The rivalry between India and New Zealand in cricket has evolved significantly over the years, spanning numerous memorable encounters across formats. This timeline showcases key moments in their head-to-head battles, focusing on ODI and Test formats, along with detailed series results that highlight the ebb and flow of dominance between the two nations.
One-Day International (ODI) Encounters
India and New Zealand first crossed paths in an ODI in 1975, and since then, their ODI series have been intense and often closely contested. Both teams have shown strong performances, with India generally holding an edge in recent years. The ODI encounters are characterized by high-scoring games, skilled bowling, and thrilling finishes, making India vs. New Zealand ODIs a fan favorite.
Key ODI Series Highlights
- 1985–1986: India won the series convincingly in their home conditions.
- 1999–2000: New Zealand took the upper hand with a strong performance in a home series.
- 2019–2020: New Zealand defeated India 3-0 at home, showcasing their expertise in familiar conditions.
Scorecard (ODI Results)
| Date | Venue | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10, 2019 | Hamilton | New Zealand | NZ won by 8 wickets |
| Oct 29, 2019 | Delhi | India | IND won by 6 wickets |
| Dec 3, 2021 | Mumbai | India | IND won by 372 runs |
India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline: Series Results Overview
India and New Zealand have engaged in numerous Test series since their first face-off in 1955. Each series in this timeline has brought unique challenges, including varying pitches, weather conditions, and team strategies. The table below details each series and its results, showing how the momentum has shifted between the teams over the decades.
Test Series Results Between India and New Zealand
The Test series results between India and New Zealand reflect a long-standing rivalry that has evolved over nearly seven decades. Their first encounter took place in the 1955–56 season when New Zealand toured India, with India emerging victorious by a 2-0 margin in a five-match series. Following this, India continued its dominance on home soil, notably winning series in 1964–65 and 1976–77, where they outperformed New Zealand with favorable conditions for their spin-heavy attack.
When India toured New Zealand in the 1967–68 season, they won the series 3-1, marking India’s first overseas series victory. However, New Zealand began to gain ground, drawing series such as in 1969–70 and the 1975–76 season, both closely contested. New Zealand’s first series win came in 1980–81, showing their improvement and strength on home soil. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the results were mixed, with each team enjoying success on its home grounds.
In the 2002–03 season, New Zealand defeated India 2-0 at home in challenging seaming conditions, while India swept the series at home in 2016–17 with a comprehensive 3-0 victory. More recently, New Zealand defeated India 2-0 at home in the 2019–20 season, using their pace-friendly pitches to great effect. The rivalry reached a global stage in 2021 when New Zealand triumphed over India in the World Test Championship Final in England, marking a historic win.
| Series/Tournament | Season | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1955/56 | India | 2-0 (5) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1964/65 | India | 1-0 (4) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 1967/68 | India | 3-1 (4) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1969/70 | Drawn | 1-1 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 1975/76 | Drawn | 1-1 (3) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1976/77 | India | 2-0 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 1980/81 | New Zealand | 1-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1988/89 | India | 2-1 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 1989/90 | New Zealand | 1-0 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Match | 1993/94 | Drawn | 0-0 (1) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1995/96 | India | 1-0 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 1998/99 | New Zealand | 1-0 (2) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1999/00 | India | 1-0 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 2002/03 | New Zealand | 2-0 (2) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 2003/04 | Drawn | 0-0 (2) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 2008/09 | India | 1-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 2010/11 | India | 1-0 (3) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 2012 | India | 2-0 (2) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 2013/14 | New Zealand | 1-0 (2) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 2016/17 | India | 3-0 (3) |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 2019/20 | New Zealand | 2-0 (2) |
| India v New Zealand Test Match (in England) | 2021 | New Zealand | 1-0 (1) |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 2021/22 | India | 1-0 (2) |
Series Analysis
Across these decades, India has generally held an edge on home soil, benefiting from familiar conditions. However, New Zealand has proven itself a formidable opponent, particularly in home series where their pace attack thrives on seaming pitches. This balance of power keeps each encounter fresh and competitive, contributing to the enduring popularity of the rivalry.
The 2021 World Test Championship Final held in England marked a high point in the rivalry, with New Zealand clinching victory to become the inaugural World Test Champions.
Read More: India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Stats
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between India and New Zealand offers fans a rich history of competitive cricket across varied conditions and formats. Whether on subcontinent pitches or the green-topped wickets in New Zealand, both teams have consistently brought their best, making each series an unforgettable display of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. As the rivalry continues, fans eagerly anticipate new chapters in this ever-evolving cricketing saga.
