The India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline stretches across over seventy years of international cricket. From their first Test series in 1955-56, to great matches at the World Cup and other major ICC tournaments, each side has produced many great moments.
In general, India has had the upper hand when playing against New Zealand at home. At the same time, New Zealand has been able to produce some notable wins over India in major international tournaments. They produced two of these famous wins during the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Semi-Final and the 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final.
Over the past several years, the competition between these two teams has grown to include Test Cricket, One Day International (ODI) cricket and Twenty20 International (T20I) cricket. The matches they have played against each other have had many great players and set records. These series were also often close.
India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline: Overview
The first time India and New Zealand played each other in Test cricket was when New Zealand toured India in 1955-56. At that time India won the five-test series 2-0, which began the long-standing rivalry between the two nations that has lasted through generations.
Their rivalry was eventually expanded to include One Day International (ODI) matches in 1975 and Twenty20 International (T20I) matches in 2007. Since then, the two nations have competed against each other in bilateral series, World Cups, Champions Trophy tournaments, and the World Test Championship.
The following table highlights some of the most important moments in their cricketing history.
| Year | Match or Tournament | Major Highlight |
| 1955–56 | First Test series | India won 2–0 |
| 1975 | First ODI meeting | Rivalry entered the 50-over format |
| 2000 | ICC KnockOut Trophy | New Zealand defeated India in the final |
| 2007 | First T20I meeting | New Zealand won the encounter |
| 2019 | Cricket World Cup semi-final | New Zealand defeated India |
| 2021 | World Test Championship final | New Zealand became inaugural champions |
| 2023 | Cricket World Cup semi-final | India defeated New Zealand |
| 2024 | Test series in India | New Zealand won 3–0 |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy final | India won by four wickets |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup final | India won by 96 runs |
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record in All Formats
The India vs New Zealand head-to-head record reflects the competitive nature of this international rivalry. India have enjoyed considerable success in ODI and Test cricket, while New Zealand have produced several important victories in major tournaments.
| Format | Matches Played | India Won | New Zealand Won | Other Results |
| Test | 65 | 22 | 16 | 27 Draws |
| ODI | 123 | 63 | 52 | 1 Tie, 7 No Results |
| T20I | 31 | 19 | 11 | 1 Tie |
India vs New Zealand Test Match Timeline (1955–2026)
The first time India and New Zealand played each other in a test match was in November 1955, as New Zealand toured India to play five test matches against the host nation. India won the series 2-0, with three of the matches resulting in draws.
In the initial years, India developed its standing within the competition. However, New Zealand was becoming more of a threat to India, particularly in terms of home-field advantage.
Some important moments in their Test cricket history include:
- 1955–56: India won the first-ever Test series between the two countries 2–0.
- 1967–68: India secured its first Test series victory in New Zealand.
- 1999–2000: New Zealand won a Test series in India.
- 2021: New Zealand defeated India in the inaugural World Test Championship final.
- 2024: New Zealand created history by defeating India 3–0 in a Test series on Indian soil.
India vs New Zealand Test Head-to-Head Record
| Test Record | Statistics |
| Total Matches | 65 |
| India Won | 22 |
| New Zealand Won | 16 |
| Drawn Matches | 27 |
| Tied Matches | 0 |
India vs New Zealand ODI Match Timeline (1975–2026)
India and New Zealand first met in ODI cricket during the 1975 Cricket World Cup. The introduction of the 50-over format added another dimension to their international rivalry.
Important milestones in their ODI timeline include:
- 1975: India and New Zealand played their first ODI during the inaugural Cricket World Cup.
- 2000: New Zealand defeated India in the ICC KnockOut Trophy final.
- 2019: New Zealand eliminated India from the Cricket World Cup semi-final at Manchester.
- 2023: India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the World Cup semi-final at Mumbai.
- 2025: India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai.
- 2026: New Zealand won the third ODI of their January tour of India by 41 runs.
India vs New Zealand ODI Head-to-Head Record
| ODI Record | Statistics |
| Total Matches | 123 |
| India Won | 63 |
| New Zealand Won | 52 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 7 |
India vs New Zealand T20 International Timeline (2007–2026)
The India vs New Zealand T20I rivalry started in September 2007 during the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa. New Zealand won their first meeting, giving the rivalry an exciting beginning in the shortest international format.
T20 cricket has produced several close finishes between the two sides. India have enjoyed success in bilateral series, while New Zealand have also managed important victories.
Some major moments include:
- 2007: New Zealand defeated India in their first T20I encounter.
- 2019–20: India won a T20I series in New Zealand, including two Super Over finishes.
- 2021: India and New Zealand continued their T20I competition through bilateral and ICC events.
