india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches

Cricket is more than just a sport in India—it’s a passion that unites millions. When the india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches, it’s always a thrilling contest. This rivalry, built on skill, strategy, and moments of brilliance, has produced some unforgettable matches across formats—Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Whether you’re a young fan just learning about cricket or a seasoned follower, this article dives into the history, key moments, and recent clashes between these two cricketing giants, written in a way that’s easy to read and understand.

A Brief History of india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches

india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches have been locking horns on the cricket field since 1955, when they played their first Test match. Over the decades, their rivalry has grown, with both teams showcasing their unique strengths. India, known for its batting firepower and world-class spinners, often dominates at home. New Zealand, or the Black Caps, brings a gritty, disciplined approach, with fast bowlers and adaptable all-rounders who shine in varied conditions.

As of 2025, the two teams have faced each other in:

• 65 Test matches, with India winning 22, New Zealand 16, and 27 ending in draws.

• 118 ODIs, where India leads with 60 wins to New Zealand’s 50, with 7 no-results and 1 tie.

• T20Is, where India has a strong edge, including a historic 5-0 series win in 2020.

This head-to-head record shows a competitive rivalry, with India holding an advantage in limited-overs formats, while Tests have been more evenly matched, especially when New Zealand plays at home.

Why This india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches Rivalry Matters

The india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches rivalry is special because it pits two contrasting styles against each other. India’s aggressive batting, led by stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, meets New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, featuring players like Tim Southee and Mitchell Santner. The Black Caps are known for their ability to punch above their weight, often surprising stronger teams with their teamwork and resilience. Meanwhile, India’s depth and talent make them a formidable force, especially on spin-friendly home pitches.

Matches between these two teams are also significant because they often occur in high-stakes tournaments like the ICC World Test Championship, Cricket World Cup, or Champions Trophy. Fans eagerly await these clashes, knowing they’ll witness intense battles, whether it’s a Test match grind or a T20I run-fest.

Key Moments in the india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches Rivalry

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit some iconic moments that define india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches.

1. New Zealand’s Historic 2024 Test Series Win in India

In October and November 2024, New Zealand achieved a historic milestone by whitewashing India 3-0 in a Test series on Indian soil—the first time India had been swept at home in a Test series. This series was part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship, and New Zealand’s victory was a shock to cricket fans worldwide.

• First Test (Bengaluru): India was bowled out for a shocking 46 runs, their third-lowest Test score and lowest at home. New Zealand’s fast bowlers, led by Matt Henry, exploited seam-friendly conditions. Despite a spirited fightback from Rishabh Pant (99) and Sarfaraz Khan (150) in India’s second innings, New Zealand chased 107 runs comfortably, winning by 8 wickets. Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match for his brilliant batting.

• Second Test (Pune): New Zealand’s spinners, particularly Mitchell Santner, stole the show. Santner took his first five-wicket haul and a ten-wicket match haul, outbowling India’s famed spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. New Zealand won by 113 runs, setting the stage for their series triumph.

• Third Test (Mumbai): Ajaz Patel’s six-wicket haul in the second innings helped New Zealand defend a modest target of 147, winning by 25 runs. This was the first time New Zealand won three Tests in a single series, home or away, and it marked their first Test series victory in India. Will Young was named Player of the Series for his consistent batting.

This series was a turning point, proving New Zealand could challenge India in their own backyard. Indian captain Rohit Sharma admitted the team’s mistakes, particularly their batting collapses, cost them dearly.

2. India’s 5-0 T20I Series Win in New Zealand (2020)

In early 2020, India toured New Zealand and made history by winning a five-match T20I series 5-0—the first time any team achieved a clean sweep in a five-match T20I series. The series was a showcase of India’s dominance in the shortest format, with standout performances from players like KL Rahul and Jasprit Bumrah. Two matches went to Super Overs, both won by India, highlighting their ability to stay calm under pressure.

