New Zealand vs West Indies is one of the most entertaining matchups in international T20 cricket. The two teams have faced each other in bilateral series as well as ICC tournaments, producing several high-scoring games, close finishes and memorable individual performances. New Zealand vs West Indies Head-to-Head in T20
The rivalry began in T20I cricket in 2006 and has continued for nearly two decades. New Zealand have generally enjoyed the better record, but West Indies have also produced some outstanding victories, particularly when their explosive batting and powerful all-rounders have found the right conditions.
The most recent five-match T20I series between the teams was played in New Zealand in November 2025. New Zealand won that series 3-1, with the fourth match abandoned because of rain. Across the overall T20I history, New Zealand have won 14 matches, West Indies have won eight, and three matches have ended without a result.
New Zealand vs West Indies T20 Head-to-Head Record
Based on the latest completed T20I meetings: New Zealand vs West Indies Head-to-Head in T20
| Category | New Zealand | West Indies |
|---|---|---|
| T20I Matches | 25 | 25 |
| Wins | 14 | 8 |
| Losses | 8 | 14 |
| No Results | 3 | 3 |
| Tied matches | 0* | 0* |
| Win percentage** | 63.64% | 36.36% |
*The historic 2006 match was tied on scores but was decided by a bowl-out, so statistical databases differ in how they classify it.
**Win percentage excludes no-results. The overall record of 25 matches, 14 New Zealand wins, 8 West Indies wins and 3 no-results is reported by current historical databases.
New Zealand therefore have a clear statistical advantage in this rivalry.
First T20I Meeting: 2006
New Zealand and West Indies first met in T20I cricket on February 16, 2006, at Eden Park in Auckland.
The match was extremely close. Both teams finished on 126 runs, resulting in a tie. New Zealand eventually won the bowl-out.
It was one of the earliest examples of a tied T20 international being decided through the bowl-out system.
This match established a rivalry that would later include bilateral series and major ICC tournaments.
New Zealand’s Overall Advantage
New Zealand have been the more successful side in T20Is between the two teams.
Their record of 14 wins from 25 matches demonstrates their consistency. West Indies have won eight times, while three matches have produced no result.
New Zealand’s success has generally come from a combination of disciplined bowling, strong middle-order batting and effective tactical cricket.
The Black Caps have also benefited from players who can perform multiple roles. Their ability to adapt to different conditions has often been important against the West Indies.
West Indies’ T20 Strength
Despite the overall head-to-head disadvantage, West Indies remain one of the most dangerous T20 teams in world cricket.
The Caribbean side has traditionally produced some of the game’s most destructive T20 batters. Their strength lies in aggressive stroke play, six-hitting and the ability to change a match in only a few overs.
Players such as Chris Gayle, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell helped establish the West Indies as a major force in T20 cricket.
The current generation continues that tradition with powerful hitters and versatile all-rounders.
When West Indies get a strong start in the powerplay, they can put enormous pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers.
New Zealand vs West Indies: 2025 T20I Series
The most recent major T20I series between the teams took place in New Zealand in November 2025.
The five-match series produced four completed games, with the fourth match abandoned because of rain. New Zealand won the series 3-1.
1st T20I – West Indies Won
West Indies won the opening match by 7 runs.
New Zealand scored 157/9 while West Indies made 164/6. The visitors successfully defended their total and took an early 1-0 lead.
It was an important victory because West Indies started the series against the statistically stronger team with confidence.
2nd T20I – New Zealand Won
New Zealand responded in the second match.
The hosts scored 207/5, while West Indies finished on 204/8. New Zealand therefore won by just 3 runs.
The match demonstrated how closely matched the sides could be when West Indies’ batting lineup was firing.
3rd T20I – New Zealand Won
New Zealand then won the third T20I by 9 runs.
West Indies scored 168/10 in response to New Zealand’s 177/9. The victory gave New Zealand a 2-1 series lead.
4th T20I – No Result
The fourth match was affected by rain and ended without a result.
This meant West Indies needed to win the final match to draw the series.
5th T20I – New Zealand Won
New Zealand won the final T20I by 8 wickets.
West Indies were bowled out for 140, while New Zealand chased the target and reached 141/2. The result gave New Zealand a 3-1 series victory.
Recent T20I Results
| Date | Result |
|---|---|
| Nov. 5, 2025 | West Indies won by 7 runs |
| Nov. 6, 2025 | New Zealand won by 3 runs |
| Nov. 9, 2025 | New Zealand won by 9 runs |
| Nov. 10, 2025 | No result |
| Nov. 13, 2025 | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| Jun. 13, 2024 | West Indies won by 13 runs |
| Aug. 15, 2022 | West Indies won by 8 wickets |
| Aug. 13, 2022 | New Zealand won by 90 runs |
| Aug. 11, 2022 | New Zealand won by 13 runs |
The 2025 series particularly highlighted New Zealand’s ability to win close matches.
Memorable 2024 T20 World Cup Match
New Zealand and West Indies also met at the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
West Indies scored 149/9, while New Zealand made 136/9. West Indies won by 13 runs.
The result was significant because the match took place on the global stage rather than in a bilateral series.
West Indies’ ability to defend a relatively modest total showed the importance of their bowling attack and their experience in pressure situations.
For New Zealand, the defeat demonstrated how difficult it can be to chase even moderate totals when West Indies’ bowlers create pressure.
