The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline spans over 70 years of International Cricket. It includes many classic Test Matches, some competitive One-Day International Series, some thrilling Twenty20 Internationals and many historic encounters in various International Cricket Council (ICC) tournaments. This rivalry started in 1955, with the two teams playing their very first Test Match in Hyderabad, India.
Over time, each team has had many great players, exciting finishes and important wins. India has won many of their home series and New Zealand has shown that they can perform well when playing in difficult conditions away from home. The matches between these two teams in the World Test Championship, Cricket World Cup and Champions Trophy make this rivalry even more significant.
The most recent seasons have provided many memorable outcomes. For example, New Zealand made history by beating India 3-0 in a Test Series in 2024 and won their first ever Men’s ODI Bilateral Series on Indian Soil in January 2026. Additionally, India beat New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy Final to further contribute to India’s cricket history.
New Zealand National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline: Overview
India and New Zealand first met in Test cricket in November 1955. At that time, international cricket was dominated by the traditional five-day format, and bilateral tours were the main way for national teams to develop their rivalries.
The introduction of One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals eventually expanded the competition between the two sides. Today, their cricketing history includes bilateral series, ICC tournaments and individual performances across all three formats.
Key Facts About the India vs New Zealand Rivalry
| Detail | Information |
| First international meeting | November 1955 |
| First match format | Test cricket |
| First Test venue | Fateh Maidan, Hyderabad |
| First Test result | Match drawn |
| First bilateral Test series | 1955–56 |
| Major formats | Tests, ODIs and T20Is |
| Notable Test milestone | New Zealand won 3–0 in India in 2024 |
| Notable ODI milestone | New Zealand won 2–1 in India in January 2026 |
| Major ICC milestone | India won the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand |
The first Test scorecard confirms the date, venue and drawn result of the opening match. New Zealand’s January 2026 ODI series victory was another historic moment because it was the team’s first men’s ODI bilateral series win in India.
Also read this: India vs New Zealand 2026 Schedule | West Indies vs India 4th T20 | Ranji Trophy 2026-27 Schedule
India vs New Zealand Cricket Timeline: Year-by-Year History
The rivalry has developed through several distinct periods. Test cricket established the foundation, ODI cricket introduced new competitive opportunities, and T20 cricket created a faster and more attacking style of contest.
1955–1969: The Beginning of the Rivalry
India and New Zealand played their first Test on 19-24 November 1955 at Fateh Maidan in Hyderabad. India scored 498/4 declared in its first innings, while New Zealand answered with 326. New Zealand then scored 212/2 in its second innings, resulting in a draw.
Polly Umrigar of India had 223 runs, while Vijay Manjrekar was at 118. In the first innings, John Guy of New Zealand had 102 runs; Bert Sutcliffe of New Zealand went on to be undefeated in the second innings with 137 runs.
The first five-Test series was played in India from October 1955 to February 1956. India won that series 2-0 and the other three tests were drawn. That first series of matches set up what would become a great rivalry.
1970–1989: The Growth of International Competition
In the time frame mentioned, Test cricket was still the most important form of the game and One Day International (ODI) cricket started to grow as a globally recognized event. Both India and New Zealand continued to play each other in bilateral series and major international tournaments.
The growth in popularity of limited-overs cricket provided both teams with an opportunity to create a variety of different strategies. In addition to being able to score more runs (batting), teams were also able to restrict the number of runs scored against them (economy), and make better plays in the field (fielding) as they played more one-day games.
Rather than each series being viewed as its own individual rivalry, it is better to view this period as the time that marked the end of the Test-based focus of international cricket relationships and the beginning of the wider scope of the international cricket competition.
1990–2009: The ODI Era Expands
In addition to the previous two decades of competition between India and New Zealand in ODI cricket, the 1990s and 2000s offered additional chances to play against one another through both ICC-sanctioned events as well as through direct bilateral series.
