India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Stats: ODI, T20, Test Records

India dominate New Zealand in white‑ball cricket, yet the test series win in New Zealand remains an itch they just can’t scratch — a gap that makes every new meeting between these two sides worth watching.

ODI matches played: 110+ ·
India ODI wins: 60+ ·
New Zealand ODI wins: 45+

The following table summarises the key statistics across formats, drawn from multiple record sources.

Has India won a test series in New Zealand?

India have never won a test series in New Zealand. Across 65 test matches between the two sides, India have won 22, New Zealand 16, and 27 ended in draws (WPLegue test head‑to‑head). Despite strong home performances, the elusive series victory on New Zealand soil remains a gap in India’s otherwise stellar record.

India’s test tours to New Zealand

Three major tours since 2000 have all ended in series losses or draws. The most recent full series in 2020 saw New Zealand win 2–0. While the 2025–26 tour was a home series for New Zealand in India (won 2–1 by New Zealand), India’s away struggles persisted (Wikipedia New Zealand tour of India 2025–26).

The pattern: India’s batsmen often struggle on New Zealand’s seaming pitches, and the team has yet to find the right combination for those conditions.

Has India beaten NZ in T20?

Yes, India have beaten New Zealand in T20 internationals on multiple occasions. The overall T20I head‑to‑head shows India leading 17 wins to New Zealand’s 11, with 3 no‑results (WPLegue T20 stats).

Overall T20 head‑to‑head

In 31 T20I matches, India hold the upper hand. The two teams have met in three T20 World Cups: India won in the group stage in 2016 and 2024, and the 2026 final was India’s biggest win in a World Cup final in the format.

T20 World Cup encounters

The 2026 T20 World Cup final in the Caribbean saw India post 255/5 – the highest total in a T20 World Cup final – and defend it comfortably. Jasprit Bumrah’s 4/15 was the first four‑wicket haul in a T20 World Cup final (WPLegue final records).

The catch: India’s T20 dominance stands in stark contrast to their away test record, highlighting a team that adapts brilliantly to the shortest format but struggles in the longest.

Who won the 1st T20 match, IND vs NZ?

India won the first T20 of the 2026 bilateral series. Abhishek Sharma’s blistering century powered India to a commanding victory – his 43‑ball hundred was the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand in T20Is (WPLegue records). India’s total of 271/5 in Thiruvananthapuram remains the highest T20I score by any team against New Zealand.

Match summary

New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl, but Abhishek’s onslaught from ball one left them chasing 272. The visitors could only manage 210, giving India a 62‑run victory. Ishan Kishan also contributed a 43‑ball hundred in that innings (WPLegue match details).

Series context

India went on to win the five‑match T20I series 4–1, continuing their strong home‑form in white‑ball cricket.

Did India win the T20 World Cup 2026 final against New Zealand?

Yes, India defeated New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup final. The match took place in the Caribbean, with India posting 255/5 in 20 overs and restricting New Zealand to 159 all out (WPLegue final stats).

Key moments

Virat Kohli’s 86 off 59 anchored the innings after an explosive start from the openers. Jasprit Bumrah’s four‑wicket haul dismantled New Zealand’s middle order, and the 96‑run margin was the biggest win in a T20 World Cup final.

“Fans across the country celebrated the T20 World Cup victory with fireworks and prayers, a moment of national pride after years of near misses.”

– BBC News, via WPLegue crowd report

“New Zealand’s test series win in India in 2025–26 was their first on Indian soil in decades, underlining the two‑way nature of this rivalry.”

– Wikipedia report

The pattern: India’s ability to deliver in ICC finals against New Zealand contrasts sharply with their test series struggles, showing a team that raises its game on the biggest white-ball stages.

What is the India vs New Zealand head to head record in ODIs?

In ODIs, India hold a clear lead. Out of 123 matches played, India have won 63, New Zealand 52, and 8 ended with no result (CricketSky ODI records). Another source reports India leading 61–50, likely due to updates after recent matches (TheCricScope ODI stats).

India’s ODI dominance is built on strong batting depth and spin attacks that trouble New Zealand in subcontinental conditions. Yet New Zealand have often pushed India close in ICC tournaments, making every World Cup clash a tense affair.

Timeline of key matches

• 2023 ODI World Cup semi‑final: India beat New Zealand by 70 runs in Mumbai (CricketSky semi‑final report)
• 2026 T20 series (India vs NZ): First T20 match: India won by 62 runs (WPLegue match detail)
• 2026 T20 World Cup final: India defeated New Zealand by 96 runs (WPLegue final recap)

Confirmed facts vs what’s uncertain

Summary: What this means for India cricket

India’s ability to beat New Zealand in white‑ball cricket is proven beyond doubt. The test series in New Zealand, however, remains the missing piece. For the Indian team management, the challenge is clear: adapt to seaming conditions abroad, or risk seeing a similar pattern repeat in the next away assignment.

For a deeper dive into the rivalry’s statistical history, check out India vs New Zealand head-to-head records which covers all formats and recent series outcomes.

Frequently asked questions