- January 2026: India won four of the five T20Is against New Zealand on home soil.
- March 2026: India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup final.
- October 2026: India won the first three T20Is of their New Zealand tour before New Zealand claimed the fourth match.
India vs New Zealand T20I Head-to-Head Record
| T20I Record | Statistics |
| Matches Before October 2026 Tour | 31 |
| India Won | 19 |
| New Zealand Won | 11 |
| Tied | 1 |
India vs New Zealand Match Results and Series History
India and New Zealand have played numerous bilateral series across all three international formats. Their Test series have often been competitive, while ODI and T20I encounters have featured high-scoring performances and exciting finishes.
The following table highlights some important Test series results between the two countries.
| Year | Host Country | Series Format | Winner |
| 1955–56 | India | Test | India (2–0) |
| 1967–68 | New Zealand | Test | India (3–1) |
| 1999–2000 | India | Test | New Zealand (2–0) |
| 2002–03 | New Zealand | Test | New Zealand (2–0) |
| 2008–09 | New Zealand | Test | India (1–0) |
| 2012–13 | India | Test | India (2–0) |
| 2016–17 | India | Test | India (3–0) |
| 2019–20 | New Zealand | Test | New Zealand (2–0) |
| 2021–22 | India | Test | India (1–0) |
| 2024–25 | India | Test | New Zealand (3–0) |
New Zealand’s 3–0 victory in 2024 was particularly significant because it ended India’s long unbeaten home Test series run.
India vs New Zealand World Cup Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have shared several memorable moments in the Cricket World Cup. Their 2019 and 2023 semi-finals are particularly important chapters in this rivalry.
In 2019, New Zealand defeated India by 18 runs in a rain-affected semi-final at Manchester. Four years later, India gained revenge by defeating New Zealand by 70 runs at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
| Year | Match Stage | Result |
| 1975 | World Cup group match | New Zealand won |
| 1979 | World Cup group match | New Zealand won |
| 1992 | World Cup group match | New Zealand won |
| 1999 | World Cup group match | New Zealand won |
| 2003 | World Cup group match | India won |
| 2019 | Semi-final | New Zealand won by 18 runs |
| 2023 | Semi-final | India won by 70 runs |
India vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Match History
The Champions Trophy has also played an important role in the India vs New Zealand cricket rivalry.
Their first major final meeting came in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, when New Zealand defeated India by four wickets in Nairobi. The match remains one of the most memorable victories in New Zealand cricket history.
In 2025, both teams met again in the Champions Trophy final in Dubai. New Zealand scored 251/7 after batting first, but India successfully chased the target and won by four wickets.
| Year | Tournament | Match Result |
| 2000 | ICC KnockOut Trophy Final | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 2025 | ICC Champions Trophy Final | India won by 4 wickets |
India vs New Zealand ICC Tournament Records
ICC competitions have produced some of the biggest matches between these teams. New Zealand have enjoyed important victories in Test and ODI tournaments, while India have responded with strong performances in recent competitions.
| Year | Tournament | Stage | Winner |
| 2000 | ICC KnockOut Trophy | Final | New Zealand |
| 2019 | Cricket World Cup | Semi-final | New Zealand |
| 2021 | World Test Championship | Final | New Zealand |
| 2023 | Cricket World Cup | Semi-final | India |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy | Final | India |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup | Final | India |
India vs New Zealand Last 10 Matches Results
The recent India vs New Zealand match results show how competitive the rivalry has become. Both teams have recorded important victories across bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
The following table covers their latest 10 completed international matches as of October 30, 2026.
| Date | Match | Result |
| October 30, 2026 | 4th T20I | New Zealand won by 87 runs |
| October 27, 2026 | 3rd T20I | India won by 6 wickets |
| October 24, 2026 | 2nd T20I | India won by 4 wickets |
| October 22, 2026 | 1st T20I | India won by 4 wickets |
| March 8, 2026 | T20 World Cup Final | India won by 96 runs |
| January 31, 2026 | 5th T20I | India won by 46 runs |
| January 28, 2026 | 4th T20I | New Zealand won by 50 runs |
| January 25, 2026 | 3rd T20I | India won by 8 wickets |
| January 23, 2026 | 2nd T20I | India won by 7 wickets |
| January 21, 2026 | 1st T20I | India won by 48 runs |
India vs New Zealand Most Memorable Matches in Cricket History
Several matches have played a major role in shaping the India vs New Zealand cricket rivalry. Some encounters are remembered for extraordinary individual performances, while others are famous for their unexpected results.
2019 Cricket World Cup Semi-Final
New Zealand beat India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final at Manchester, winning by 18 runs. India were dismissed for 221 chasing 240. Despite a strong performance from the bottom order, the result put New Zealand through to the World Cup Final.
