahar for India.
8. Is there a future series scheduled between Zimbabwe and India?
No further India vs Zimbabwe series could be confirmed as announced as of September 2026. The most recent meetings were the 2026 T20 World Cup match in Chennai and India’s 3–0 T20I series win in Harare in July 2026; check the official BCCI and Zimbabwe Cricket fixture lists for new tours.
9. Who won the 2026 India tour of Zimbabwe?
India, 3–0. The three T20 internationals were played at the Harare Sports Club on 23, 25 and 26 July 2026, and India won the first match by seven wickets, the second by the largest margin of the series (90 runs) and the third by 35 runs. Vaibhav Suryavanshi was player of the series with 151 runs.
10. What is the India vs Zimbabwe T20I head-to-head record?
India lead 14–3 from 17 T20 internationals as of September 2026. Zimbabwe’s three wins came in Harare in 2015, 2016 and 2024, and India have won every meeting since July 2024, including the T20 World Cup Super Eight match in Chennai and the 3–0 series sweep in Harare.
How many Test matches have India and Zimbabwe played?
India and Zimbabwe have played 11 Tests. India have won 7, Zimbabwe 2 and two were drawn. The last Test between them was in Harare in September 2005.
What is the India vs Zimbabwe ODI head-to-head record?
India lead Zimbabwe 54–10 in ODIs, with 2 ties, from 66 matches as of September 2026. The most recent ODI was in Harare in August 2022, when India completed a 3–0 series win.
Where did Kapil Dev score 175 not out against Zimbabwe?
Kapil Dev scored 175 not out against Zimbabwe at the Nevill Ground, Tunbridge Wells, on 18 June 1983 during the World Cup. He came in at 9 for 4, India recovered from 17 for 5 to make 266 for 8, and India won by 31 runs.
Have India and Zimbabwe met at a T20 World Cup?
Yes, twice, and India won both. India beat Zimbabwe by 71 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 6 November 2022, and by 72 runs in a Super Eight match in Chennai on 26 February 2026, when India made 256 for 4 and held Zimbabwe to 184 for 6.
