The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline includes years of competition on the cricket field. From the teams’ initial Test series in 1955 through World Cup matches and World Test Championship finals, India and New Zealand have developed an interesting rivalry that spans across all three formats of cricket – Test cricket, ODI (One Day International) cricket, and T20I (Twenty20 International) cricket.
India has frequently been an extremely strong opponent when playing in India. On the other hand, New Zealand has developed a great name for their excellent bowling, their ability to adapt their batting style to suit different conditions, and their consistency at performing well in the big ICC events. These two teams have provided us with numerous memorable series wins, last minute thrillers, incredible individual displays, and several other memorable events throughout the history of international cricket.
The following is a list of some of the most notable events in the history of Indian cricket (India vs New Zealand) and their respective timelines, head-to-head records, year-by-year achievements, World Cup history, memorable games, and key player statistics.
New Zealand National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline: Overview
India and New Zealand first met in Test cricket during New Zealand’s tour of India in 1955–56. Since then, the two teams have competed regularly in bilateral series and international tournaments. Their rivalry expanded with the introduction of ODI cricket and later T20Is. While early encounters were primarily focused on Test cricket, modern contests increasingly include limited-overs series and ICC events.
| Key Milestone | Details |
| First Test series | New Zealand tour of India, 1955–56 |
| First Test match | Hyderabad, October 1955 |
| First ODI meeting | Auckland, February 1975 |
| First T20I meeting | Wellington, February 2008 |
| First World Test Championship final | Southampton, June 2021 |
| Major rivalry formats | Tests, ODIs and T20Is |
| Major competitions | Cricket World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy and World Test Championship |
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
The India vs New Zealand head-to-head record varies by format, with each team enjoying different periods of success. India have been particularly competitive in limited-overs cricket, while New Zealand have demonstrated their ability to win important Test series and ICC knockout matches. The following table gives a format-wise overview. Exact totals should be checked against the latest scorecards before publication, particularly because the teams have played additional matches in 2026.
| Format | Historical rivalry | Key detail |
| Test cricket | Began in 1955 | Includes bilateral series and the World Test Championship |
| ODI cricket | Began in 1975 | Includes Cricket World Cups and Champions Trophy matches |
| T20I cricket | Began at the 2007 T20 World Cup | Includes several close bilateral series and T20 World Cup finals |
India vs New Zealand Cricket Timeline: Year-Wise History
The timeline below highlights important milestones rather than listing every international match. It includes major bilateral series, World Cup meetings, and results that significantly shaped the rivalry.
| Year | Format or event | Important milestone |
| 1955 | Test cricket | India and New Zealand began their Test rivalry in Hyderabad |
| 1975 | ODI cricket | New Zealand beat India by four wickets in their first ODI meeting at Old Trafford, Manchester |
| 1976 | Test and ODI cricket | India toured New Zealand, adding to the developing bilateral rivalry |
| 2000 | ICC Champions Trophy | New Zealand defeated India in the final to win the ICC knockout tournament |
| 2007 | T20I cricket | The teams first met in men’s T20 internationals at the inaugural T20 World Cup |
| 2019 | ODI World Cup | New Zealand defeated India in the semi-final at Manchester |
| 2021 | World Test Championship | New Zealand defeated India in the inaugural WTC final at Southampton |
| 2023 | ODI World Cup | India beat New Zealand in the semi-final in Mumbai |
| 2024 | Test cricket | New Zealand achieved a historic 3–0 Test series victory in India |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy | India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the final in Dubai |
| 2026 | ODI cricket | New Zealand secured their first-ever bilateral ODI series win in India, winning 2–1 |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup | India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs in the final in Ahmedabad |
The first ODI meeting took place at Old Trafford on 14 June 1975, when New Zealand chased down India’s total of 230 to win by four wickets. The teams’ first men’s T20I encounter occurred at the 2007 T20 World Cup in Johannesburg, where New Zealand won by 10 runs.
The 2024 Test series was another landmark because New Zealand became the first visiting team to win a three-match Test series by a 3–0 margin in India. In January 2026, New Zealand also secured their first bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil.
Also read this: Ellyse Perry Stats | India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline
India vs New Zealand Test Match History
Test cricket has played a central role in the India vs New Zealand rivalry since 1955. The longer format tests batting technique, bowling endurance, tactical decisions, and the ability to adapt to changing pitch conditions over several days.
