Introduction: India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Stats
Cricket isn’t just a game when India and New Zealand face off—it’s a stage for drama, flair, and unforgettable moments. These two teams have played against each other for decades, producing incredible matches and unforgettable performances across all formats. Whether it’s the slow burn of a five-day Test, the calculated aggression of a One-Day International, or the high-voltage energy of a T20, India and New Zealand have written quite the history together. Let’s break it down.
Table of Contents
Test Matches: Grit and Glory Over the Years
Matches Played: 65 India Wins: 22 New Zealand Wins: 16 Draws: 27
India’s Test record against New Zealand is impressive, especially on home soil. But the tide has turned a bit in recent years. New Zealand’s win in the 2021 World Test Championship Final wasn’t just a statement—it was a seismic shift. The 3-0 series victory in India during 2024–25 shocked many and proved that New Zealand is no longer just good—they’re great.
ODIs: Where Every Run Counts
Matches Played: 119 India Wins: 61 New Zealand Wins: 50 No Results/Ties: 8
ODI games between these two have often been nail-biters. India has a slight edge in wins, but New Zealand knows how to turn up when it matters most. Just think back to the 2019 World Cup semifinal—that low-scoring thriller where New Zealand knocked India out. Painful for Indian fans. A masterclass for the Kiwis.
T20Is: Short Format, Big Moments
Matches Played: 25 India Wins: 14 New Zealand Wins: 10 Ties: 1
In the world of T20 cricket, India has taken the upper hand, especially since their 5-0 sweep in New Zealand back in 2020. But New Zealand punches back hard, especially in ICC tournaments where experience and nerves count for more than flashy stats.
First Matches: Where It All Began
- First Test Match: Hyderabad, 1955
- First ODI: 1975 World Cup
- First T20I: 2007
These early encounters laid the groundwork for what has become a classic international rivalry, filled with highs, heartbreaks, and a lot of cricketing respect.
Big Matches That Still Hurt (or Inspire)
- 2019 World Cup Semi: New Zealand defended 239 and stunned India by 18 runs
- 2021 WTC Final: New Zealand, again the underdogs, won by 8 wickets in a rain-affected match
- 2024 T20 World Cup Final: India finally broke their ICC knockout curse by lifting the trophy
Each of these clashes wasn’t just a match—they were chapters in a much bigger story.
Star Players Who Left a Mark
For India
- Sachin Tendulkar: Over 2000 runs vs NZ, graceful and grounded
- Virat Kohli: A consistent run machine in all formats
- Anil Kumble: His 10-wicket haul is the stuff of legend
- Shubman Gill: New-age brilliance—double centuries and sparkling T20 innings
For New Zealand
- Richard Hadlee: A terror with the ball in Tests
- Kane Williamson: Calm, classy, and a key figure in ICC wins
- Martin Crowe: Dominated in the ODI era of the ’80s and ’90s
- Rachin Ravindra: A rising star with all-round ability
Record-Breaking Moments
Highest Team Totals
| Team | Score | Format | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ | 680/8 | Test | 2020 |
| India | 392/4 | ODI | 2009 |
| India | 234/4 | T20I | 2023 |
Best Bowling Figures
| Player | Figures | Format | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 10/74 | Test | 1999 |
| Mohammed Shami | 7/57 | ODI | 2023 |
| Deepak Chahar | 6/7 | T20I | 2022 |
These records remind us not only of individual brilliance but also of match-defining performances.
Captains Who Made a Difference
India
- Sunil Gavaskar: Helped India gain confidence in Tests
- MS Dhoni: Cool, calculated, and a serial winner
- Virat Kohli: Intensity and aggression defined his tenure
- Rohit Sharma: Led India to T20 World Cup glory in 2024
New Zealand
- Stephen Fleming: Tactical genius of his time
- Kane Williamson: Perhaps the coolest man in world cricket
- Tom Latham: Recent series win in India under his leadership was historic
Leadership matters, and these captains gave their teams direction, belief, and legacy.
Recent Highlights: 2020 to 2024
Test Upset of 2024–25
New Zealand’s 3-0 win in India was a wake-up call for fans and analysts. Few visiting teams dominate in Indian conditions—New Zealand did just that.
Comebacks in ODIs & T20Is
India responded with strong wins in white-ball formats, reclaiming pride and proving their depth. Shubman Gill’s form and the emergence of young bowlers played a big role.
What’s Next?
- 2025 Test Series: India tours New Zealand—conditions favor the hosts
- 2025 T20I Series: Set for late summer, expected to be a crowd-puller
- 2026 ODI Series: Crucial part of ICC Super League standings
Every future match holds the potential for upsets, heroics, and new legends.
Quick Recap
- First Meetings: Test (1955), ODI (1975), T20I (2007)
- Top Indian Run-Getters: Tendulkar, Kohli, Gill
- Top Kiwi Performers: Williamson, Hadlee, Ravindra
- Most Unforgettable Match: 2019 World Cup Semifinal—painful but iconic
Final Thoughts
The rivalry between India and New Zealand goes beyond just wins and losses. It’s about resilience, sportsmanship, and how cricket brings out the best in both teams. India might have the upper hand in raw numbers, but New Zealand has proven time and again that they thrive under pressure.
As new players rise and old legends hang up their boots, this rivalry keeps evolving. And the best part? The next great match could be just around the corner.
