Beginning
From their first meeting in 1955, the cricketing rivalry between India and New Zealand has generated unforgettable events. From exciting Test matches to high-stakes World Cup contests, the two teams have shown sportsmanship and competitive energy. Here is a chronology spanning their clashes across several media highlighting the salient features.
Early years: 1950s–1970s
1955: Beginning Test Series
India welcomed New Zealand for a five-match Test series. The rivalry began when India emerged 2-0 at the series’ conclusion.
1967/68: First Test Series Win for New Zealand
Leading with Bert Sutcliffe’s batting and Richard Collinge’s bowling, New Zealand won their first Test series against India at home.
1975: First ODI Confluence
• The teams convened during the first Cricket World Cup for their first-ever ODI. India won, Sunil Gavaskar providing a consistent knock.
The 1980s: Gathering Momentum
1981: Rule in New Zealand
• Richard Hadlee’s all-around genius helped New Zealand to record a historic Test cricket series triumph over India.
1987: Showdown for the World Cup
• Kapil Dev and Chetan Sharma were instrumental in India’s group-stage ICC Cricket World Cup victory over New Zealand.
The competitive edge of the 1990s
1994: New Zealand’s Test Win in India • Danny Morrison’s outstanding bowling performance helped New Zealand to win their first-ever Test on Indian ground.
1999 World Cup: Match in Groups
• Driven by outstanding performance from Geoff Allott and Chris Cairns, New Zealand beat India in a closely fought game.
The High-performance Era of the 2000s
2002: Series NatWest
• Although not a bilateral series, both teams displayed their might in a triangular event; India and New Zealand produced some outstanding games.
2009: Historic Series victory in New Zealand
Under MS Dhoni’s direction, Gautam Gambhir and Harbhajan Singh stood out as India won its first Test series triumph in New Zealand after 41 years.
The 2010s: Remarkable Games
2014: Triple century of Brendon McCullum
• New Zealand’s remarkable draw was guaranteed by McCullum’s gallant 302 in the Wellington Test.
World Cup T20 2016:
Though India was the favorites, New Zealand startled her with a spin-dominated group stage performance.
2019 Semifinal World Cup:
With Matt Henry and Trent Boult destroying India’s batting order, New Zealand stunned India in a dramatic rain-affected semifinal.
The 2020s: Recent Rivalry
World Test Championship Final in 2021:
• New Zealand defeated India in a rain-torn final at Southampton to claim the first World Test Championship championship.
Series ODI 2023:
• India crushed New Zealand in a home ODI series with Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj delivering match-winning efforts.
World Cup Showdown for 2023:
Thanks to outstanding efforts by Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, India snapped their losing run against New Zealand in World Cups in the group level of the ICC Cricket World Cup.
Notable Figures
China
• Kapil Dev, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Sachin Tendolkar
Australia
• Richard Hadlee; Stephen Fleming; Brendon McCullum; Kane Williamson; Trent Boult
In summary
Offering events of drama, skill, and sportsmanship, the India-New Zealand cricket rivalry still enthralls spectators. Both teams are regularly playing at the best, thus their future meetings seem even more exciting cricketing action.
