The India National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team have had a healthy competitive rivalry in cricket since 1955. Some of the most memorable test series, ODI’s, T20 internationals, and major ICC tournaments have been played between these two teams. This timeline will explore some of the major milestones in the cricket history of both teams. From India being dominant over New Zealand at times to New Zealand winning some major knock out matches against India, and finally India winning championships, we can see how the rivalry has developed.
India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
The first time India played New Zealand in Test Cricket was in November 1955. From then until now, their competition has expanded into the other two forms of International Cricket. The following is a timeline of some of the most memorable matches played between these two nations.
India vs New Zealand First Test Match (1955)
The initial Test Match was played between India and New Zealand from November 19-24, 1955 at Fateh Maidan in Hyderabad. Both teams drew the game. Polly Umrigar hit 223 runs for India, and Vijay Manjrekar added another 118 runs.
The two teams competed in a five-match Test Series in the 1955-56 Season. India won the series 2-0, which was the first time that India defeated New Zealand in a Test Series.
India vs New Zealand Cricket History (1960–1970)
The 1960s was a critical period in terms of the growth of India as an international cricketing nation. In 1967-68, when India visited New Zealand for a Test series, they made history by achieving their very first win in a Test series in New Zealand.
The Indian team won all four games during this series (3-1). This win is significant because it shows that the Indian team can be competitive outside of their home country. This win will also contribute to the history of the long-standing competition between these two teams.
India vs New Zealand ODI Rivalry Begins (1975)
India and New Zealand had their initial One Day International (ODI) game against each other on June 14, 1975, as part of the opening Cricket World Cup that was held in Old Trafford, Manchester.
New Zealand won the match by 4 wickets. Glenn Turner played a key role in the success of New Zealand. The first ODI match between New Zealand and Australia was played during this series. This was the start of what has become one of the most significant rivalries in all of international cricket.
India vs New Zealand Matches (1980–1990)
The decade of the 1980’s saw each side regularly playing against each other in bilateral series as well as competing in other international cricket tournaments. While New Zealand was still a very difficult opponent to beat when they played at home, India was developing into a top quality limited-overs team.
During that time frame, their series established a fierce competition in each type of match (Test and One-Day International). In addition, both India’s and New Zealand’s players had the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge based upon competing in various types of playing environments.
India vs New Zealand Matches (1991–2000)
The nineties included several key bilateral events. Many players, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Chris Cairns, were major players within the rivalry.
One of the most notable games was when New Zealand beat India in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy Final at Nairobi. This victory gave New Zealand its very first major ICC tournament win.
In addition to scoring an undefeated 102 runs, Chris Cairns was crucial to New Zealand successfully chasing down their opponent’s score.
India vs New Zealand Rivalry (2001–2010)
As time went on, the competition between India and New Zealand grew more intense. Both countries were still competing with each other through Test and One Day International (ODI) series, but they now had a third way to compete, via T20 International (T20I) matches.
The inaugural T20 International for both teams was played on September 16, 2007 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. New Zealand scored 190 runs and beat India by 10 runs. Daniel Vettori was selected as Player of the Match.
India vs New Zealand Matches (2011–2020)
Two separate teams had many memorable performances over the last ten years. While India did well in bilateral cricket, New Zealand was extremely difficult to beat when it came to major ICC knockout matches.
The most memorable event of the year was the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final in Manchester. India were bowled out for 221 chasing 240, with New Zealand winning by 18 runs. The match took place over two days due to rain, with New Zealand winning after they successfully defended their score.
Because of New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and India’s difficult run chase, this was a memorable game.
India vs New Zealand Cricket Timeline (2021–2026)
The modern period has produced some of the rivalry’s most significant results.
- 2021: New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets in the inaugural World Test Championship final.
- 2023: India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs in the ODI World Cup semi-final in Mumbai.
- 2024: New Zealand created history by defeating India 3–0 in a three-match Test series on Indian soil.
- 2025: India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai.
- 2026: The teams continued their rivalry through international matches and bilateral cricket series.
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have played numerous international matches across Test, ODI and T20I cricket. India have generally maintained a stronger overall record, although New Zealand have produced several important victories in major international tournaments.
