Introduction
It is believed that the India nation’s cricket team is vying with the New Zealand national cricket team timeline is full of memorable games, intense rivalries and memorable performances. Since their first match in the year 1955 the two teams have played in various formats–ODIs, Tests and T20Is, creating an enduring legacy that has delighted cricket fans around the world.
This article examines the entire India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline with a focus on the most memorable moments, famous games, and head-tohead stats.
Table of Contents
1. Early Encounters (1955-1975)

First Test Series (1955-56)
- India traveled to New Zealand for a five-match Test series which concluded in the draw of a draw.
- Indian legends such as Vinoo Mankad and Polly Umrigar played crucial parts in the film.
- New Zealand struggled with the bat, but were unable to get an advantage.
New Zealand’s First Test Victory (1968)
- The year was 1968 and New Zealand secured its first-ever victory in a Test against India in Christchurch.
- The all-rounder of the year Graham Dowling played a key part in the success of New Zealand.
India’s Dominance in the 1970s
- The Indian team was headed by Sunil Gavaskar as well as Bishan Singh Bedi remained in their dominance.
- The year 1976 was the first time India took a victory in a match played in New Zealand, further solidifying their position as a cricketer in the international arena.
2. Rise of One-Day Internationals (1976-1999)
First ODI Encounter (1976)
- It was the first ODI played between India with New Zealand was played on the 14th of June in 1976 in Auckland.
- India was defeated by New Zealand by 80 runs.
1980s & 1990s: Kapil Dev vs Richard Hadlee
- The 1980s witnessed epic fights among Indian Captain Kapil Dev and New Zealand legend Richard Hadlee.
- The year 1987 saw Hadlee’s batting destroyed India and helped New Zealand secure a famous victory.
- India and the popularity of Sachin Tendulkar gained an advantage in the 90s.
3. The 21st Century Rivalry (2000-2015)
2000 ICC Knockout Trophy Final
- New Zealand defeated India in the final of the ICC Knockout Trophy 2000 under the captaincy of Stephen Fleming.
- This is still one of New Zealand’s most significant victories against India at ODIs.
India’s Whitewash in 2002-03 Test Series
- India had to be whitewashed with a score of 0-2 during the 2002-03 series of Test matches in New Zealand.
- The challenging conditions and the speed assault by Shane Bond proved to be too for India.
2008-09: India’s First Test Series Win in New Zealand in 41 Years
- The team was led by by MS Dhoni, India won their first Test series in New Zealand after 41 years (since 1968).).
- Gautam Gambhir as well as Rahul Dravid were key players in the series win.
2014: India Dominates ODIs but Loses Tests
- The 2014 tour saw New Zealand won the Test series by a score of 1-0 and thanks to Brendon McCullum scoring a triple century..
- India returned to winning ways in ODIs by winning the series by a score of 3-2.
4. The Modern Era: 2016-Present
2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final

- A single of the more painful defeats for India was in the 2019 Cricket World Cup semi-final.
- India was beaten by 221 as they chased the 240 mark, and MS Dhoni run out in a dramatic final.
- New Zealand reached the final but fell against England in the storied Final of the Super Over.
World Test Championship 2021 Final
- in 2021. New Zealand defeated India in the ICC World Test Championship final in Southampton.
- Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor helped New Zealand to an 8-wicket victory.
- It represented the nation’s the first ICC Test championship title..
India’s Whitewash in T20Is (2020)
- India got their first-ever five-point T20I series whitewash over New Zealand in 2020.
- KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah were the standout performers.
2023 ODI World Cup Semi-Final
- India have avenged their loss in 2019 by winning against New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final.
- Virat Kohli’s world record breaking century as well as Mohammed Shami’s seven wicket haul were the highlights of the game.
5. Head-to-Head Records (As of 2024)
Overall India vs New Zealand Record
Format | Matches Played | India Wins | New Zealand Wins | Draw/Tie/No Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
Tests | 63 | 22 | 13 | 28 |
ODIs | 117 | 60 | 50 | 7 |
T20Is | 27 | 16 | 11 | 0 |
India has the upper hand in T20Is and ODIs as well, whereas New Zealand has proven to be an extremely formidable opponent during tests.
Conclusion
The India national cricket team is vying with the New Zealand national cricket team timeline is filled with historical encounters, legendary performances, and memorable moments. While India has been dominant in shorter forms, New Zealand has proven to be a formidable opponent in Tests as well as ICC tournaments.
With emerging stars such as Shubman Gill Ruturaj Gaikwad Devon Conway as well as Glenn Phillips, the rivalry is expected to rise to new heights in the next few years. Cricket fans can anticipate more exciting matches between the two nations in the coming ICC series and bilateral matches.
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