Introduction: india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team stats
Whenever India and New Zealand face off in cricket, fans know they’re in for something special. Whether it’s a Test match, an ODI, or a T20 clash, these two teams have created plenty of exciting moments over the years. With a mix of close games, world-class performances, and some surprising results, the India vs New Zealand rivalry has grown into one of the most entertaining matchups in international cricket.
In this article, we’ll break down the stats between the two sides, go over key matches, top players, and share some interesting facts that make this rivalry so enjoyable to follow.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head Overview: India vs New Zealand
Matches Played Across Formats
Here’s a quick look at how the two teams stack up against each other in all three formats of the game:
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | New Zealand Wins | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 66 | 22 | 13 | 31 |
| ODIs | 117 | 59 | 50 | 8 |
| T20Is | 26 | 12 | 10 | 4 |
India holds the upper hand in Tests and T20Is, while ODIs have seen both teams trade wins more evenly.
Test Cricket: The Long Battle
A Look at Test Stats
- First Test: Played in 1955 (Hyderabad)
- Latest Test: 2021 (Mumbai)
- India Wins: 22
- New Zealand Wins: 13
- Drawn Matches: 31
Standout Test Moments
India’s dominance at home has been a major factor in their success. Spin bowlers like Ashwin and Jadeja have made life tough for Kiwi batters. However, New Zealand made headlines by beating India in the World Test Championship Final in 2021 in England — a match that gave them their first major ICC trophy. They won it convincingly by 8 wickets, and it was a proud moment for the Black Caps.
ODIs: Full of Twists and Turns
ODI Head-to-Head
- First ODI: 1975 (World Cup)
- Most Recent: 2023 World Cup Semi-final
- India Wins: 59
- New Zealand Wins: 50
Unforgettable ODI Games
2019 World Cup Semi-final
This one still stings for Indian fans. Chasing 240, India lost early wickets and fell short by 18 runs. New Zealand booked their spot in the final, while India’s dream came to an abrupt end.
2023 World Cup Semi-final
India got their revenge in style. With Kohli smashing his record 50th ODI century and Mohammed Shami taking 7 wickets, India dominated the match and reached the final. The scorecard read: India 397/4, New Zealand fell short by 70 runs.
Key Performers in ODIs
- Virat Kohli: Over 1400 runs vs New Zealand
- Rohit Sharma: Big scores in big games
- Ross Taylor & Kane Williamson: Anchors for the Kiwis
- Shami, Bumrah, Boult, and Southee: Game-changers with the ball
T20 Internationals: Short Format, Big Drama
T20I Stats
- First Match: 2007
- India Wins: 12
- New Zealand Wins: 10
- No Result: 4
T20 matches between India and New Zealand are known for going down to the wire. In fact, a few of them even went into Super Overs, adding to the drama.
Super Over Thrillers
In the 2020 T20I series in New Zealand, India won two Super Overs in a row, with Rohit Sharma hitting back-to-back sixes to seal one of them. It was a moment fans won’t forget.
Players Who’ve Lit Up This Rivalry
Indian Stars
- Virat Kohli: One of India’s best-ever batters, always performs in big matches.
- Rohit Sharma: Has the ability to take the game away from the opposition.
- Jasprit Bumrah: His deadly yorkers are hard to play, especially at the death.
- Ashwin & Jadeja: Spin twins who dominate on Indian pitches.
New Zealand Heroes
- Kane Williamson: Calm, composed, and always dependable.
- Trent Boult: Left-arm swing bowler who loves bowling to India.
- Tim Southee: Experienced campaigner and a smart bowler.
- Devon Conway & Daryl Mitchell: Rising stars who’ve made a strong impact recently.
Records and Trivia
- India’s Highest ODI Score vs NZ: 397/4 in 2023 World Cup
- Most Centuries: Virat Kohli holds the record
- Best Bowling (ODI): Mohammed Shami’s 7/57
- Most T20 Super Overs Between Two Nations: India vs New Zealand tops the list
Recent Highlights
2023 World Cup Semi-final (ODI)
- Venue: Mumbai
- India Score: 397/4 (Kohli 117, Iyer 105)
- NZ Score: 327 (Mitchell 134)
- Result: India won by 70 runs
2024 T20 Series
India toured New Zealand with a younger squad and still won the series 2-1. Players like Shubman Gill, Arshdeep Singh, and Rinku Singh impressed everyone.
Why Fans Love This Rivalry
It’s not just about stats or trophies. India vs New Zealand games have a special kind of unpredictability. New Zealand has often outsmarted India in ICC tournaments, while India usually dominates in home conditions. That balance of power makes the contest all the more interesting.
Also, both teams play the game in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner, which earns them support even from neutral fans.
What’s Coming Next?
With the Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, fans can expect more fireworks between these two. There are also chances of more bilateral series, and Test matches in both home and away conditions.
Both teams are also developing new talent, so the future looks bright for this growing cricket rivalry.
Final Thoughts
The cricket battles between India and New Zealand have always been exciting to watch. From tight finishes to record-breaking performances, their matches have given us unforgettable moments.
India has the edge in terms of wins, but New Zealand has had their fair share of victories — especially when it matters most. With experienced stars and fresh talent on both sides, the rivalry is only getting stronger.
