The rivalry between the India National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team has developed into a competitive and exciting contest in international cricket. Although New Zealand is often considered a disciplined and balanced side, India has grown into a cricketing powerhouse with strong performances across all formats. Matches between these two teams have produced memorable moments in Test matches, ODIs, and T20 Internationals. Over the years, both sides have showcased exceptional skills in batting, bowling, and fielding. The rivalry has gained attention due to close finishes and crucial tournament encounters. From early meetings to modern-day clashes, the India vs New Zealand timeline highlights key matches, turning points, and the evolution of both teams in international cricket.
Recent Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
Toss
India Score
New Zealand Score
Result
Series
Player of the Match
ICC ODI World Cup
Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Nov 15, 2023
India
397/4 (50 overs)
327 (48.5 overs)
India won by 70 runs
World Cup 2023
Mohammed Shami
Bilateral ODI
Holkar Stadium, Indore
Jan 24, 2023
New Zealand
385/9
295
India won by 90 runs
NZ Tour of India 2023
Shubman Gill
Bilateral ODI
Raipur
Jan 21, 2023
India
274
273
India won by 8 wickets
NZ Tour of India 2023
Mohammed Shami
Bilateral ODI
Hyderabad
Jan 18, 2023
India
349/8
337
India won by 12 runs
NZ Tour of India 2023
Shubman Gill
Bilateral T20I
Ahmedabad
Feb 1, 2023
India
234/4
66
India won by 168 runs
NZ Tour of India 2023
Shubman Gill
Bilateral Test
Kanpur
Nov 2021
India
345 & 234
296 & 165
India won by 372 runs
NZ Tour of India 2021
Axar Patel
Head-to-Head Summary
Format
Matches Played
India Wins
New Zealand Wins
Draws / No Results / Ties
India Win % (approx.)
New Zealand Win % (approx.)
Notes / Last Update Highlights
Test
60–65
20–25
15–20
20–25 Draws
~35–40%
~25–30%
India strong at home; NZ ne WTC Final 2021 jeetkar history banayi.
ODI
115–120
55–60
50–55
5–10 NR
~48–50%
~45–48%
ODI rivalry kaafi close hai; ICC events me NZ dangerous rehti hai.
T20I
25–30
12–15
10–12
0–2 NR
~50–55%
~45%
India slight edge me hai, lekin NZ knockout matches me strong hai.
Overall (All Formats)
200+
90–100
80–90
30–35
~45–48%
~40–45%
Balanced rivalry; recent years me India ne consistency dikhayi hai.
Win Percentage Table
Team
Matches
Wins
Win %
India
6
6
100%
New Zealand
6
0
0%
Key Performance Timeline
Match
Top Batter
Runs
Top Bowler
Wickets
Match 1
Virat Kohli
117
Shami
7
Match 2
Rohit Sharma
101
Kuldeep
4
Match 3
Gill
112
Siraj
3
Match 4
Jadeja
70
Ashwin
5
Match 5
Suryakumar
111
Arshdeep
3
Match 6
Iyer
80
Bumrah
4
Early Encounters and First Matches (1955–1975)
The first official Test series between India and New Zealand took place in the mid-1950s. During this period, both teams were developing their cricketing identities and gaining international experience. Early matches were mostly balanced, with both sides showing determination and resilience. India relied on its spin bowling and technical batting, while New Zealand focused on disciplined bowling and steady performances. These early encounters helped build the foundation of a competitive rivalry. Although neither team dominated completely, the matches were important for gaining experience and understanding international cricket dynamics.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
1955
Test Series
India
India
1965
Test Series
New Zealand
Draw
1969
Test Series
New Zealand
New Zealand
1975
ODI
World Cup
New Zealand
Growth and Competitive Matches (1976–1995)
Between the late 1970s and mid-1990s, the rivalry became more structured and competitive. Both teams began participating in regular bilateral series and ICC tournaments. India showed improvement with strong batting performances, while New Zealand maintained consistency with disciplined bowling. Matches during this period were often closely contested and produced several exciting moments. The rivalry gained recognition among fans as both teams started to perform better on the global stage. This period played a crucial role in strengthening the competition between India and New Zealand.
Year
Format
Venue
Result
1981
Test
India
India
1987
ODI
World Cup
India
1990
Test
New Zealand
New Zealand
1995
ODI
India
India
Rise of Limited-Overs Cricket (1996–2010)
The introduction and growth of ODI cricket increased the popularity of the India vs New Zealand rivalry. Both teams participated in major tournaments and bilateral series, producing high-quality matches. India relied on strong batting lineups, while New Zealand focused on teamwork and consistency. The matches often featured competitive scores and exciting finishes. The growing popularity of limited-overs cricket brought more attention to this rivalry, making it one of the most followed contests in international cricket.
Year
Tournament
Format
Winner
1999
World Cup
ODI
New Zealand
2003
World Cup
ODI
New Zealand
2008
Series
ODI
India
2010
Series
ODI
India
T20 Era and Modern Cricket (2011–2020)
The T20 format added a new dimension to the rivalry between India and New Zealand. Matches became faster and more exciting, with both teams adopting aggressive strategies. New Zealand proved to be a strong competitor in ICC tournaments, while India continued to perform consistently across formats. Several matches during this period were decided in the final overs, increasing fan engagement. This era also saw both teams developing young talent, making the rivalry more dynamic and unpredictable.
Year
Event
Format
Winner
2016
T20 WC
T20
New Zealand
2019
World Cup Semi
ODI
New Zealand
2020
Series
T20
India
2020
Test
Test
New Zealand
Recent Matches and Future Outlook (2021–2025)
In recent years, matches between India and New Zealand have continued to be competitive and exciting. Both teams have strong squads with talented players capable of delivering match-winning performances. Bilateral series and ICC tournaments have featured closely contested games. The rivalry remains balanced, with both sides achieving important victories. Fans continue to enjoy these matches as they often produce thrilling moments and high-quality cricket. As both teams continue to evolve, the future of this rivalry looks promising.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2021
Test Series
India
India
2022
Series
New Zealand
Draw
2023
Series
India
India
2024
Series
New Zealand
New Zealand
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between India and New Zealand reflects a balanced and competitive rivalry. Both teams have delivered strong performances across formats, making their encounters exciting for fans. From early Test matches to modern T20 clashes, the rivalry has grown significantly over time. With talented players and evolving strategies, future matches between these teams are expected to produce even more memorable moments.
