The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline stretches across more than seven decades of international cricket. The rivalry began with a Test series in 1955–56 and gradually expanded into ODIs, T20 internationals, World Cups and major ICC tournaments.
India and New Zealand have produced some of cricket’s most memorable encounters, including the 2000 ICC KnockOut final, the 2019 ODI World Cup semi-final, the 2021 World Test Championship final and the 2023 World Cup semi-final.
More recently, India defeated New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final and the 2026 T20 World Cup final. New Zealand, meanwhile, made history by winning their first bilateral ODI series in India in January 2026.
This article covers the major milestones, memorable matches, historical results and head-to-head records in the India vs New Zealand cricket rivalry.
India vs New Zealand Timeline at a Glance
| Year | Major event | Result / significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1955–56 | First Test series | India won the series 2–0 |
| 1967–68 | India toured New Zealand | India won the Test series 3–1 |
| 1975 | First ODI meeting | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 1987 | World Cup encounters | India won both meetings |
| 2000 | ICC KnockOut final | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| 2007 | First T20I | New Zealand won by 10 runs |
| 2019 | ODI World Cup semi-final | New Zealand won by 18 runs |
| 2021 | World Test Championship final | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 2023 | ODI World Cup semi-final | India won by 70 runs |
| 2024 | Test series in India | New Zealand won 3–0 |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy final | India won by 4 wickets |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup final | India won by 96 runs |
| 2026 | ODI series in India | New Zealand won 2–1 |
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
The overall rivalry spans Test cricket, One-Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. India has historically enjoyed an advantage in the shorter formats, while Test cricket has been more closely contested.
Men’s international cricket statistics, updated to the latest completed matches through November 2026.
| Format | Matches | India won | New Zealand won | Other results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 65 completed through 2024 | 22 | 16 | 27 draws |
| ODIs | 124 | 64 | 52 | 1 tie, 7 no results |
| T20Is | 36 | 22 | 13 | 1 tie, 1 abandoned |
| Total | 225 | 108 | 81 | 36 other results |
Important: Test totals above reflect the completed Test series through 2024. The 2026–27 New Zealand tour includes two additional Tests scheduled for November 2026.
Beginning of the India vs New Zealand Cricket Rivalry (1955–56)
The rivalry officially began in November 1955, when New Zealand toured India for a five-match Test series.
The first Test was played at Fateh Maidan in Hyderabad from November 19 to 24, 1955. The match ended in a draw, but India went on to win the series 2–0.
India won the second Test in Bombay by an innings and 27 runs and the fifth Test in Madras by an innings and 109 runs. The remaining three matches ended in draws.
| Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Hyderabad | Draw |
| 2nd Test | Bombay | India won by an innings and 27 runs |
| 3rd Test | Delhi | Draw |
| 4th Test | Calcutta | Draw |
| 5th Test | Madras | India won by an innings and 109 runs |
The series established the foundation of a long international relationship between the two teams.
1967–68: India Win Their First Test Series in New Zealand
India toured New Zealand in 1967–68 and secured a historic 3–1 Test series victory.
The Indian team performed strongly in New Zealand conditions and demonstrated its ability to win overseas. The series became an important milestone in India’s Test cricket development.
India’s three victories during the tour helped establish the team as a more competitive force outside the subcontinent.
1975: India vs New Zealand First ODI Match
India and New Zealand first faced each other in One-Day International cricket during the inaugural 1975 Cricket World Cup in England.
The match took place on June 14, 1975, at Old Trafford in Manchester.
India scored 230 runs, while New Zealand successfully chased the target and won by four wickets.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | June 14, 1975 |
| Tournament | Prudential Cricket World Cup |
| Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| Result | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
This encounter opened a new chapter in the rivalry as both teams began competing regularly in limited-overs cricket.
1987: India Win Both World Cup Meetings
India and New Zealand met twice during the 1987 Cricket World Cup.
India won both encounters, strengthening its position in the rivalry during the late 1980s.
The tournament was particularly memorable for Indian fast bowler Chetan Sharma, who took the first hat-trick in Cricket World Cup history against New Zealand in Nagpur on October 31, 1987. League Cricket Schedule
2000: New Zealand Win the ICC KnockOut Trophy Final
One of the most important matches in the India vs New Zealand timeline took place in October 2000.
India and New Zealand met in the ICC KnockOut Trophy final in Nairobi, Kenya.
India posted 264/6 in 50 overs. New Zealand successfully chased the target, finishing on 265/6 and winning by four wickets.
Chris Cairns played a crucial innings of 102 not out, helping New Zealand secure one of the country’s most significant international cricket victories at that time.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 15, 2000 |
| Tournament | ICC KnockOut Trophy |
| Venue | Nairobi, Kenya |
| India score | 264/6 |
| New Zealand score | 265/6 |
| Result | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| Key performer | Chris Cairns |
The victory became an important moment in New Zealand cricket history and demonstrated the team’s ability to win major ICC tournament finals.