Biggest New Zealand Victory
One of New Zealand’s most dominant victories over West Indies came in 2022, when the Black Caps won by 90 runs.
New Zealand scored 215/5, while West Indies were restricted to 125/9.
The 90-run victory remains one of the most substantial winning margins in this head-to-head rivalry.
New Zealand’s ability to score more than 200 and then restrict the Caribbean side showed how effective their batting and bowling units could be when operating at their best.
Batting Comparison
T20 cricket is heavily influenced by batting power, and both teams possess plenty of it.
New Zealand
New Zealand’s batting approach generally combines controlled stroke play with acceleration during the middle and final overs.
Modern New Zealand T20 batters such as Glenn Phillips, Finn Allen, Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell have provided different styles of attacking cricket.
The team can build an innings around partnerships before accelerating toward the end.
West Indies
West Indies have traditionally relied more heavily on explosive batting.
Their T20 culture has produced numerous players capable of hitting sixes from the first few deliveries.
The Caribbean team can be particularly dangerous when its top order survives the opening overs. A strong powerplay can provide the platform for a huge total.
Bowling Comparison
New Zealand’s bowling attack has often been one of their biggest advantages in this rivalry.
The team has traditionally relied on disciplined seam bowling, intelligent changes of pace and effective spin during the middle overs.
The emergence of bowlers such as Jacob Duffy has added another dimension. Duffy was outstanding during the 2025/26 tour, taking 10 wickets in the five-match T20I series at an economy rate of 6.72 and earning the series award.
West Indies also have quality bowling options. Their fast bowlers can create pressure with pace and bounce, while their spinners can be effective on slower surfaces.
Key Players
New Zealand
Mitchell Santner – An experienced left-arm spinner and all-rounder who can control the middle overs.
Glenn Phillips – A powerful batter and athletic fielder who can change the momentum of a match quickly.
Daryl Mitchell – A versatile batter who is capable of playing both controlled and aggressive innings.
Jacob Duffy – A key fast bowler who made a major impact during the 2025 T20I series.
West Indies
Nicholas Pooran – One of the Caribbean’s most dangerous modern T20 batters.
Rovman Powell – A powerful middle-order batter and experienced T20 player.
Andre Russell – A world-renowned T20 all-rounder capable of making an impact with both bat and ball.
Alzarri Joseph – A fast bowler capable of producing wickets with pace and bounce.
The exact squads change over time, but these types of players illustrate the contrasting strengths of the two teams.
New Zealand vs West Indies at the T20 World Cup
The rivalry has also featured in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup competition.
Their World Cup meetings have added extra importance because the pressure of a knockout or group-stage tournament can change the way teams approach the game.
West Indies’ victory over New Zealand in the 2024 tournament was one example of the Caribbean side performing effectively against the Black Caps on the biggest stage.
New Zealand, however, have generally maintained the better overall T20I record.
Who Has the Better T20I Record?
New Zealand have the better overall head-to-head record.
They have won 14 of the 25 T20Is between the teams, compared with eight victories for West Indies. Three matches ended without a result.
However, the rivalry is not one-sided.
West Indies have beaten New Zealand in important matches, including the 2024 T20 World Cup. They also won the first match of the 2025 series before New Zealand recovered to win the next three completed matches.
Future of the Rivalry
New Zealand vs West Indies should remain an attractive T20 contest because the teams bring different strengths.
New Zealand generally emphasize tactical discipline, adaptability and balanced team selection. West Indies bring natural power, aggressive batting and extensive experience in franchise T20 cricket.
Conditions will also be important.
On a fast New Zealand pitch, the Black Caps’ seam attack can become particularly dangerous. On a slower Caribbean surface, West Indies’ spinners and power hitters may have a greater advantage.
The result could therefore depend heavily on venue, toss, team selection and powerplay performance.
Conclusion
The New Zealand vs West Indies T20I rivalry has produced some excellent cricket since their first meeting in 2006.
New Zealand currently hold the statistical advantage, with 14 wins from 25 T20Is, compared with eight victories for West Indies and three no-results.
The 2025 series further strengthened New Zealand’s position after they defeated West Indies 3-1. However, West Indies remain capable of beating New Zealand, as demonstrated by their 2024 T20 World Cup victory and their seven-run win in the opening match of the 2025 series.
With powerful batters, quality fast bowlers and experienced all-rounders on both sides, future meetings should continue to provide exciting T20 cricket.
5 Q&A: New Zealand vs West Indies Head-to-Head in T20
1. How many T20I matches have New Zealand and West Indies played?
New Zealand and West Indies have played 25 T20I matches according to current historical records.
2. Who has won more T20Is between New Zealand and West Indies?
New Zealand have won more matches, with 14 victories compared with eight for West Indies. Three matches ended without a result.
3. Who won the latest T20I series between New Zealand and West Indies?
New Zealand won the five-match 2025 series 3-1, with one match ending without a result.
4. Who won the New Zealand vs West Indies match at the 2024 T20 World Cup?
West Indies won by 13 runs after scoring 149/9 and restricting New Zealand to 136/9.
5. What was the biggest New Zealand win over West Indies in recent T20I history?
New Zealand defeated West Indies by 90 runs in 2022, after scoring 215/5 and restricting West Indies to 125/9.