Test Match Head-to-Head Record
| Test Statistics | Record |
| Total Matches | 65 |
| India Won | 22 |
| New Zealand Won | 16 |
| Drawn | 27 |
| Tied | 0 |
ODI Head-to-Head Record
| ODI Statistics | Record |
| Total Matches | 123 |
| India Won | 63 |
| New Zealand Won | 52 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 7 |
T20I Head-to-Head Record
| T20I Statistics | Record |
| Total Matches | 31 |
| India Won | 19 |
| New Zealand Won | 11 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 0 |
India vs New Zealand All Match Results
The following table highlights selected important encounters from the rivalry. It is not a complete list of every international match.
| Date/Year | Format | Venue | Winner | Match Result |
| November 1955 | Test | Hyderabad | Draw | First Test |
| December 1955 | Test | Mumbai | India | Won by an innings and 27 runs |
| January 1956 | Test | Chennai | India | Won by an innings and 109 runs |
| February 1968 | Test | Dunedin | India | Won by 5 wickets |
| June 1975 | ODI | Manchester | New Zealand | Won by 4 wickets |
| October 2000 | ODI | Nairobi | New Zealand | Won by 4 wickets |
| September 2007 | T20I | Johannesburg | New Zealand | Won by 10 runs |
| July 2019 | ODI | Manchester | New Zealand | Won by 18 runs |
| June 2021 | Test | Southampton | New Zealand | Won by 8 wickets |
| November 2023 | ODI | Mumbai | India | Won by 70 runs |
| October 2024 | Test | Bengaluru | New Zealand | Won by 8 wickets |
| October 2024 | Test | Pune | New Zealand | Won by 113 runs |
| November 2024 | Test | Mumbai | New Zealand | Won by 25 runs |
| March 2025 | ODI | Dubai | India | Won by 4 wickets |
India vs New Zealand Test Match History
Test cricket has played a major role in this rivalry. India initially dominated the early encounters, including the 1955–56 series at home and the historic 1968 series victory in New Zealand.
New Zealand gradually became a stronger opponent, particularly in home conditions. Their bowlers have often challenged India’s batting lineup with pace, swing and seam movement.
The 2024 Test series was a major turning point. New Zealand defeated India in all three matches:
| Test | Venue | Result |
| 1st Test, 2024 | Bengaluru | NZ won by 8 wickets |
| 2nd Test, 2024 | Pune | NZ won by 113 runs |
| 3rd Test, 2024 | Mumbai | NZ won by 25 runs |
This was New Zealand’s first-ever 3–0 Test series victory in India. The result surprised cricket fans because India had enjoyed a long period of success in home Test series.
India vs New Zealand ODI Match History
The ODI rivalry started during the 1975 World Cup. Over the years, both teams have produced exciting performances in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
India have generally maintained a strong ODI record, but New Zealand have remained a dangerous opponent in major competitions.
Some important ODI encounters include:
- 1975 World Cup: New Zealand defeated India by four wickets.
- 2000 ICC KnockOut Final: New Zealand defeated India by four wickets.
- 2019 World Cup Semi-Final: New Zealand defeated India by 18 runs.
- 2023 World Cup Semi-Final: India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs.
- 2025 Champions Trophy Final: India defeated New Zealand by four wickets.
These matches demonstrate how competitive the teams have been throughout their ODI history.
India vs New Zealand T20I Match History
The T20I rivalry was initiated in September of 2007. The first match was played in Johannesburg and was won by New Zealand who defeated South Africa by 10 runs.
Both sides have continued to play bilateral T20 international series as well as compete against each other in the ICC T20 World Cup. The combination of India’s powerful batting line-up and New Zealand’s very disciplined bowling makes for some exciting T20 matches.
Their T20I matches have also included some extremely close finishes, numerous outstanding individual performances, and many key matches during tournaments.
India vs New Zealand World Cup History
The World Cup of Cricket has created some of the best matches played by both of those teams.
India vs New Zealand 2019 World Cup Semi-Final
The World Cup semifinal of 2019 took place over two days, July 9th and July 10th, at Old Trafford Cricket Ground located in Manchester. In 50 overs, New Zealand posted a total of 239/8. On the other hand, India was dismissed from the crease with only 221 runs on the board after 49.3 overs.
New Zealand beat Australia by 18 runs to advance to the finals. Matt Henry contributed significantly with his bowling and took 3 wickets.
India vs New Zealand 2023 World Cup Semi-Final
On November 15th, 2023, India and New Zealand faced off in the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
In 50 overs, India made a total of 397/4. Both Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer were able to score centuries, scoring 117 and 105 runs respectively.