Early Test encounters
In 1955-56 India hosted New Zealand for the very first time in a Test Series. The series consisted of five matches, which provided a basis for subsequent tours to follow. During the next few decades, the two countries continued to play Test cricket in both countries. Home conditions and the strength of each country’s bowling attack were the factors that determined the outcome of each match.
The different characteristics of the playing surface in India, with its emphasis on providing assistance to spin bowlers, versus the playing surfaces found in New Zealand, where the ball may move around more because of the atmospheric conditions (swing/movement) and/or temperature/humidity (helpful weather), have frequently resulted in winning overseas being considered a significant achievement.
Important Test series and milestones
- 1955–56: The first Test series between India and New Zealand took place in India.
- 2012: India hosted New Zealand in a Test series that included notable batting performances from Cheteshwar Pujara and other Indian players.
- 2021: New Zealand defeated India in the inaugural World Test Championship final at Southampton, winning by eight wickets.
- 2024: New Zealand won all three Tests during their tour of India, producing one of the most significant results in the history of the rivalry.
World Test Championship final, 2021
The inaugural World Test Championship final was one of the biggest matches in the India vs New Zealand timeline. Played at Southampton in June 2021, it brought together two teams that had performed consistently across the championship cycle. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and composed run chase helped them defeat India by eight wickets. The victory gave New Zealand the inaugural World Test Championship title and established an important milestone in their rivalry with India.
New Zealand’s historic Test series win in India, 2024
New Zealand’s 3–0 series victory in October and November 2024 was particularly remarkable because it came on Indian soil. India struggled to overcome New Zealand’s bowling and tactical approach across the three Tests. The series demonstrated that New Zealand could succeed in conditions traditionally considered favourable to India. It also became a major reference point in discussions about India’s home Test record and New Zealand’s development as a touring side.
India vs New Zealand ODI Match History
ODI cricket has produced some of the rivalry’s most dramatic results, particularly during World Cups and Champions Trophy tournaments. Both teams have had periods of success, and their matches frequently feature contrasting batting and bowling strategies.
Early ODI encounters
The first ODI between these two teams occurred at the 14th of June 1975 at the first ever men’s Cricket World Cup in England. India lost to New Zealand by 4 wickets. Glenn Turner scored an unbeaten century, which helped New Zealand successfully chase down India’s target of 230. Since then, as ODI cricket evolved, both India and New Zealand have faced each other regularly in bilateral series and international tournaments. Both India’s strong batting lineup and New Zealand’s quality seam bowling have often been decisive factors in determining the outcome of matches.
2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final
The most memorable game of this series was played in Manchester during the 2019 World Cup Semi-Final.
New Zealand had scored 239/8 at the end of the rain-delayed, two-day match. During their run-chase, India lost several of their opening batsmen to the early bowling of New Zealand, but Ravindra Jadeja was able to produce a spectacular counterattack. Ultimately, New Zealand won the game by 18 runs, and this victory ended India’s World Cup campaign.
The results showed how well New Zealand was able to perform when they had a lot of pressure on them in large tournaments.
2023 Cricket World Cup semi-final
The 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-final was played in Mumbai (at Wankhede Stadium) on Wednesday. India won this game after batting first and scoring 397/4. Virat Kohli broke the all-time record for most ODI centuries with his 50th century during this match. Shreyas Iyer also scored a century.
India won the match against New Zealand after Daryl Mitchell scored a hundred and Mohammed Shami took seven wickets. The match proved to be a turning point in India’s journey to the finals.
Champions Trophy final, 2025
In the final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, which was played in Dubai, India and New Zealand faced each other once more. New Zealand put up a total of 251 runs for the loss of seven wickets (251/7). Both Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell made significant contributions to the Kiwis’ innings.
India was able to reach 254 runs for 6 wickets after 49 overs to defeat Pakistan by 4 wickets. Rohit Sharma contributed 76 runs to India’s victory, while KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja completed the winning run. With this win, India has now won three Champions Trophy titles.
New Zealand’s first ODI series win in India, 2026
In January 2026, New Zealand achieved a historic 2–1 ODI series victory in India. They won the second ODI by seven wickets and the third by 41 runs after India had taken the opening match.
Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips were key contributors in the decisive third match, while Virat Kohli scored a century for India. The result marked New Zealand’s first-ever bilateral ODI series win in India.
India vs New Zealand T20I Match History
T20I cricket has added a different dimension to the India vs New Zealand cricket rivalry. The shorter format rewards aggressive batting, innovative bowling, athletic fielding, and quick tactical decisions.
