The cricketing rivalry between India and New Zealand has long been marked by competitive and exciting encounters. This article provides a detailed timeline of their Test series, including records, high scores, and key performances that have shaped their cricketing history.
India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
Below is a detailed timeline of the Test series between India and New Zealand, showcasing the outcomes of each series:
| Series/Tournament | Season | Winner | Margin | Notable Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1955/56 | India | 2-0 (5) | India won by 8 wickets in Delhi, by 6 wickets in Bombay |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1964/65 | India | 1-0 (4) | India won by an innings and 27 runs in Delhi |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 1967/68 | India | 3-1 (4) | India won by 5 wickets in Wellington |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1969/70 | Drawn | 1-1 (3) | One Test won by New Zealand in Bombay |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 1975/76 | Drawn | 1-1 (3) | India won in Wellington, New Zealand won in Auckland |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1976/77 | India | 2-0 (3) | India won by 10 wickets in Delhi, by 4 wickets in Bombay |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 1980/81 | New Zealand | 1-0 (3) | New Zealand won by 7 wickets in Wellington |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1988/89 | India | 2-1 (3) | India won by 272 runs in Bombay |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 1989/90 | New Zealand | 1-0 (3) | New Zealand won by 9 wickets in Auckland |
| India in New Zealand Test Match | 1993/94 | Drawn | 0-0 (1) | Match played in Wellington |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1995/96 | India | 1-0 (3) | India won by 105 runs in Mohali |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 1998/99 | New Zealand | 1-0 (2) | New Zealand won by 9 wickets in Wellington |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 1999/00 | India | 1-0 (3) | India won by 212 runs in Chennai |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 2002/03 | New Zealand | 2-0 (2) | New Zealand won by 10 wickets in Wellington |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 2003/04 | Drawn | 0-0 (2) | Both Tests were drawn |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 2008/09 | India | 1-0 (3) | India won by 10 wickets in Napier |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 2010/11 | India | 1-0 (3) | India won by 5 wickets in Ahmedabad |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 2012 | India | 2-0 (2) | India won by an innings in Hyderabad |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 2013/14 | New Zealand | 1-0 (2) | New Zealand won by 40 runs in Wellington |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 2016/17 | India | 3-0 (3) | India won by 197 runs in Kanpur |
| India in New Zealand Test Series | 2019/20 | New Zealand | 2-0 (2) | New Zealand won by 10 wickets in Christchurch |
| India v New Zealand Test Match (in England) | 2021 | New Zealand | 1-0 (1) | New Zealand won by 8 wickets in Southampton |
| New Zealand in India Test Series | 2021/22 | India | 1-0 (2) | India won by 372 runs in Mumbai |
1955/56: New Zealand in India Test Series
The 1955/56 series marked the beginning of a competitive cricket rivalry between India and New Zealand. India emerged victorious with a 2-0 series win in a 5-match series. The Indian team, led by the likes of Vijay Hazare and Vinoo Mankad, showcased their prowess on home soil. This series set the tone for future encounters between the two teams, establishing a strong foundation for their cricketing rivalry.
1964/65: New Zealand in India Test Series
In the 1964/65 series, India continued their dominance at home, winning the series 1-0. This 4-match series saw Indian players like Nawab of Pataudi and Bapu Nadkarni performing exceptionally well. The series was notable for India’s consistent performance and their ability to adapt to different playing conditions.
1967/68: India in New Zealand Test Series
The 1967/68 series in New Zealand was a significant milestone for Indian cricket. India managed to secure a 3-1 series win, a remarkable achievement considering the challenging conditions in New Zealand. The series was marked by outstanding performances from Indian players such as Chandu Borde and Pankaj Roy, who played pivotal roles in India’s historic victory.
1969/70: New Zealand in India Test Series
The 1969/70 series ended in a 1-1 draw across 3 matches. This series was characterized by tightly contested matches, with both teams showing resilience and skill. The drawn series highlighted the competitive nature of the encounters between India and New Zealand, setting the stage for future series.
1975/76: India in New Zealand Test Series
The 1975/76 series was another closely contested affair, ending in a 1-1 draw. The series was played in New Zealand, where the home team put up a strong fight. Despite the challenging conditions, Indian players such as Sunil Gavaskar and Bishan Singh Bedi made significant contributions to ensure a drawn series.