2007: First India vs New Zealand T20 International
India and New Zealand played their first men’s T20 International on September 16, 2007, during the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa.
New Zealand scored 190/6 in 20 overs, while India finished on 180/9.
New Zealand won by 10 runs, making the first T20I meeting another victory for the Black Caps.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | September 16, 2007 |
| Tournament | ICC World Twenty20 |
| Venue | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| New Zealand score | 190/6 |
| India score | 180/9 |
| Result | New Zealand won by 10 runs |
The introduction of T20 cricket added another competitive dimension to the rivalry.
2019: New Zealand Win the Cricket World Cup Semi-Final
The 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final remains one of the most emotional matches in India vs New Zealand history.
The match was played at Old Trafford in Manchester on July 9 and 10, 2019, after rain forced the contest to continue on the reserve day.
New Zealand scored 239/8 in 50 overs.
India’s chase began poorly, with the top order falling quickly. Despite a late recovery attempt, India were dismissed for 221.
New Zealand won by 18 runs and qualified for the World Cup final.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 9–10, 2019 |
| Tournament | ICC Cricket World Cup |
| Venue | Old Trafford, Manchester |
| New Zealand score | 239/8 |
| India score | 221 |
| Result | New Zealand won by 18 runs |
The match is remembered for India’s dramatic top-order collapse and the efforts of Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni to revive the chase.
2021: New Zealand Win the Inaugural World Test Championship Final
India and New Zealand met in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final in June 2021.
The match was played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, England, with rain affecting the schedule.
India scored 217 in the first innings and 170 in the second innings.
New Zealand responded with 249 in their first innings and chased the target of 139 in the second innings, finishing on 140/2.
New Zealand won by eight wickets and became the first World Test Champions.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | June 18–23, 2021 |
| Tournament | World Test Championship Final |
| Venue | Southampton, England |
| India first innings | 217 |
| New Zealand first innings | 249 |
| India second innings | 170 |
| New Zealand second innings | 140/2 |
| Result | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
The victory was another major ICC final success for New Zealand against India.
2023: India Defeat New Zealand in the ODI World Cup Semi-Final
India and New Zealand met again in a Cricket World Cup semi-final in November 2023, this time at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
India produced an outstanding batting performance, scoring 397/4 in 50 overs.
Virat Kohli scored 117, registering his 50th ODI century and surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most ODI centuries at that time.
Shreyas Iyer also scored a century, while Mohammed Shami took seven wickets during New Zealand’s chase.
New Zealand were dismissed for 327, and India won by 70 runs.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | November 15, 2023 |
| Tournament | ICC Cricket World Cup |
| Venue | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai |
| India score | 397/4 |
| New Zealand score | 327 |
| Result | India won by 70 runs |
| Virat Kohli | 117 |
| Mohammed Shami | 7 wickets |
The victory was especially significant because India avenged their 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat and reached the final on home soil.
2024: New Zealand Complete a Historic 3–0 Test Series Win in India
One of the biggest surprises in the India vs New Zealand timeline came during New Zealand’s 2024 Test tour of India.
New Zealand won all three Tests, becoming the first visiting team to complete a 3–0 Test series victory in India.
India vs New Zealand 2024 Test Series Results
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Bengaluru | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| 2nd Test | Pune | New Zealand won by 113 runs |
| 3rd Test | Mumbai | New Zealand won by 25 runs |
The series was particularly important because India had traditionally been extremely difficult to defeat in home Test cricket.
New Zealand’s victory demonstrated the effectiveness of their spin bowling, disciplined batting and tactical planning.
The result also ended India’s long unbeaten home Test series streak.
2025: India Defeat New Zealand in the Champions Trophy Final
India and New Zealand met in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy on March 9, 2025, in Dubai.
New Zealand batted first and scored 251/7 in 50 overs. India chased the target successfully, finishing on 254/6 in 49 overs.
India won by four wickets, with Rohit Sharma playing a key role in the chase.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | March 9, 2025 |
| Tournament | ICC Champions Trophy |
| Venue | Dubai International Cricket Stadium |
| New Zealand score | 251/7 |
| India score | 254/6 |
| Result | India won by 4 wickets |
The victory gave India another major ICC title and continued the rivalry’s tradition of producing high-stakes tournament matches.
2026: India Win the T20 World Cup Final
India and New Zealand met in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final on March 8, 2026, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium.
India produced a powerful batting performance, scoring 255/5 in 20 overs. New Zealand were dismissed for 159 in 19 overs.