First T20I meeting
The first time India and New Zealand played each other in a men’s T20I match was at the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in Johannesburg, South Africa, on September 16, 2007. New Zealand defeated India by 10 runs, which established a competitive precedent for the two teams’ subsequent T20I matches.
The teams have been playing each other in T20I bilateral series and competing against one another in numerous global tournaments since then. Both teams have produced some very exciting matches with many big hits and last ball finishes, as well as very close games that were ultimately decided by only a few deliveries.
T20 World Cup encounters
The T20 World Cup provided an international arena for the two teams’ rivalry. While New Zealand was able to win some key matches during previous tournaments, India had a strong showing in most of the last several T20 World Cups.
The final match of the 2026 T20 World Cup was very important. India batted first and scored 255/5. They then bowled out New Zealand for 159, winning the game by 96 runs. Jasprit Bumrah was awarded Player of the Match because he bowled extremely well.
India won its third Men’s T20 World Cup title with this win. Also, India was the first team to successfully defend its Men’s T20 World Cup title.
India vs New Zealand World Cup and ICC Tournament History
ICC tournaments have produced some of the most important chapters in the India vs New Zealand timeline. The teams have met in ODI World Cups, T20 World Cups, the Champions Trophy, and the World Test Championship.
| Tournament | Year | Important result |
| Men’s Cricket World Cup | 1975 | New Zealand defeated India by four wickets |
| ICC Champions Trophy | 2000 | New Zealand defeated India in the final |
| Men’s Cricket World Cup | 2019 | New Zealand defeated India in the semi-final |
| World Test Championship | 2021 | New Zealand defeated India in the final |
| Men’s Cricket World Cup | 2023 | India defeated New Zealand in the semi-final |
| ICC Champions Trophy | 2025 | India defeated New Zealand in the final |
| Men’s T20 World Cup | 2026 | India defeated New Zealand in the final |
The 2000 Champions Trophy final
New Zealand’s victory over India in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy final was an important achievement for the Black Caps. India made 264/6, but New Zealand successfully chased the target, finishing on 265/6. Chris Cairns scored an unbeaten century and played a decisive role in the successful chase.
The 2019 World Cup semi-final
New Zealand’s 18-run win in Manchester remains one of the most memorable matches between the teams. India’s strong tournament campaign ended despite a determined lower-order effort, demonstrating how quickly a knockout match can change direction.
The 2021 World Test Championship final
New Zealand’s eight-wicket victory gave them the first World Test Championship title. It was a landmark achievement for a team that had consistently performed well in the longest format.
The 2025 Champions Trophy final
India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in Dubai to win the Champions Trophy. The victory was especially meaningful because it came against a team that had beaten India in several important previous encounters.
The 2026 T20 World Cup final
India’s 96-run victory in Ahmedabad added another major result to the timeline. Their batting attack produced 255/5, while their bowlers restricted New Zealand to 159. The margin of victory made it one of India’s most dominant wins in a major final against New Zealand.
India vs New Zealand Most Memorable Matches
Several matches stand out because of their historical importance, outstanding individual performances, or dramatic finishes.
- Champions Trophy final, 2000
Nairobi, Kenya
Chris Cairns’ unbeaten century helped New Zealand chase 265 and defeat India by four wickets. It was a landmark ICC tournament victory for New Zealand.
- World Cup semi-final, 2019
Manchester, England
New Zealand defended 239/8 and won by 18 runs. Ravindra Jadeja’s counterattacking innings briefly revived India’s hopes before New Zealand secured the result.
- World Test Championship final, 2021
Southampton, England
New Zealand won by eight wickets to become the inaugural World Test Championship winners. Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor helped complete the chase.
- World Cup semi-final, 2023
Mumbai, India
India won by 70 runs after scoring 397/4. Virat Kohli recorded his 50th ODI century, and Mohammed Shami took seven wickets.
- Champions Trophy final, 2025
Dubai, UAE
India chased 252 to win by four wickets. Rohit Sharma’s 76 provided the foundation for the successful run chase.
- T20 World Cup final, 2026
Ahmedabad, India
India scored 255/5 and bowled New Zealand out for 159, winning by 96 runs. Jasprit Bumrah’s four-wicket performance was central to the victory.