Both sides have had many great players emerge from this rivalry over the years. Some of India’s most famous batsmen include Sachin Tendulkar and some of New Zealand’s greatest including Stephen Fleming. Each team developed its own unique style of play based upon the conditions they were faced with.
The ICC KnockOut final of 2000 was a very significant event. New Zealand beat India by four wickets to win their first ever major ICC Men’s Tournament Title. Chris Cairns played an important part in the run chase.
2010–2019: Competitive Series and World Cup Drama
During this time frame, India won many significant home test series including a 3-0 sweep of New Zealand in 2016.
In addition, one of the greatest rivalries in cricket history had another incredible moment during the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Semi-Finals. The Black Caps scored 239/8, while the Men in Blue were bowled out for 221. This meant New Zealand won by 18 runs at Old Trafford in Manchester.
This outcome was important as India was considered one of the tournament favorites when they played against New Zealand in the first round of the knockout phase. New Zealand’s calm performance under pressure, combined with their strong bowling attack allowed them to advance to the finals.
2020–2024: Historic ICC and Test Results
The first ever World Test Championship Final was played between these two teams in June of 2021. New Zealand won the match with a margin of 8 wickets, and became the inaugural champions of the World Test Championship.
India would go on to win its home Test Series against New Zealand during November-December of 2021. New Zealand, however, had an impressive turnaround in October-November of 2024, as they were able to defeat India in each of their three Tests.
The 3-0 score was New Zealand’s initial Test series clean sweep in India and marked an historic occasion for the visiting team.
The 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal match was played between India and New Zealand, in Mumbai. India beat New Zealand by 70 runs. India scored 397/4 in their first innings. Virat Kohli became the first player to reach 50 centuries in ODI matches during this game. Shreyas Iyer also scored a century.
2025–October 2026: Recent Rivalry Milestones
India and New Zealand continued to produce significant results in major competitions and bilateral cricket.
- March 2025: India defeated New Zealand by four wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai.
- January 2026: New Zealand won the three-match ODI series in India by 2–1, securing its first men’s ODI bilateral series victory in the country.
- January 2026: India and New Zealand also played a five-match T20I series in India.
- October–November 2026: New Zealand is scheduled to host India for five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
The upcoming home series should be treated as a scheduled fixture at the October 2026 cutoff, not as a completed result.
India vs New Zealand First Test Match in 1955
The first Test between India and New Zealand took place at Fateh Maidan in Hyderabad. The five-day match began on 19 November 1955 and ended in a draw.
India won the toss and chose to bat. Its batters built a large first-innings total, but New Zealand responded strongly and avoided defeat.
First Test Match Scorecard
| Innings | Score | Leading performance |
| India, first innings | 498/4 declared | Polly Umrigar: 223 |
| New Zealand, first innings | 326 all out | John Guy: 102 |
| New Zealand, second innings | 212/2 | Bert Sutcliffe: 137 not out |
| Final result | Drawn | No winner |
Polly Umrigar’s double century was one of the outstanding individual performances of the match. New Zealand’s second-innings resistance, particularly Sutcliffe’s unbeaten century, ensured that India could not force a victory.
The match established the beginning of a rivalry that would eventually span three international formats and numerous ICC competitions.
India vs New Zealand Test Match Timeline
Test cricket has played a central role in the development of this rivalry. Both teams have enjoyed successful periods, but New Zealand’s victory in India in 2024 stands out because of the difficulty visiting teams traditionally face in Indian conditions.
Important India vs New Zealand Test Series
| Year | Host | Result or milestone |
| 1955–56 | India | India won the five-Test series 2–0 |
| 1969 | India | Series drawn 1–1 |
| 2010 | India | India won the three-Test series 1–0 |
| 2012 | India | India won the two-Test series 2–0 |
| 2016 | India | India won the three-Test series 3–0 |
| 2021 | England | New Zealand won the inaugural World Test Championship final |
| 2021 | India | India won the home series 1–0 |
| 2024 | India | New Zealand won the three-Test series 3–0 |
New Zealand’s Historic 3–0 Test Series Win in 2024
In 2024, New Zealand toured India from October through November and provided a very unexpected outcome for a rivalry that has had several recent surprises.
