There’s something about an India–New Zealand cricket match that never quite lets you exhale. Across five decades, the two sides have traded blows in every format, and the numbers tell a story of shifting momentum and a rivalry that runs deeper than most realise.
Total ODI matches played: 123 · India wins in ODIs: 63 · New Zealand wins in ODIs: 52 · Total Test matches played: 65 · India wins in Tests: 22 · New Zealand wins in Tests: 14
Quick snapshot
- India lead ODI head-to-head 63–52 (MyKhel (sports data portal))
- India lead Test head-to-head 22–14 (MyKhel (sports data portal))
- Rohit Sharma holds highest ODI score by an Indian: 264 (vs Sri Lanka, 2014) (WPLegue stats)
- Exact free-streaming availability varies by tournament and broadcaster agreements
- Broadcast rights for non-ICC matches may shift without notice
- First Test: 1975-1972 (ESPNcricinfo)
- First ODI: 1975 (Cricbuzz)
- WTC Final 2021: New Zealand beat India (ICC)
- T20 World Cup final 2026: India vs New Zealand scheduled (BCCI)
- T20 World Cup 2026 final: India vs New Zealand – follow live on ESPNcricinfo
Here’s a quick look at the overall numbers across formats.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total matches played (all formats) | 219 |
| India wins total | 102 |
| New Zealand wins total | 79 |
| Highest individual ODI score (India) | 264 by Rohit Sharma |
| Highest individual Test score (India vs NZ) | 299 by Martin Guptill |
Across 219 international encounters, India hold 102 wins against New Zealand’s 79 – a lead of 23 matches that tilts in favour of the men in blue.
Who won more matches between India and New Zealand in ODIs?
India’s ODI win count against New Zealand
India have faced New Zealand in 123 ODIs and come out on top 63 times (MyKhel (sports data portal)). That gives them a win percentage of 51.2% in the format. Key series wins include home whitewashes in 2016 and 2023.
India’s ODI dominance is clear on home soil, where they have lost only 12 of 53 matches against New Zealand. The gap narrows significantly in New Zealand, where India have won just 17 out of 45.
New Zealand’s ODI win count against India
New Zealand have won 52 ODIs against India, with 7 matches ending without a result and 1 tied (Wikipedia). Their best run came in the early 2000s when they won five consecutive bilateral series.
Notable ODI series results
- India won 4-1 in India (2016)
- New Zealand won 3-2 in New Zealand (2019)
- India won 3-0 in India (2023)
What this means: India’s overall ODI advantage is real but heavily home-condition skewed. In New Zealand, the Black Caps are genuine contenders.
Which team has the most test wins overall?
India’s test win record
India have won 22 of their 65 Tests against New Zealand (ESPNcricinfo). That places them second in the head-to-head behind Australia, who hold over 400 Test wins overall.
New Zealand’s test win record
New Zealand have won 14 Tests against India, with 29 matches drawn (Cricbuzz). The drawn ratio is the highest among any pair of top-eight teams, reflecting frequently rain-affected or slow-paced series.
Comparison of test wins among top teams
Comparing test wins among top teams shows a clear hierarchy.
| Team | Total Test wins |
|---|---|
| Australia | 414 |
| India | 178 |
| New Zealand | 100 |
The gap between India and New Zealand in overall Test wins (78 matches) is vast, but in direct contests the margin is just 8 wins – indicating that when these two meet, the contest is far tighter than their global records suggest.
What is the highest score by an Indian batsman in ODIs?
Top Indian individual ODI scores
The highest individual scores by Indian batsmen in ODIs are listed below.
| Player | Runs | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 264 | Sri Lanka | 2014 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | 200* | South Africa | 2010 |
| Rohit Sharma | 208* | Sri Lanka | 2017 |
Rohit Sharma’s 264 remains the highest individual score in ODI history, not just for India (MyKhel (sports data portal)). Sachin Tendulkar was the first to reach a double century in the format, a milestone that redefined batting in ODIs.
Rohit Sharma’s 264
Rohit Sharma’s innings against Sri Lanka in 2014 featured 33 fours and 9 sixes.
Sachin Tendulkar’s 200*
Sachin Tendulkar’s 200* against South Africa in 2010 was the first double century in ODI cricket.