1976/77: New Zealand in India Test Series
India won the 1976/77 series 2-0 in a 3-match series. The series was notable for India’s strong performance on home soil. Indian players like Gavaskar and Bedi continued their impressive form, leading the team to a convincing series win.
1980/81: India in New Zealand Test Series
In the 1980/81 series held in New Zealand, the home team emerged victorious with a 1-0 series win. New Zealand’s victory was marked by strong performances from players like Geoff Howarth and Richard Hadlee. This series was significant as it highlighted New Zealand’s ability to compete effectively against strong Indian opposition.
1988/89: New Zealand in India Test Series
The 1988/89 series saw India winning 2-1 across 3 matches. The series was highlighted by outstanding performances from Indian batsmen like Sachin Tendulkar and Mohammad Azharuddin. India’s victory in this series demonstrated their strength at home and their growing prowess in international cricket.
1989/90: India in New Zealand Test Series
New Zealand emerged victorious in the 1989/90 series with a 1-0 win. The series, played in New Zealand, was marked by challenging conditions for the Indian team. However, New Zealand’s performance was exemplary, with key contributions from players like Martin Crowe and Richard Hadlee.
1993/94: India in New Zealand Test Match
The 1993/94 Test match, played in New Zealand, ended in a 0-0 draw. This single Test match was a close contest, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams. Despite the draw, it was a significant match that contributed to the ongoing rivalry between India and New Zealand.
1995/96: New Zealand in India Test Series
India won the 1995/96 series 1-0 across 3 matches. The series was notable for India’s strong performance on home soil. The Indian team, led by players like Sachin Tendulkar and Anil Kumble, demonstrated their ability to adapt and excel in different conditions.
1998/99: India in New Zealand Test Series
The 1998/99 series in New Zealand saw the home team winning 1-0 across 2 matches. New Zealand’s victory was marked by exceptional performances from their key players. The series highlighted the challenges faced by the Indian team in overseas conditions.
1999/00: New Zealand in India Test Series
India secured a 1-0 series win in the 1999/00 series held in India. The series was characterized by strong performances from Indian players, including Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid. India’s victory showcased their strength at home and their ability to compete effectively against New Zealand.
2002/03: India in New Zealand Test Series
The 2002/03 series in New Zealand saw New Zealand winning 2-0 across 2 matches. The series was notable for New Zealand’s dominant performance, with key contributions from players like Chris Cairns and Daniel Vettori. Despite the challenging conditions, New Zealand showcased their ability to perform well on home soil.
2003/04: New Zealand in India Test Series
The 2003/04 series ended in a 0-0 draw across 2 matches. This series was characterized by closely contested matches and strong performances from both teams. The drawn series highlighted the competitive nature of the rivalry between India and New Zealand.
2008/09: India in New Zealand Test Series
India won the 2008/09 series 1-0 across 3 matches. The series was marked by outstanding performances from Indian players like MS Dhoni and Virender Sehwag. India’s victory showcased their ability to compete effectively in challenging overseas conditions.
2010/11: New Zealand in India Test Series
India secured a 1-0 series win in the 2010/11 series held in India. The series was notable for India’s strong performance on home soil, with key contributions from players like Sachin Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir. India’s victory demonstrated their dominance at home.
2012: New Zealand in India Test Series
The 2012 series saw India winning 2-0 across 2 matches. The series was marked by impressive performances from Indian players, including Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara. India’s victory showcased their strength in home conditions.
2013/14: India in New Zealand Test Series
New Zealand won the 2013/14 series 1-0 across 2 matches. The series was characterized by challenging conditions for the Indian team, but New Zealand’s strong performance highlighted their ability to excel in home conditions.
2016/17: New Zealand in India Test Series
India won the 2016/17 series 3-0 across 3 matches. The series was marked by dominant performances from Indian players, including Ravi Ashwin and Virat Kohli. India’s victory showcased their strength on home soil and their ability to perform well against a strong New Zealand team.
2019/20: India in New Zealand Test Series
New Zealand secured a 2-0 series win in the 2019/20 series held in New Zealand. The series was notable for New Zealand’s strong performance, with key contributions from players like Kane Williamson and Tim Southee. Despite the challenges, New Zealand showcased their ability to excel in home conditions.
2021: India v New Zealand Test Match (in England)
The 2021 Test match, held in England, saw New Zealand emerging victorious with a 1-0 win. The match was a part of the ICC World Test Championship, and New Zealand’s victory was marked by exceptional performances from their key players.