New Zealand took home a victory at the opening test match in Bengaluru, taking down their opponents with an eight-wicket win. In addition, New Zealand took down India in Pune with a 113 run win during the second test match. Finally, New Zealand defeated India again in the third test match in Mumbai with a 25 run win, giving them a 3-0 series sweep.
The result broke India’s unbeaten home Test series streak that began in 2012, as well as showing New Zealand can beat India’s spin attack under tough subcontinental conditions.
India vs New Zealand ODI Timeline
One Day International cricket has produced several memorable encounters between India and New Zealand. Their ODI rivalry includes bilateral series, World Cup knockout matches and Champions Trophy finals.
New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and adaptability have often made the contests competitive, while India’s batting depth has produced several significant victories.
Major ODI Milestones
| Year | Tournament or series | Result |
| 2000 | ICC KnockOut final | New Zealand defeated India by four wickets |
| 2019 | ODI World Cup semi-final | New Zealand won by 18 runs |
| 2023 | ODI World Cup semi-final | India won by 70 runs |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy final | India won by four wickets |
| January 2026 | ODI series in India | New Zealand won 2–1 |
The 2019 semi-final was played over two days because rain interrupted the original day’s play. New Zealand’s 239/8 proved sufficient as India were dismissed for 221.
In 2023, India reversed that result with a convincing semi-final victory in Mumbai. Mohammed Shami took seven wickets, while Kohli and Iyer scored centuries.
India vs New Zealand ODI Series Results in January 2026
New Zealand made history during its January 2026 tour by winning its first men’s ODI bilateral series in India.
| Match | Venue | Result |
| First ODI, 11 January | Vadodara | India won by four wickets |
| Second ODI, 14 January | Rajkot | New Zealand won by seven wickets |
| Third ODI, 18 January | Indore | New Zealand won by 41 runs |
Final series result: New Zealand won 2–1.
In the deciding game of the series, New Zealand posted a total of 337/8 after 50 overs with both Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips posting hundreds. While Virat Kohli hit 124 for India, they were bowled out for 296 after 46 overs.
This achievement is especially noteworthy as New Zealand has already had success in winning Test Matches and Test Match Series in India; however, they have never been able to win a Men’s One Day International Bilateral Series in India.
India vs New Zealand T20I Timeline
T20 International cricket has added a different dimension to the rivalry. Unlike Test cricket, where patience and endurance are essential, T20Is demand aggressive batting, flexible bowling plans and quick decisions.
India and New Zealand have competed in bilateral T20I series and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup matches. Their meetings have featured power-hitting, spin bowling and closely contested phases.
India vs New Zealand T20I Series in January 2026
The two teams played five T20Is in India in January 2026 as preparation for the Men’s T20 World Cup.
| Match | Venue | Result |
| First T20I, 21 January | Nagpur | India won by 48 runs |
| Second T20I, 23 January | Raipur | India won by seven wickets |
| Third T20I, 25 January | Guwahati | India won by eight wickets |
| Fourth T20I, 28 January | Visakhapatnam | New Zealand won by 50 runs |
| Fifth T20I, 31 January | Thiruvananthapuram | India won by 46 runs |
Series result: India won 4–1.
India’s performances across the series demonstrated its batting strength, although New Zealand also recorded a convincing victory in the fourth match.
India vs New Zealand T20 World Cup Final 2026
The teams met again in the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on 8 March 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
| Match detail | Information |
| Date | 8 March 2026 |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| India | 255/5 in 20 overs |
| New Zealand | 159 all out in 19 overs |
| Result | India won by 96 runs |
| Player of the Match | Jasprit Bumrah |
| Bumrah’s bowling figures | 4/15 |
| Player of the Tournament | Sanju Samson |
India’s total of 255/5 placed New Zealand under considerable pressure. The Indian bowling attack then restricted the opposition to 159, securing a 96-run victory and the championship.