In 48.5 overs, New Zealand scored 327 runs. Mohammed Shami was able to take seven wickets for India, which helped India win by 70 runs and advance to the final.
India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Encounters
In addition to their past Test match history, India and New Zealand have also played against each other in the T20 World Cup competition. The three times they played each other in the T20 World Cup were during the years of 2007, 2016, and 2021.
The rivalry has been given a new face, as each team has made an impact in the world’s most brief form of international competition.
India vs New Zealand ICC Tournament Finals
Three major finals stand out in the history of this rivalry.
ICC KnockOut Trophy Final 2000
The final match of the tournament was played on October 15, 2000 in Nairobi. India batted first and scored 264 for six wickets, led by Sourav Ganguly who made 117. New Zealand then batted second and successfully chased the Indian total, scoring 265 for six wickets in 49.4 overs.
Chris Cairns scored an unbeaten 102 and helped New Zealand win by four wickets.
World Test Championship Final 2021
The first World Test Championship final was held in Southampton during June 2021.
India made 217 and 170 runs in their first and second innings respectively. New Zealand responded with 249 and 140/2 runs, which gave them an eight wicket victory.
The Black Caps were guided by Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor to a win. Player of the Match honors went to Kyle Jamieson.
ICC Champions Trophy Final 2025
The final of the Champions Trophy in 2025 was held on March 9th at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
New Zealand’s final score was 251/7 (50 overs) while India reached their goal of 254/6 (49 overs).
Rohit Sharma was responsible for scoring 76 runs, which contributed to India winning by four wickets.
India vs New Zealand Most Memorable Matches
Here are five particularly important encounters that cricket fans remember.
| Year | Match | Important Performance | Result |
| 1955 | First Test | Polly Umrigar scored 223 | Draw |
| 2000 | ICC KnockOut Final | Chris Cairns scored 102* | NZ won by 4 wickets |
| 2019 | World Cup Semi-Final | Matt Henry took 3 wickets | NZ won by 18 runs |
| 2021 | WTC Final | Kyle Jamieson took 5 wickets in an innings | NZ won by 8 wickets |
| 2023 | World Cup Semi-Final | Virat Kohli scored 117; Shami took 7 wickets | India won by 70 runs |
India vs New Zealand Cricket Records
The rivalry has produced several important individual and team performances. Here are some notable historical milestones.
| Record | Achievement |
| First Test Match | November 1955 |
| First ODI Match | 14 June 1975 |
| First T20I Match | 16 September 2007 |
| India’s First Test Series Win in NZ | 1968, 3–1 |
| New Zealand’s First ICC Tournament Title Against India | ICC KnockOut Trophy 2000 |
| Highest India ODI Score in the 2023 World Cup Semi-Final | 397/4 |
This table highlights selected milestones rather than every all-time batting, bowling and team record. Individual records should be checked separately for each format.
India vs New Zealand Latest Match Results 2026
For the 2026 section, include only matches that have officially been completed and whose scorecards have been confirmed.
| Date | Match | Venue | Result |
| 2026 | Latest completed T20I | Confirm official scorecard | Update result |
| 2026 | Latest completed ODI | Confirm official scorecard | Update result |
Avoid publishing unverified scores or treating upcoming fixtures as completed matches. Update this section as the bilateral series progresses.
Visit More: Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians Timelines || England Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline
FAQs About India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
1. When did India and New Zealand first play against each other?
India and New Zealand played their first Test match from 19 to 24 November 1955 at Hyderabad. The match ended in a draw.
2. Who won the first India vs New Zealand Test match?
Neither team won the first Test. It ended in a draw. India subsequently won the five-match series 2–0.
3. Which team has won more matches between India and New Zealand?
India have historically won more international matches overall across Test, ODI and T20I cricket.
4. How many Test matches have India and New Zealand played?
In the historical statistical snapshot used above, the teams had played 65 Test matches, with India winning 22, New Zealand winning 16 and 27 ending in draws.
5. Who won the 2025 Champions Trophy final?
India defeated New Zealand by four wickets on 9 March 2025 in Dubai to win the ICC Champions Trophy.
Conclusion
The India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team has evolved as a significant aspect of international cricket since 1955. Both teams have had their share of memorable wins, tough losses, and historic performances in tournaments. This rivalry will continue to draw in cricket fans from around the globe due to the fact that they are competitive in each format and therefore their next meeting is likely to be just as exciting.
