India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline – FAQs

Cricket rivalries often hinge on emotion, history, and iconic moments. While some rivalries are fierce and loud, the contest between the India national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team is a quiet storm — a battle of skill, consistency, and mutual respect. Over the decades, these two cricketing nations have written memorable chapters in the game’s history, from drawn-out Test matches in the 1950s to high-pressure ICC knockout games in the 21st century.

In this blog, we’ll take a journey through the India national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline, answering key questions fans frequently ask and uncovering stories that have shaped this enduring rivalry.

🕰️ India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline: A Brief Overview

1955 – The Beginning of the Rivalry

• India’s First Tour to New Zealand

• A five-Test series ended in a 2-0 win for India.

• Significance: Marked the beginning of the India national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline.

1968 – New Zealand’s First Win Against India

• New Zealand won their first-ever Test match against India at Dunedin.

• They also won the series 1-3.

• Turning point in the rivalry, showing NZ could challenge the subcontinent giants.

1981 – Drawn Series in NZ

• All three Tests were drawn, but the ODI leg introduced sharper competition.

1999 – ODIs Gain Prominence

• With the rise of ODI cricket, both teams started clashing frequently in tri-series and bilateral series.

• India began asserting dominance in subcontinental conditions.

2002–03 – A Tough Tour for India

• India lost both Tests and ODIs on a seamer-friendly New Zealand tour.

• A highlight in the India national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline, as NZ’s pace battery dominated India.

2019 – World Cup Semi-Final Heartbreak

• Rain-affected match stretched over two days.

• New Zealand knocked India out of the 2019 World Cup in Manchester.

• One of the most emotionally charged games in modern cricket history.

2021 – World Test Championship Final

• Held in Southampton, England.

• New Zealand beat India to become the first-ever WTC Champions.

• Cemented NZ’s modern-day dominance in knockout matches against India.

2023 – India’s Redemption

• India defeated New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final.

• Virat Kohli scored a record-breaking 50th ODI century.

• This win broke the knockout curse and balanced the narrative in the India national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline.

🏏 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When did India and New Zealand first play each other in international cricket?

India and New Zealand played their first official Test match in 1955 at Hyderabad (Deccan). This match marked the beginning of the India national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline.

Q2: How many matches have the two teams played across formats?

As of mid-2025, here’s the approximate count:

• Tests: 60+ matches

• ODIs: 115+ matches

• T20Is: 30+ matches

While India has a stronger record in ODIs and T20Is, New Zealand has often had the upper hand in ICC knockout games and Tests at home.

Q3: What are the most iconic matches in this timeline?

1. 2019 ICC World Cup Semi-Final

• Venue: Manchester, UK

• Result: New Zealand won by 18 runs

• Highlight: MS Dhoni’s run-out in the final stages added drama to a heartbreak loss.

2. 2021 WTC Final

• Venue: Southampton

• Result: NZ won by 8 wickets

• Key Performers: Kyle Jamieson, Kane Williamson

• Significance: A crowning achievement for NZ in Test cricket.

3. 2023 ICC World Cup Semi-Final

• Venue: Wankhede, Mumbai

• Result: India won by 70 runs

• Star: Virat Kohli’s 117 and Shami’s 7-wicket haul

4. 2003 World Cup Group Match

• India dismissed New Zealand for 146 and chased it down easily, showcasing India’s rising dominance.

Q4: What is the head-to-head record in Tests?

• Tests Played: 60+

• India Wins: ~22

• New Zealand Wins: ~13

• Draws: ~25
  India has historically performed better, especially at home, but New Zealand has been dominant in their home conditions since the early 2000s.

Q5: What is the head-to-head record in ODIs?

• ODIs Played: 115+

• India Wins: ~60

• New Zealand Wins: ~50

• No Result/Ties: 5+
  New Zealand often punches above its weight in ICC tournaments, even though India usually dominates bilateral series.

Q6: How about T20 Internationals?

• T20Is Played: 30+

• India Wins: ~17

• New Zealand Wins: ~13
  India has the edge in recent series, including Super Over thrillers and clean sweeps at home.

Q7: Who are the top run scorers in this rivalry?

For India:

• Sachin Tendulkar: Dominated NZ across formats.

• Virat Kohli: Consistent performer in all formats, with centuries in NZ and India.

• Rohit Sharma: Explosive in limited-overs matches.

For New Zealand:

• Kane Williamson: Steady across formats, particularly strong in Tests.

• Ross Taylor: A dependable middle-order rock in ODIs and Tests.

• Martin Guptill: Notable for T20I and ODI brilliance.

Q8: Who are the top wicket-takers in the India vs New Zealand timeline?

For India:

• Anil Kumble: Top wicket-taker in Tests vs NZ.

• Jasprit Bumrah: Key in recent away tours and ICC games.

• Mohammed Shami: Star of the 2023 World Cup semi-final.

For New Zealand:

• Richard Hadlee: Legendary fast bowler.

• Kyle Jamieson: WTC Final hero.

• Trent Boult: Key in white-ball formats, especially in ICC tournaments.

Q9: Why is New Zealand considered a tough opponent for India?

New Zealand’s seam-friendly conditions and disciplined bowling attacks challenge India’s batters, especially in Tests. Their calm, composed approach in ICC knockouts also puts psychological pressure on India, as seen in 2019 and 2021. This resilience is a defining part of the India national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline.

Q10: What are some recent bilateral series results?

2022 India Tour of NZ (White-ball):

• ODI Series: NZ won 1-0 (2 matches rained off).

• T20I Series: India won 1-0 (again, rain-affected).

2023 NZ Tour of India:

• India clean-swept the ODIs 3-0 and won the T20Is 2-1.

• Shubman Gill scored a double century in ODIs.

📈 Statistical Summary (As of 2025)

🌍 Cultural and Strategic Impact

• Mutual Respect: India and New Zealand share a relationship built more on sportsmanship than sledging.

• Contrasting Styles: India’s flair and firepower vs New Zealand’s calm and tactical execution.

• Fan Engagement: Matches are highly followed in both countries, with increasing TV viewership in ICC tournaments.

🔮 What’s Next in the Rivalry?

Upcoming Tours and ICC Events

• 2025 Champions Trophy (Pakistan): Potential group-stage or knockout clash.

• 2025-26 World Test Championship: Another high-stakes Test meeting is likely.

• 2026 T20 World Cup (India & SL): Both teams are favorites to reach semifinals.

Young Stars to Watch:

• India: Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Kuldeep Yadav

• NZ: Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Matt Henry

📝 Conclusion

The India national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team timeline is filled with respect, surprises, and evolving narratives. From early Tests in the 1950s to emotionally charged ICC knockouts and strategic bilateral series, this rivalry has grown into one of cricket’s most intriguing and balanced contests.

Though not as flashy as India vs Australia or as historic as India vs England, the India-New Zealand rivalry is steeped in sportsmanship, competitive cricket, and high-stakes performances that keep fans glued to their screens.

With the next few years promising even more drama and memorable moments, one thing’s certain — the timeline between these two teams is still being written, and the next chapter may be the best yet.