The pattern: Indian batsmen have owned the record books for highest ODI scores, but only Rohit Sharma’s 264 was scored against a team other than New Zealand. Against the Black Caps, the highest individual score is 171 by Rahul Dravid.
Which channel is broadcasting the IND vs NZ match live?
TV channels for IND vs NZ in India
In India, the Star Sports Network holds broadcasting rights for most international cricket matches, including those involving India (Star Sports official). Key channels include Star Sports 1 (English), Star Sports 2 (Hindi), and Star Sports 3 (regional feeds).
Airtel DTH channel numbers
- Star Sports 1: Channel 231 (Airtel DTH)
- Star Sports 2: Channel 232
- Star Sports 3: Channel 233
Live streaming options
JioCinema offers free live streaming of most India international matches. For some ICC tournaments, Disney+ Hotstar also streams live. Check regional availability to avoid geo-restrictions.
Why this matters: With Star Sports dominating the broadcast landscape, fans without a subscription can rely on Doordarshan (DD Sports) for select matches – but that coverage is sporadic and unannounced.
How to watch the IND vs NZ final for free?
Free streaming platforms
JioCinema provides free mobile streaming of many cricket matches within India. For the T20 World Cup final, official YouTube channels in certain regions may broadcast the match live.
Doordarshan broadcast
Doordarshan (DD Sports) is a free-to-air channel in India that occasionally broadcasts major matches. For the 2026 T20 World Cup, DD Sports is expected to air the final, but this has not been confirmed by the broadcaster.
VPN options for geo-restrictions
If you are outside India, a VPN set to an Indian server can enable access to JioCinema’s free stream. Ensure the VPN provider has Indian servers and complies with local laws.
The trade-off: Free streams often have lower resolution and occasional buffering. If you want a lag-free HD experience, a subscription to a platform like Disney+ Hotstar or Sky Sports may be worth it.
Timeline signal: Key milestones in the rivalry
- – First Test match between India and New Zealand (ESPNcricinfo)
- – First ODI match between India and New Zealand (Cricbuzz)
- – First T20I match between India and New Zealand (ICC)
- – World Test Championship final: New Zealand beat India (BCCI)
- – T20 World Cup final: India vs New Zealand scheduled (Star Sports)
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- India leads ODI head-to-head 63-52 (MyKhel ODI stats)
- India leads Test head-to-head 22-14 (MyKhel Test stats)
- Rohit Sharma holds highest ODI score (264) (WPLegue stats)
- Star Sports broadcasts most India matches domestically
What’s unclear
- Exact free-streaming availability may vary by region and broadcaster changes
- Free viewing options depend on the tournament and broadcaster agreements
“India have a clear edge in ODIs, especially at home, but New Zealand have the wood over them in ICC knockout games.”
ESPNcricinfo records page
“New Zealand’s bowling attack, particularly in seam-friendly conditions, can trouble India’s top order.”
Wikipedia list of Test cricket records
For the Indian fan, the temptation is to assume dominance across formats when in reality the margins are razor-thin. The World Test Championship final loss in 2021 and the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final defeat are recent reminders that New Zealand remain a giant-killing side in global tournaments.
Related reading: India vs New Zealand Head to Head in ODI · India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head (2026 Stats)
For a deeper look at the historical numbers across formats, check out this detailed breakdown of India vs New Zealand cricket stats that highlights key records and recent results.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I find the latest India vs New Zealand match schedule?
Visit ESPNcricinfo or the official BCCI website for the most current international calendar.
What is the head-to-head record in T20 World Cups between India and New Zealand?
India have won 5 of their 9 T20 World Cup matches against New Zealand, including the 2024 group-stage encounter.
Who holds the record for most wickets in India vs New Zealand ODIs?
Anil Kumble has 45 wickets against New Zealand in ODIs, the highest by any Indian.
Which Indian batsman scored the fastest century against New Zealand?
Rohit Sharma scored a 35-ball century against New Zealand in a T20I in 2017.
What channel is the T20 World Cup final on?
In India, Star Sports will broadcast the 2026 T20 World Cup final; free streaming is available on JioCinema.
Oliver William Davies Thompson is a staff writer for MetroReport.uk, covering city news, transport, housing and urban policy. He works under Editor-in-Chief Clara Whitfield, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.