The final became another major milestone in the India vs New Zealand timeline, adding a T20 World Cup title-deciding match to their long history of ICC encounters.
India vs New Zealand ICC Tournament Timeline
The rivalry has produced several major ICC tournament matches. These contests carry additional significance because they determine qualification, championship progression or the title itself.
Important ICC Matches Between India and New Zealand
| Year | Competition | Venue or stage | Result |
| 2000 | ICC KnockOut Trophy | Final, Nairobi | New Zealand won by four wickets |
| 2019 | Men’s Cricket World Cup | Semi-final, Manchester | New Zealand won by 18 runs |
| 2021 | World Test Championship | Final, Southampton | New Zealand won by eight wickets |
| 2023 | Men’s Cricket World Cup | Semi-final, Mumbai | India won by 70 runs |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy | Final, Dubai | India won by four wickets |
| 2026 | Men’s T20 World Cup | Final, Ahmedabad | India won by 96 runs |
2025 Champions Trophy Final
On March 9th, 2025, India played New Zealand in the championship game of the ICC Champions Trophy in Dubai.
New Zealand had scored 251 runs, losing seven wickets, during their 50-over innings. Daryl Mitchell contributed 63 runs, while Michael Bracewell remained unbeaten at 53 runs. India then chased down the total set by New Zealand and reached 254 runs, having lost six wickets, in 49 overs to claim a four-wicket victory.
The player of the match, Rohit Sharma, made 76 runs. India has won another major ICC event with this win and has continued to build on its success against New Zealand in major knockout games.
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
India vs New Zealand head-to-head statistics should be separated into Test, ODI and T20I records. A team’s success in one format does not automatically reflect its performance in another.
For a publication updated through 14 October 2026, the overall totals should include all completed matches up to that date, including the January 2026 bilateral series and March 2026 T20 World Cup final.
Head-to-Head Record by Format
| Format | Matches played | Wins by India | Wins by New Zealand | Other results |
| Tests | Update from current scorecard database | Verify | Verify | Draws and ties |
| ODIs | Update from current scorecard database | Verify | Verify | Ties and no-results |
| T20Is | Update from current scorecard database | Verify | Verify | Ties and no-results |
What the Head-to-Head Record Shows
India and New Zealand have both achieved success in various forms of the game. India has had numerous wins on their home soil and major accomplishments in ICC tournaments, while New Zealand has also had some great wins in Test matches and in the later rounds of many of the top tournaments.
Format-specific statistics can be useful as demonstrated by New Zealand’s 2024 Test Series whitewash of India and their January 2026 One-Day International Series victory over India. Additionally, the results demonstrate how a country with historical success in one format of the game may not experience the same success in other formats.
Top Players and Records in India vs New Zealand Matches
Individual performances have shaped the rivalry over the decades. Several batters and bowlers from both sides have delivered memorable performances in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
Notable Batters
| Player | Team | Contribution to the rivalry |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | Influential batter across formats |
| Virat Kohli | India | Important ODI and ICC tournament performances |
| Rohit Sharma | India | Major contributions in limited-overs cricket |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | Consistent top-order batter |
| Ross Taylor | New Zealand | Key batter during the modern ODI era |
| Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | Aggressive batting and leadership |
Notable Bowlers
| Player | Team | Known for |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | Pace, yorkers and death bowling |
| Mohammed Shami | India | Seam bowling and major ODI performances |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | India | Test-match spin bowling |
| Tim Southee | New Zealand | Swing bowling and Test experience |
| Trent Boult | New Zealand | Left-arm pace and early breakthroughs |
| Daniel Vettori | New Zealand | Left-arm spin and control |
These are notable players rather than a statistical ranking. A separate records section should verify the leading run-scorers, wicket-takers, highest individual scores and best bowling figures using a consistent cutoff date.
