India and New Zealand have developed one of the most competitive rivalries in international one-day cricket. Their ODI history dates back to the 1975 Cricket World Cup, and since then the two teams have met in bilateral series and major ICC tournaments. India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head in ODI
As of the end of the January 2026 ODI series, India and New Zealand have played 123 ODIs against each other. India have won 63 matches, while New Zealand have won 52. One match ended in a tie and seven matches produced no result.
Although India hold the overall advantage, New Zealand have often been a difficult opponent, particularly in knockout matches and when playing at home. The rivalry has produced several memorable World Cup and Champions Trophy encounters.
India vs New Zealand ODI Head-to-Head Record
| Category | India | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Total ODIs | 123 | 123 |
| Wins | 63 | 52 |
| Losses | 52 | 63 |
| Tied | 1 | 1 |
| No Result | 7 | 7 |
India therefore have a clear advantage in the overall ODI head-to-head record. However, the numbers become more interesting when matches are divided according to venue. India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head in ODI
In India, the hosts have dominated, winning 32 of 43 matches, while New Zealand have won 10. In New Zealand, the Kiwis have the stronger record, with 26 wins from 45 matches, compared with India’s 14. On neutral grounds, the contest is remarkably close, with India winning 17 and New Zealand 16.
First ODI Meeting
India and New Zealand first met in ODI cricket during the 1975 World Cup in England. New Zealand won their first two ODI encounters against India, establishing an early advantage in the rivalry.
India had to wait until March 1985 to record their first ODI victory over New Zealand. Since then, India’s record has improved considerably, particularly in home conditions.
Bilateral ODI Series History
The two sides have played several memorable bilateral ODI series.
India enjoyed particularly dominant performances at home. In the 1988-89 series, India defeated New Zealand 4-0. More than two decades later, India produced another outstanding home performance by winning the 2010-11 series 5-0.
New Zealand have also enjoyed strong periods. Their most notable home success came in the 2013-14 series, when they defeated India 4-0. That series also featured a dramatic tied ODI in Auckland.
India’s best ODI series performance in New Zealand came in 2019, when they won the five-match series 4-1.
Most Recent ODI Series: 2026
The latest bilateral ODI series between India and New Zealand took place in India in January 2026.
India won the first ODI in Vadodara by four wickets after successfully chasing New Zealand’s 300/8. New Zealand responded strongly in the second ODI in Rajkot, winning by seven wickets after scoring 286/3.
In the third ODI at Indore, New Zealand again produced an impressive performance, scoring 337/8 and defeating India by 41 runs. New Zealand therefore won the three-match series 2-1.
The result was significant because New Zealand became the first team to win a bilateral ODI series against India in India since the previous long period of Indian home dominance.
India vs New Zealand in ICC Tournaments
The rivalry becomes even more interesting in ICC competitions.
The teams have met several times at the Cricket World Cup, including major knockout matches. New Zealand famously defeated India in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, winning a tense low-scoring contest in Manchester.
Four years later, India defeated New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semi-final at Mumbai. India scored 397/4, with New Zealand making 327 before being bowled out. India won by 70 runs and advanced to the final.
The teams also met twice during the 2025 Champions Trophy. India defeated New Zealand by 44 runs in the group stage before beating them again in the final in Dubai by four wickets. India scored 254/6 while chasing New Zealand’s 251/7.
These matches demonstrate why India vs New Zealand has become particularly compelling in ICC tournaments.
Home and Away Advantage
Venue has played a major role in this rivalry.
India have been extremely successful against New Zealand on home soil. Their record of 32 wins in 43 matches in India demonstrates their dominance in familiar conditions.
New Zealand, however, have enjoyed a significant advantage when playing at home. They have won 26 of their 45 ODIs against India in New Zealand.
This difference highlights how conditions can influence the rivalry. Indian pitches often provide opportunities for spin and batting, while New Zealand’s conditions can offer movement for seam bowlers and challenging weather conditions.
Memorable India vs New Zealand ODI Matches
2014 Auckland Tie
One of the most dramatic matches between the teams came in Auckland in January 2014. The ODI ended in a tie, with both teams finishing on the same score.
It was part of a series that New Zealand eventually won 4-0, making the tied match even more memorable.
2019 World Cup Semi-Final
The 2019 World Cup semi-final remains one of the most famous matches in the rivalry. New Zealand posted 239/8 before India’s batting order struggled against the Kiwi bowling attack.
New Zealand won by 18 runs and eliminated India from the tournament.
2023 World Cup Semi-Final
India gained revenge in the 2023 World Cup semi-final at Wankhede Stadium. India produced a huge total of 397/4, powered by outstanding batting performances, before dismissing New Zealand for 327.
India won by 70 runs and reached the World Cup final.
2025 Champions Trophy Final
Another major chapter came in the 2025 Champions Trophy final. New Zealand scored 251/7, but India successfully chased the target, reaching 254/6 to win by four wickets.
The victory gave India another important ICC tournament win over New Zealand.
Key Players in the Rivalry
Several legendary players have contributed to the India-New Zealand ODI rivalry.
For India, players such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, Anil Kumble and Kapil Dev have played important roles against New Zealand over different generations.
New Zealand have been represented by outstanding cricketers including Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle, Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, Martin Guptill, Trent Boult and Tim Southee.
The rivalry has therefore featured some of the greatest batsmen and bowlers of the modern era.
Who Has the Upper Hand?
The India vs New Zealand ODI head-to-head record shows a rivalry that has evolved considerably since their first meeting in 1975. India now lead the overall contest with 63 victories from 123 matches, compared with New Zealand’s 52 wins, while one match has been tied and seven have ended without a result.
New Zealand’s 2-1 series victory in India in January 2026 added another important chapter to the rivalry. Despite India’s overall advantage, the Kiwis remain one of the toughest opponents India can face, particularly in ICC tournaments and in New Zealand.
With both teams possessing world-class batting, bowling and fielding talent, future India-New Zealand ODI matches are likely to produce more memorable moments and closely fought contests.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many ODIs have India and New Zealand played?
India and New Zealand have played 123 ODIs against each other as of January 2026.
2. Who has won more ODIs between India and New Zealand?
India have the advantage, winning 63 matches, while New Zealand have won 52.
3. When did India and New Zealand first play an ODI?
India and New Zealand first played an ODI during the 1975 Cricket World Cup in England.
4. Who won the latest India vs New Zealand ODI series?
New Zealand won the latest three-match ODI series 2-1 in India in January 2026.
5. Which team has the better ODI record in India?
India have the much stronger record at home, winning 32 of their 43 ODIs against New Zealand in India.