2021 World Test Championship Final
In June 2021, the first ever World Test Championship Final was played at Southampton. New Zealand won the title with an eight wicket win over India. New Zealand chased down the 139 run target set for them. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor helped New Zealand achieve this great feat.
2023 Cricket World Cup Semi-Final
India’s impressive batting display helped them defeat New Zealand in the first semi-final of the 2023 World Cup. The Indian team posted a total of 397/4 on the scoreboard, with Virat Kohli contributing 117 off 113 balls and Shreyas Iyer scoring 105 off 70 balls. In addition, Mohammed Shami was the pick of the bowlers for India with seven wickets, which ultimately led to India winning by 70 runs.
2025 Champions Trophy Final
In the Champions Trophy final at Dubai, India played against New Zealand. New Zealand had scored 251 runs for 7 wickets, however, India was able to successfully chase down those runs and win the match by 4 wickets. Rohit Sharma contributed significantly to India’s win with his 76 runs.
2026 T20 World Cup Final
India’s 2026 T20 World Cup final was yet another significant event in their ongoing rivalry. India set a total of 255/5 in its innings and then bowled out New Zealand for 159. With a margin of 96 runs, India emerged victorious in the match and claimed the title.
India vs New Zealand Highest Run Scorers and Leading Wicket-Takers
Both countries have produced some of the finest international cricketers in the history of the game. Players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Brendon McCullum have made significant contributions to this rivalry.
The following tables highlight notable individual records in India vs New Zealand matches.
India vs New Zealand Leading Run Scorers
| Format | Player | Team | Runs |
| Test | Rahul Dravid | India | 1,659 |
| ODI | Virat Kohli | India | 1,897 |
| T20I | Suryakumar Yadav | India | 526 |
India vs New Zealand Leading Wicket-Takers
| Format | Player | Team | Wickets |
| Test | Ravichandran Ashwin | India | 75 |
| ODI | Javagal Srinath | India | 51 |
| T20I | Ish Sodhi | New Zealand | 30 |
India vs New Zealand Biggest Wins in Test, ODI and T20I
India and New Zealand have recorded some significant victories against each other across all three formats. Their biggest wins have often come through outstanding batting performances and disciplined bowling attacks.
| Format | Memorable Result | Winning Team |
| Test | New Zealand won the 2024 series 3–0 in India | New Zealand |
| ODI | India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the 2023 World Cup semi-final | India |
| T20I | India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the 2026 T20 World Cup final | India |
India vs New Zealand Overall Win-Loss Record (2026)
India and New Zealand have developed a competitive international rivalry since their first Test meeting in 1955. India have generally maintained a better win-loss record, although New Zealand have enjoyed important victories in major ICC tournaments.
According to the pre-tour statistical snapshot, their combined international record stood at 219 matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
| Category | India | New Zealand |
| Test Wins | 22 | 16 |
| ODI Wins | 63 | 52 |
| T20I Wins (before October tour) | 19 | 11 |
| Total Wins (before October tour) | 104 | 79 |
Conclusion
The India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline represents one of the most exciting rivalries in all of international cricket. From the time they played their very first Test Series against each other (in 1955-56), each country has put on some incredible displays of talent and skill in each format (Test, One Day International [ODI] and Twenty20 International [T20I]) of cricket.
New Zealand has achieved history-making wins in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy, the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final, and the 2021 World Test Championship final. On the other hand, India has also made big wins in the 2023 World Cup semi-final, the 2025 Champions Trophy final, and the 2026 T20 World Cup final.
The rivalry continues to generate new records, thrilling games and memorable experiences for cricket lovers with the many skilled players representing each country.
FAQs
1. When did India and New Zealand first play against each other?
India and New Zealand first played Test cricket against each other in November 1955 during New Zealand’s tour of India. India won the five-match series 2–0.
2. Which team has won more matches between India and New Zealand?
India have won more international matches than New Zealand across Test, ODI and T20I cricket in their historical head-to-head record.
3. How many times have India and New Zealand faced each other in Test cricket?
According to the pre-October 2026 tour record, India and New Zealand had played 65 Test matches, with India winning 22 and New Zealand winning 16.
4. Who won the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand?
New Zealand won the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final by 18 runs at Old Trafford, Manchester, and qualified for the final.
5. Who won the 2025 Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand?
India won the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final by four wickets in Dubai after successfully chasing New Zealand’s total of 251/7.
6. Who won the 2026 T20 World Cup final between India and New Zealand?
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the 2026 T20 World Cup final after scoring 255/5 and bowling out New Zealand for 159.
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