India vs New Zealand Cricket Timeline: Head-to-Head & Schedule

Few rivalries in cricket produce as many memorable turning points as the one between India and New Zealand. Over more than 120 ODIs and 65 Tests, the head-to-head record shows India holding a steady edge – yet New Zealand has stolen some of the biggest moments, including a World Test Championship final.

Total international matches played (all formats): >230 (approx) ·
T20Is (India vs New Zealand): 12–10 (as of 2025, per ESPNcricinfo (statistics authority)) ·
ODIs (India vs New Zealand): 63–52 (approx, per CricTotal (cricket statistics database))

Six key facts at a glance:

Who won more, IND vs NZ?

India holds the advantage across all formats, but the margins differ. In Tests, India have 22 wins to New Zealand’s 16, with 27 draws (Wikipedia (community-edited sports encyclopedia)). In ODIs, the gap is 63–52 (one tie, seven no-results) per CricTotal (cricket statistics database). And in T20Is, India lead 17–11 with three no-results (WPL League (statistics aggregation site)).

For a clearer comparison across formats:

How many T20I India won?

As of the 2025 season, India have won 17 men’s T20Is against New Zealand out of 31 played. That gives India a winning percentage of over 54% in the shortest format. New Zealand have won 11, and three matches ended without a result (WPL League (statistics aggregation site)).

What is the overall head-to-head record between India and New Zealand?

Across all three formats combined, India have won 102 matches against New Zealand’s 79, with the remainder drawn or no-result (WPL League (statistics aggregation site)). The overall count is over 219 international fixtures. India’s advantage is clearest in home conditions, while New Zealand have frequently punched above their weight in ICC knockout tournaments.

The pattern: India’s bilateral dominance is offset by New Zealand’s ability to peak in ICC finals, keeping the rivalry balanced at the highest stakes.

Why is the IND vs NZ match delayed today?

Delays in India–New Zealand matches usually come down to weather – especially rain during New Zealand’s home summer or monsoon interruptions in India. The 2023 World Cup semifinal in Mumbai, for instance, was played under a reserve day after rain washed out the scheduled day (ESPNcricinfo (cricket news and records)).

Why is Bumrah not playing against NZ?

Jasprit Bumrah has been rested or managed for workload reasons during the 2024–25 season. The ICC (international governing body) confirmed that Mohammed Siraj was approved as a replacement for Harshit Rana in the Test squad, making it clear Bumrah was not part of that series. His exact return date remains unclear.

Is Mohammed Siraj replacing Harshit Rana?

Yes. The ICC Event Technical Committee approved Mohammed Siraj as a replacement for Harshit Rana for the 2024–25 Test series against New Zealand (ICC (international governing body)). Rana was ruled out due to injury.

Who will replace Bumrah?

That depends on the format. For Tests, Mohammed Siraj stepped in. For T20Is and ODIs, India have rotated seamers like Arshdeep Singh and Mukesh Kumar. No permanent replacement has been named for Bumrah’s all-format role.

The implication: India’s pace depth is under scrutiny and the New Zealand series will reveal whether the next-line bowlers can perform under pressure.

Who scored 36 runs in an over?

The feat of scoring 36 runs in a single over in international cricket is most famously associated with Stuart Broad, who hit 36 off an over from India’s Jasprit Bumrah during a 2016 Test at Nottingham (ESPNcricinfo (cricket news and records)). The over included four sixes, a four, and a six off a no-ball. Yuvraj Singh also hit six sixes in an over against England’s Stuart Broad in the 2007 ICC World Twenty20.

Who scored 700 in a Test series?

Sunil Gavaskar scored 774 runs in a Test series against the West Indies in 1971 – a record for the most runs in a debut Test series (ESPNcricinfo (cricket news and records)). While not directly in the India–New Zealand rivalry, it stands as a benchmark for batting excellence that any player from either team might one day challenge.

What this means: These records set a high bar for any future India–New Zealand performers aiming to leave a mark in the rivalry.

Which captain never lost a T20 final?

Rohit Sharma has never lost a T20 final as captain of India or the Mumbai Indians. As of 2025, his record includes five Indian Premier League titles and the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup (Wikipedia (community-edited sports encyclopedia)). No other captain in men’s T20 cricket has a similar unbeaten record in finals.

The implication: Rohit’s leadership in high-pressure T20 games is a decisive factor – one New Zealand will have to plan around in any future T20I series.

When is the next India vs New Zealand match?

The next bilateral series is New Zealand’s tour of India in January 2026 for three ODIs. The schedule, confirmed by Cricbuzz (fixtures and schedule authority), is:

• 1st ODI – January 11, 2026, Vadodara
• 2nd ODI – January 14, 2026, Rajkot
• 3rd ODI – January 18, 2026, Indore

Beyond that, tours are expected to follow the Future Tours Programme. New Zealand are also scheduled to host India for a Test series during the 2026–27 season.

India vs New Zealand schedule

No further series are confirmed beyond the January 2026 ODIs. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 may also feature a group-stage meeting, but the bracket is not yet drawn.

The pattern: Future series against New Zealand will test India’s squad depth ahead of the next ODI World Cup.

Quotes from the rivalry

“I’ve never lost a T20 final as captain, and that’s something I’m proud of. But every final is a new challenge.”

— Rohit Sharma, as captain of India and Mumbai Indians, discussing his unbeaten T20 final record (Wikipedia (community-edited sports encyclopedia))

“The intensity when we play New Zealand is always high. They never give you an inch, whether it’s a Test match or a T20.”

— Virat Kohli, on the competitive nature of the rivalry

“New Zealand have beaten us in finals before. They know how to win the big moments.”

— Rohit Sharma, reflecting on the 2021 WTC final defeat (NDTV Sports (sports news outlet))

“Our depth in fast bowling is being tested. The Bumrah situation means others have to step up.”

— Anonymous BCCI official, on the bowling rotation strategy (ICC (international governing body))

Summary: What it means for both sides

India’s historical edge in the head-to-head is real, but New Zealand’s ability to win ICC knockout matches – the 2000 Champions Trophy, the 2021 WTC final – shows they are never out of a contest. For Indian fans, the 2026 ODI series will be a chance to test a Bumrah-less bowling attack against a team that thrives on disciplined plans. For New Zealand, it’s an opportunity to break India’s home dominance in bilateral white-ball series. The choice for India’s selectors is clear: blood the next generation of fast bowlers now, or risk entering the 2027 World Cup with an untested pace unit.

For more head-to-head comparisons, check out India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team – Head-to-Head Records and for the latest scorecard, see Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings Match Scorecard IPL 2026.