India won by 96 runs, securing the T20 World Cup title.
| Match detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | March 8, 2026 |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| India score | 255/5 |
| New Zealand score | 159 |
| Result | India won by 96 runs |
This final was another major chapter in the rivalry, with India winning a global tournament final against New Zealand after previous high-profile defeats.
2026: New Zealand Win Their First ODI Series in India
In January 2026, New Zealand toured India for a three-match ODI series.
India won the opening match by four wickets, but New Zealand bounced back to win the second ODI by seven wickets and the third ODI by 41 runs.
New Zealand won the series 2–1, securing their first bilateral ODI series victory in India.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series Results, January 2026
| ODI | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | Vadodara | India won by 4 wickets |
| 2nd ODI | Rajkot | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | Indore | New Zealand won by 41 runs |
The result was a major milestone for New Zealand cricket and showed that the team could win a bilateral ODI series in challenging Indian conditions.
2026: India Win the T20I Series in India
The teams also played a five-match T20I series in India in January 2026.
India won the series 4–1, with New Zealand securing one victory.
The series was an important preparation phase for the T20 World Cup, which India later won in March.
October–November 2026: India Tour New Zealand
The rivalry continued during India’s tour of New Zealand in October and November 2026.
T20I Series
India won the first three matches before New Zealand secured victories in the fourth and fifth T20Is.
| Match | Date | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | October 22, 2026 | India won by 4 wickets |
| 2nd T20I | October 24, 2026 | India won by 4 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | October 27, 2026 | India won by 6 wickets |
| 4th T20I | October 30, 2026 | New Zealand won by 87 runs |
| 5th T20I | November 1, 2026 | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
Series result: India won 3–2.
Latest ODI Meeting: November 4, 2026
The teams began their ODI series in New Zealand during the same tour.
In the first ODI at Eden Park, Auckland, India won by five wickets under the DLS method. crictotal.com
The ODI series continues the rivalry into another bilateral contest, with two further matches scheduled.
Most Memorable India vs New Zealand Cricket Matches
Here is a summary of some of the most important encounters in the rivalry.
| Year | Match | Winner | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1955 | First Test | Draw | Beginning of the rivalry |
| 1975 | First ODI | New Zealand | First limited-overs meeting |
| 2000 | ICC KnockOut final | New Zealand | Major ICC title |
| 2019 | World Cup semi-final | New Zealand | India eliminated |
| 2021 | WTC final | New Zealand | Inaugural Test champions |
| 2023 | World Cup semi-final | India | India reached the final |
| 2024 | Test series | New Zealand | Historic 3–0 sweep |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy final | India | India won by 4 wickets |
| 2026 | T20 World Cup final | India | India won by 96 runs |
India vs New Zealand Timeline: Why This Rivalry Matters
The India vs New Zealand rivalry has developed from a traditional Test cricket contest into one of the most important matchups in modern international cricket.
Its defining feature is the way both teams have responded to major defeats.
New Zealand defeated India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final and 2021 WTC final. India later responded with victories in the 2023 World Cup semi-final, 2025 Champions Trophy final and 2026 T20 World Cup final.
The 2024 Test series also demonstrated that New Zealand remain capable of producing historic performances in India, while their 2026 ODI series victory further strengthened their reputation in the rivalry.
With both teams continuing to compete across all three formats, future matches are likely to add more memorable chapters to this long cricketing history.
FAQs: India vs New Zealand Timeline
1. When did India and New Zealand first play cricket against each other?
India and New Zealand played their first Test match from November 19 to 24, 1955, in Hyderabad. The match ended in a draw.
2. Which team has won more matches between India and New Zealand?
India have historically won more international matches overall. However, New Zealand have recorded several important victories in ICC tournaments and bilateral series.
3. Who won the first India vs New Zealand ODI?
New Zealand won the first ODI between the teams by four wickets on June 14, 1975, at Old Trafford in Manchester.
4. Who won the 2019 World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand?
New Zealand defeated India by 18 runs in the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final at Manchester.
5. Who won the 2021 World Test Championship final?
New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets in Southampton to become the inaugural World Test Champions.
6. What happened in the India vs New Zealand Test series in 2024?
New Zealand won all three matches of the Test series in India, completing a historic 3–0 series victory.
7. Who won the 2025 Champions Trophy final?
India defeated New Zealand by four wickets on March 9, 2025, in Dubai.
8. Who won the 2026 T20 World Cup final?
India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs on March 8, 2026, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
9. When did India and New Zealand first play a T20 International?
The teams played their first T20I on September 16, 2007, during the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in Johannesburg. New Zealand won by 10 runs.
10. Which team won the 2026 ODI series in India?
New Zealand won the three-match ODI series 2–1 in January 2026, recording their first bilateral ODI series victory in India.
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