2021/22: New Zealand in India Test Series
India won the 2021/22 series 1-0 across 2 matches. The series was characterized by strong performances from Indian players, including Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant. India’s victory showcased their ability to perform well in challenging conditions.
Table of Contents
Key Records and High Scores
Highest Team Scores
Here is a detailed look at the highest team scores in Test matches between India and New Zealand:
| Team | Opponent | Score | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | New Zealand | 630/6d | 27 Nov – 01 Dec 2016 | Indore |
| New Zealand | India | 620 | 07-11 Feb 1976 | Wellington |
| New Zealand | India | 500 | 07-10 Dec 1995 | Mohali |
| India | New Zealand | 473 | 10-13 Nov 2003 | Ahmedabad |
| India | New Zealand | 353 | 25-27 Dec 1988 | Bombay |
The highest team scores reflect some of the most challenging and impressive performances in the history of their encounters. The 630/6d by India in 2016 at Indore is particularly noteworthy, highlighting a dominant batting performance on home soil.
Highest Individual Scores
The following table showcases the highest individual scores in Test matches between India and New Zealand:
| Player | Team | Score | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Crowe | New Zealand | 188* | 07-11 Feb 1976 | Wellington |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 217 | 10-13 Nov 2003 | Ahmedabad |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 251* | 24-28 Nov 2016 | Indore |
| Rahul Dravid | India | 190* | 03-07 Dec 1997 | Mohali |
| Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 281 | 25-28 Mar 2014 | Auckland |
These individual scores have played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of Test matches between the two teams. The innings by Sachin Tendulkar and Kane Williamson are particularly memorable for their technical excellence and match-winning contributions.
Best Bowling Figures
Here are the best bowling figures for bowlers in Tests between India and New Zealand:
| Player | Team | Figures | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | India | 10/87 | 05-09 Nov 1996 | Mohali |
| Tim Southee | New Zealand | 7/64 | 25-27 Dec 2018 | Wellington |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | India | 6/55 | 04-08 Dec 2016 | Indore |
| Richard Hadlee | New Zealand | 7/80 | 03-07 Dec 1988 | Bombay |
| Ishant Sharma | India | 6/51 | 10-14 Feb 2010 | Nagpur |
These bowling figures highlight some of the most memorable performances in Test matches between India and New Zealand. Anil Kumble’s 10-wicket haul at Mohali is especially notable for its rarity and impact on the match outcome.
Notable Matches
1976 Test Series in India
The 1976 Test series was significant in the history of India-New Zealand cricketing encounters. India’s 2-0 series victory was highlighted by strong performances from Indian players like Sunil Gavaskar, who scored consistently across both matches. The series showcased India’s dominance on home soil, setting a precedent for future encounters.
2002 Test Series in New Zealand
The 2002 Test series in New Zealand was a memorable one for Indian cricket fans. Despite challenging conditions, India managed to secure a victory in the final Test of the series. This series is particularly remembered for the exceptional performance of Indian batsmen who adapted well to the conditions in New Zealand.
2016 Test Series in India
The 2016 Test series saw India’s complete dominance over New Zealand, winning 3-0. The series featured several high scores and remarkable performances by Indian players. The final Test at Indore was particularly notable for its high-scoring matches and stellar performances from the Indian team.
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between India and New Zealand in Test cricket reflects the competitive nature of their encounters:
| Format | Total Matches | India Wins | New Zealand Wins | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 62 | 23 | 13 | 26 |
| ODI | 113 | 55 | 50 | 8 |
| T20I | 23 | 12 | 8 | 3 |
This head-to-head record demonstrates the competitive spirit of the rivalry. With closely contested matches and series, the encounters between India and New Zealand have always been highly anticipated by cricket fans.
Conclusion
The cricketing rivalry between India and New Zealand has produced many thrilling and memorable moments. From the early series in the 1950s to the more recent encounters, both teams have showcased their talent and competitiveness. With high scores, record-breaking performances, and closely contested matches, this rivalry continues to captivate cricket fans around the world.
The timeline provided here offers a comprehensive overview of their encounters, reflecting the evolution of their cricketing rivalry over the decades. Whether it’s the historic wins or the nail-biting finishes, the India vs. New Zealand Test series remains a significant chapter in the history of international cricket.