This series was a low point for New Zealand, who were without their star batter Kane Williamson for some matches due to injury. Despite the loss, players like Ross Taylor, who became the first cricketer to play 100 matches in all three formats, showed their resilience.

3. Champions Trophy 2025: India’s Spin Dominance

In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held in Dubai, India and New Zealand faced off in a crucial Group A match on March 2. India posted 249/9, thanks to Shreyas Iyer’s 78 and Hardik Pandya’s 45. New Zealand’s chase faltered against India’s spinners, with Varun Chakravarthy taking a spectacular five-wicket haul in only his second ODI. India won by 44 runs, securing the top spot in their group and a semi-final clash against Australia.

The two teams met again in the final on March 9, where India’s spinners once again dominated, bowling 73 overs of spin—the most in any ICC tournament ODI game. India won the title, their second Champions Trophy (after 2013), with Rohit Sharma earning the Player of the Match award.

4. New Zealand’s ODI Clean Sweep in 2020

While India dominated the T20Is in 2020, New Zealand turned the tables in the ODI series, winning 3-0—their first clean sweep against India in an ODI series with three or more matches. New Zealand’s bowlers, including Kyle Jamieson, who made his ODI debut, outclassed India’s batting lineup. This series was a rare setback for India under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, showing New Zealand’s ability to compete in the 50-over format.

india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches Head-to-Head Stats: A Quick Look

Here’s a simple table summarizing the head-to-head record between India and New Zealand across formats (as of 2025):

Sources:,,

This table shows India’s edge in ODIs and T20Is, while Tests remain a closer contest. New Zealand’s 2024 Test series win has added a new chapter to this rivalry, making future encounters even more exciting.

What Makes india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches Exciting?

1. Contrasting Styles: India’s aggressive, star-studded lineup contrasts with New Zealand’s disciplined, team-oriented approach. This clash of styles leads to unpredictable outcomes.

2. Spin vs Pace: India’s spinners, like Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, often dominate on turning pitches, while New Zealand’s pacers, such as Matt Henry and Tim Southee, thrive in seaming conditions.

3. High-Stakes Encounters: Many India-New Zealand matches occur in ICC tournaments, adding extra intensity. From World Cup semi-finals to Champions Trophy finals, these games often decide major titles.

4. Emerging Stars: Young players like Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand) and Shubman Gill (India) bring fresh energy, ensuring the rivalry stays vibrant.

Recent Performances and Key Players

India’s Strengths

• Batting Depth: Players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant provide firepower. Shreyas Iyer’s 78 in the 2025 Champions Trophy was a game-changer.

• Spin Bowling: The quartet of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and Varun Chakravarthy proved lethal in 2025, with Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul in the Champions Trophy being a highlight.

• Home Dominance: India’s record at home is formidable, though New Zealand’s 2024 series win showed vulnerabilities.

New Zealand’s Strengths

• Resilient Bowling: Matt Henry’s five-wicket hauls and Mitchell Santner’s spin heroics in 2024 were pivotal.

• All-Rounders: Players like Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips contribute with bat and ball, giving New Zealand flexibility.

• Team Spirit: Despite missing stars like Kane Williamson in 2024, New Zealand’s teamwork shone through, as seen in their Test series triumph.

Upcoming Matches to Watch

Looking ahead, the New Zealand tour of India in 2026 promises more excitement. A five-match T20I series is scheduled, starting January 28, 2026, at Visakhapatnam. With both teams fielding young talent and experienced stars, fans can expect fireworks. India will aim to reassert their dominance at home, while New Zealand will look to build on their 2024 success.

Why This india national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches Rivalry Will Continue to Thrill

The Iindia national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team matches rivalry is a blend of tradition and evolution. From New Zealand’s historic 2024 Test series win to India’s spin dominance in the 2025 Champions Trophy, each match adds a new layer to this storied contest. Both teams have passionate fan bases, talented players, and a knack for producing nail-biting finishes. Whether it’s a Test match battle of endurance or a T20I sprint, these encounters never fail to entertain.