Introduction: New Zealand National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
The rivalry between the New Zealand national cricket team and the India national cricket team is one of the most exciting in the world of cricket. Over the years, both teams have produced memorable matches, thrilling moments, and great sportsmanship. In this article, we will look at the timeline of matches between New Zealand and India, important events, key players, and other interesting facts about their cricket journey.
Table of Contents
History of India vs New Zealand Cricket Rivalry
The cricket battle between India and New Zealand started in the 1950s and has grown over time. From Test matches to One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20s, both teams have played many exciting games that fans around the world enjoy watching.
Timeline of India vs New Zealand Matches
Here is a simple table showing the important matches and series between India and New Zealand over the years.
India vs New Zealand Match Timeline (Key Events)
| Year | Format | Series/Event | Venue | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1955-56 | Test | First Test Series | New Zealand | Drawn (1-1) |
| 1964-65 | Test | India Tour | India | India |
| 1975 | ODI | First ODI | Manchester (World Cup) | New Zealand |
| 1988-89 | Test/ODI | New Zealand Tour | India | India |
| 1999 | Test | India Tour | New Zealand | Drawn |
| 2003 | ODI | World Cup Super Six | South Africa | India |
| 2009 | Test/ODI | India Tour | New Zealand | India |
| 2016 | Test/ODI | New Zealand Tour | India | India |
| 2019 | ODI | World Cup Semi-Final | England | New Zealand |
| 2020 | T20/ODI/Test | India Tour | New Zealand | New Zealand (Clean Sweep in ODIs & Tests) |
| 2021 | Test | World Test Championship Final | England | New Zealand |
| 2022 | T20/ODI | India Tour | India | India |
| 2023 | ODI | World Cup League | India | India |
Head-to-Head Record
Test Matches
- Total Matches: 62
- India Wins: 22
- New Zealand Wins: 13
- Drawn: 27
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Total Matches: 117
- India Wins: 59
- New Zealand Wins: 50
- No Result/Tie: 8
T20 Internationals
- Total Matches: 27
- India Wins: 16
- New Zealand Wins: 9
- Tied/No Result: 2
Famous Matches Between India and New Zealand
2019 World Cup Semi-Final
One of the most dramatic matches in their history was the 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final. New Zealand won the game and reached the final, breaking Indian fans’ hearts. Rain delays made the match stretch over two days, and India fell short in a tough chase.
2021 World Test Championship Final
This was the first-ever WTC Final, and it was held in Southampton, England. New Zealand defeated India in a low-scoring match and became the World Test Champions. Kyle Jamieson and Kane Williamson were the heroes for New Zealand.
2020 T20I Series in New Zealand
India created history by winning 5-0 in a T20 series against New Zealand. It was a complete whitewash, and KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Virat Kohli were standout players.
Top Players in India vs New Zealand Matches
Indian Cricket Stars
- Virat Kohli – One of India’s top run-scorers against New Zealand.
- MS Dhoni – Known for his calmness and match-winning skills.
- Sachin Tendulkar – Scored many centuries against New Zealand.
- Rohit Sharma – Dangerous opener in both ODIs and T20s.
- Jasprit Bumrah – Key fast bowler with great success in recent matches.
New Zealand Cricket Stars
- Kane Williamson – The captain and backbone of the team.
- Ross Taylor – Played many match-winning innings.
- Trent Boult – Leading wicket-taker against India.
- Tim Southee – Experienced bowler who always performs against India.
- Kyle Jamieson – Rising star, especially in Test matches.
Home and Away Performance
India at Home
India has a strong record at home against New Zealand. The Indian pitches help their spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, who have troubled New Zealand batters.
India in New Zealand
Playing in New Zealand is a big challenge for India. The pitches help fast bowlers, and India has struggled in the past, especially in ODIs and Tests.
T20I Battles – Fast and Furious
The T20 matches between these two teams have been very close. Many matches have gone to super overs or last-ball finishes. Fans enjoy these short-format games because they are filled with action and excitement.
World Cup Meetings
India and New Zealand have met several times in World Cups. These matches are always high-pressure games with millions watching.
World Cup Record Summary:
- 1975: New Zealand won
- 1979: New Zealand won
- 1987: India won
- 1992: New Zealand won
- 1999: New Zealand won
- 2003: India won
- 2019: New Zealand won (Semi-Final)
- 2023: India won
Fun Facts About India vs New Zealand Cricket
Did You Know?
- The first-ever match between India and New Zealand was in 1955, and it ended in a draw.
- New Zealand defeated India in both the 2019 World Cup semi-final and 2021 WTC Final.
- India once won a T20 match in a Super Over after both teams scored the same number of runs.
- In 2020, India won five T20Is in a row in New Zealand – a record for an away team.
Key Moments That Changed the Rivalry
Kohli vs Boult
This has been one of the best battles in recent times. Trent Boult has often troubled Virat Kohli with his left-arm swing bowling.
MS Dhoni Run-Out – 2019 Semi-Final
This was a heartbreaking moment for Indian fans. MS Dhoni was run out at a crucial moment, which ended India’s hopes in the World Cup.
Double Century by Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid scored a brilliant double century in a Test match in 2003, helping India secure a strong position.
India vs New Zealand: Off-Field Friendship
While the teams compete fiercely on the field, the players share good friendships off the field. Players like Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli are known for their mutual respect and sportsmanship.
Recent Series Overview (2023–2024)
India and New Zealand continue to play series regularly in all formats. India dominated the 2023 ODI World Cup match, but New Zealand remains a strong side.
What to Expect in the Future?
With many young talents like Shubman Gill, Devon Conway, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Finn Allen, the future matches between India and New Zealand promise more excitement. Both teams are focusing on building balanced squads for future World Cups and ICC tournaments.
Conclusion
The cricket rivalry between India and New Zealand has grown over the decades. From Test battles in the 1950s to thrilling World Cup matches, the journey has been exciting. With talented players, passionate fans, and memorable games, this rivalry continues to be one of the best in the world of cricket. Whether India or New Zealand wins, the real winner is always cricket.