India vs New Zealand Player Records
Individual performances have frequently shaped the outcome of this rivalry. Some players have excelled through consistent run-scoring, while others have changed matches with decisive bowling spells or all-round contributions.
| Player | Team | Contribution to the rivalry |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | Outstanding batting performances across multiple formats |
| Virat Kohli | India | Major ODI innings and important World Cup performances |
| Rohit Sharma | India | Aggressive opening batting and big-match contributions |
| Ravindra Jadeja | India | All-round performances and crucial lower-order runs |
| Mohammed Shami | India | Match-winning bowling, including the 2023 World Cup semi-final |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | Composed batting and leadership in major matches |
| Ross Taylor | New Zealand | Important contributions in Test and ODI cricket |
| Chris Cairns | New Zealand | Match-winning unbeaten century in the 2000 Champions Trophy final |
| Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | Important ODI performances, including the 2023 World Cup |
| Glenn Phillips | New Zealand | Aggressive batting and influential contributions in limited-overs cricket |
India vs New Zealand Recent Match Results
Recent meetings have added several major results to the India vs New Zealand timeline, including bilateral series victories and ICC tournament finals.
| Date | Competition | Result |
| 2 March 2025 | Champions Trophy group stage | India won by 44 runs |
| 9 March 2025 | Champions Trophy final | India won by four wickets |
| 11 January 2026 | ODI series, 1st ODI | India won by four wickets |
| 14 January 2026 | ODI series, 2nd ODI | New Zealand won by seven wickets |
| 18 January 2026 | ODI series, 3rd ODI | New Zealand won by 41 runs |
| 8 March 2026 | T20 World Cup final | India won by 96 runs |
The 2026 ODI results gave New Zealand a 2–1 series victory in India, while the T20 World Cup final delivered another major title to India.
Upcoming India vs New Zealand matches
As of 13 October 2026, another New Zealand home series against India is scheduled to begin on 22 October 2026. The announced tour includes five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests. Fixtures are subject to any subsequent changes by the cricket boards.
India vs New Zealand: Key Differences in Performance
India and New Zealand have different strengths that often influence the outcome of their matches.
| Factor | India | New Zealand |
| Batting approach | Strong batting depth and aggressive stroke-play | Adaptable batting and effective partnerships |
| Home conditions | Familiarity with spin-friendly surfaces | Often rely on adjustment and disciplined batting |
| Bowling strengths | Spin options, pace variety and depth | Seam movement, swing and disciplined line and length |
| Major tournament experience | Multiple World Cup and Champions Trophy titles | Strong knockout performances and major ICC victories |
| Recent historic milestone | Won the 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup | Won the 2024 Test series in India and the 2026 ODI series in India |
Conclusion
Since the first Test match between the two teams in 195 new zealand national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline have had a long history of competitive matches in international cricket. Over the years, this has included some of the most famous One Day International (ODI) matches, some of the most intense Twenty20 International (T20I) contests, and several ICC tournament final games.
The success of New Zealand (NZ) at the World Cup 2019 Semi Final, World Test Championship 2021 Final, and Test/ODI series wins in India are examples of how they can compete with India in various environments. Similarly, India’s success at the World Cup 2023 Semi Final, Champions Trophy 2025 Final, and T20 World Cup 2026 Final illustrate how strong they are in major tournaments.
As more bilateral series are scheduled, the rivalry will continue to create additional milestones, memorable performances and significant results in each of the three international formats.
FAQs
Q1. When did India and New Zealand first play cricket against each other?
India and New Zealand first played a Test series in 1955–56. Their first Test match took place in Hyderabad in November 1955.
Q2. Which team has won more matches between India and New Zealand?
The answer depends on the format and the date used for the statistics. India have a strong ODI and T20I record, while New Zealand have achieved significant Test and ICC tournament victories. Always compare the latest records separately for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Q3. What is India’s head-to-head record against New Zealand in Tests?
India and New Zealand have played Test cricket since 1955. Their record includes India’s home successes, New Zealand’s overseas victories, and the landmark 3–0 New Zealand series win in India in 2024. Consult an up-to-date Test scorecard database for exact totals.
Q4. What is India’s ODI record against New Zealand?
Historical records through January 2026 list 123 ODI matches, with India winning 63 and New Zealand winning 52. One match was tied and seven ended without a result. These figures should be updated when incorporating subsequent completed matches.
Q5. How many T20I matches have India and New Zealand played?
The teams have played numerous T20Is, including bilateral matches and World Cup encounters. Their 2026 T20 World Cup final ended in a 96-run victory for India. For an exact current total, use a live-updated international T20I record.
