India vs New Zealand Head to Head in Cricket: Cricket is a sport of pride, skill, and fierce competition. It also has a spirit of camaraderie. No rivalry shows this better than India vs. New Zealand. Known for their sportsmanship and talent, these two teams have treated fans to some unforgettable moments.
India usually leads in head-to-head records. But, New Zealand’s skill and grit make them tough foes. Whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20s, the clash between the “Men in Blue” and the “Black Caps” always brings excitement, unpredictability, and drama.
India and New Zealand have a rich history. Their first Test was in 1955. They have since played 186 matches across formats. India has won 86 of these, while New Zealand has claimed 69 victories. Each game adds a new chapter to the legacy of this timeless rivalry.
India vs New Zealand Head to Head in Cricket
The rivalry between India and New Zealand began with a Test match in 1955. Although that game ended in a draw, it marked the beginning of a cricketing saga. Since then, both teams have grown in skill and reputation, with some of the world’s best players emerging from each country.
Today, their contests span all formats: Tests, ODIs, and high-energy T20s. In these, both teams showcase their diverse cricketing styles.
Test Matches
The classic format of Test cricket has brought out the best in both teams. India won 21 of the 59 Tests played against New Zealand, while the Kiwis claimed victory in 12 matches, with 26 games ending in draws. India’s strength is their deep batting and spin attack.
New Zealand’s seam bowlers have thrived in their home conditions. One of the most significant recent matches was the 2021 World Test Championship (WTC) Final. New Zealand beat India in that high-stakes match. They won the championship and heightened the rivalry.
The WTC Final was a landmark event, and despite the loss, India has a strong track record in Tests against New Zealand, especially in home conditions.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
The ODI format has seen these teams go head-to-head 110 times. India has won 55 of these encounters, while New Zealand has won 49, with 6 matches ending with no result. The first ODI between these two teams was held in 1975, and since then, they have provided thrilling contests, often in ICC tournaments.
One of the most memorable India vs. New Zealand ODI clashes occurred in the 2019 ICC World Cup semi-final. In a dramatic match, New Zealand held their nerve to secure an 18-run victory, dashing India’s hopes of reaching the final.
The highlight was the run-out of India’s MS Dhoni. It broke Indian fans’ hearts and proved New Zealand’s tenacity in high-stakes matches.
T20 Internationals (T20Is)
In the T20s, India and New Zealand are tied. Each has won 8 of 17 matches, with one having no result. The first T20I match between the two teams took place during the 2007 ICC T20 World Cup, which New Zealand won by 10 runs. Since then, both teams have played exciting matches.
They featured big-hitting batsmen, sharp fielding, and clever bowling. New Zealand is known for its fast-paced approach in T20 cricket, with players like Colin Munro and Trent Boult making a significant impact.
Meanwhile, India’s big hitters, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, have led India’s T20 team to victory many times. So, their matches are thrilling to watch.
Key Players in the India-New Zealand Rivalry
Both teams have produced some of the finest cricket talents who have contributed to the rivalry’s legacy.
| India | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | Kane Williamson |
| Rohit Sharma | Trent Boult |
| Rishabh Pant | Kyle Jamieson |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Tom Latham |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Ross Taylor |
The current squads have players with varied skills. They excel at batting, bowling, and fielding. These players have excelled individually. They also helped their teams by achieving impressive milestones in head-to-head matches.
Notable Individual Records
The India-New Zealand rivalry has produced numerous individual records and milestones:
-
Most Runs Scored: Rahul Dravid has the record for most Test runs against New Zealand, with 1,659. Sachin Tendulkar leads in ODIs, with 1,750. In T20Is, Colin Munro’s 426 runs make him New Zealand’s highest scorer against India.
-
Highest Individual Scores: Brendon McCullum’s 302 in a Test against India is unforgettable. Sachin Tendulkar’s 186* is the highest ODI score in their rivalry. In T20Is, Colin Munro scored an unbeaten 109* against India.
-
Most Wickets Taken: New Zealand’s RJ Hadlee leads Tests with 65 wickets. India’s Javagal Srinath holds the ODI record with 51. Ish Sodhi leads in T20I wickets with 17 dismissals against India.
World Cup Clashes
In the ICC World Cups, New Zealand holds the edge over India, winning 5 of their 9 encounters. The teams first met in the 1975 World Cup, and New Zealand emerged victorious. This trend continued over the years. The Kiwis often beat India in World Cup matches.
The 2019 semi-final was a heart-wrenching match for Indian fans. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling and fielding gave them an 18-run win, ending India’s campaign. This game highlighted New Zealand’s grit and tactical acumen, making them a challenging opponent in crucial games.
| Year | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | New Zealand won by 4 wickets | Glenn Turner |
| 1979 | New Zealand won by 8 wickets | Bruce Edgar |
| 1987 | India won by 16 runs | Kapil Dev |
| 1992 | New Zealand won by 4 wickets | Mark Greatbatch |
| 2003 | India won by 7 wickets | Zaheer Khan |
| 2019 Semi-final | New Zealand won by 18 runs | Matt Henry |
Fantasy Cricket and Fan Engagement
For fans, the India-New Zealand rivalry offers a chance to not only witness top-tier cricket but also engage in fantasy cricket leagues. Platforms like BalleBaazi offer fantasy matches for India vs. New Zealand games.
Fans can build their teams, predict outcomes, and test their game knowledge. Fantasy leagues like this offer fans an opportunity to engage deeply with the sport and feel a part of the action.
FAQ
How many times India defeated New Zealand in cricket?
Since then, India has won 18 consecutive home series. This marked New Zealand’s first-ever Test series victory against India on Indian soil. The Kiwis had managed series draws before (1-1 in 1969 and 0-0 in 2003) but had never clinched a series win.
Who won the most matches, IND vs NZ?
The Kiwis have 14 wins in 63 Tests against India. India has 22 wins. The remaining matches ended in draws.
Has New Zealand never won a Test series in India?
Until Saturday, a New Zealand team had never won a Test series in India, dating back to their first tour in 1955. India bowled New Zealand out for 255 within the first hour. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, with a quick 77 off 65 balls, sparked hopes of a comeback. His aggressive innings raised hopes.
What is the winning rate of New Zealand?
New Zealand’s win percentage in Test cricket stands at 23.83. As of August 2021, they have played 449 Test matches, winning 107, losing 175, and drawing 167. Also, New Zealand is among the best ODI teams. They have reached the semi-finals of many tournaments.
Conclusion
As both teams continue to excel in the cricketing world, their rivalry only becomes more exciting. Fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the upcoming series. Keywords like “India vs. New Zealand next match” and “India vs. New Zealand today match” are trending.
Each encounter is a blend of passion, skill, and sportsmanship, representing the best of what cricket has to offer. The India-New Zealand rivalry shows cricket’s lasting appeal. It blends respect with fierce competition. Each game adds to its rich history. Fans can expect more thrill and great matches between these two cricketing giants.