Biggest Wins and Memorable Matches
Several matches stand out because of their margins, historical significance or influence on major tournaments.
New Zealand’s Major Victories
- 2000 ICC KnockOut final: New Zealand defeated India by four wickets to claim the title.
- 2019 World Cup semi-final: New Zealand defended 239/8 and won by 18 runs.
- 2021 World Test Championship final: New Zealand beat India by eight wickets.
- 2024 Test series: New Zealand won all three Tests in India.
- January 2026 ODI series: New Zealand secured a 2–1 series victory in India.
India’s Major Victories
- 2023 World Cup semi-final: India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs.
- 2025 Champions Trophy final: India chased 252 to win by four wickets.
- January 2026 T20I series: India won the five-match series 4–1.
- 2026 T20 World Cup final: India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs.
Upcoming India vs New Zealand Matches in 2026
As of 14 October 2026, India is scheduled to tour New Zealand for a multi-format series comprising five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
| Match | Date | Venue | Format |
| 1st T20I | 22 October 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | T20I |
| 2nd T20I | 24 October 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | T20I |
| 3rd T20I | 27 October 2026 | Hnry Stadium, Wellington | T20I |
| 4th T20I | 30 October 2026 | Eden Park, Auckland | T20I |
| 5th T20I | 1 November 2026 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | T20I |
| 1st ODI | 4 November 2026 | Eden Park, Auckland | ODI |
| 2nd ODI | 7 November 2026 | Hnry Stadium, Wellington | ODI |
| 3rd ODI | 10 November 2026 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | ODI |
| 4th ODI | 13 November 2026 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | ODI |
| 5th ODI | 15 November 2026 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | ODI |
| 1st Test | 19–23 November 2026 | Basin Reserve, Wellington | Test |
| 2nd Test | 27 November–1 December 2026 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | Test |
Series overview
- Total matches: 12
- T20 Internationals: 5
- One Day Internationals: 5
- Test matches: 2
- Host: New Zealand
Conclusion
The evolution of the New Zealand national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline is reflective of a long-standing rivalry which began with the first Test match played between the two nations in 1955, and is now one of the most significant international cricket contests in the world, competed in all three major formats of the game.
Important events include India’s early successes in Test series, New Zealand winning the first World Test Championship final in 2021, New Zealand making history by winning a Test series 3-0 in India in 2024, India winning the Champions Trophy in 2025, and New Zealand winning their first bilateral ODI series against India in January 2026.
The 2026 T20 World Cup final was a big event as well, as India beat New Zealand by 96 runs. There will be another multi-format tour in October/November 2026, which means this rivalry will produce more important results and new records. For the best historical perspective, update the timeline with accurate scorecard data and report on head-to-head statistics by format (Test, ODI, T20I).
FAQs
Q1. When did India and New Zealand play their first Test match?
India and New Zealand played their first Test match from 19 to 24 November 1955 at Fateh Maidan in Hyderabad. The match ended in a draw.
Q2. Who won the first India vs New Zealand Test match?
Neither team won. India scored 498/4 declared in its first innings, and the match finished as a draw after New Zealand’s second innings.
Q3. Which team has the better India vs New Zealand head-to-head record?
The answer depends on the format and the statistical cutoff date. Compare Test, ODI and T20I records separately using updated scorecards.
Q4. When did New Zealand first win an ODI series in India?
New Zealand achieved its first men’s ODI bilateral series victory in India in January 2026, winning the three-match series 2–1.
Q5. Who won the 2021 World Test Championship final?
New Zealand defeated India by eight wickets in the inaugural World Test Championship final at Southampton in June 2021.
Q6. Who won the 2025 Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand?
India won by four wickets in Dubai on 9 March 2025. India scored 254/6 while chasing New Zealand’s 251/7.
