India vs New Zealand in ODIs: Numbers, moments and the story so far

The India vs New Zealand ODI rivalry is set to return once again as the two sides meet in a three match series starting Sunday, January 11 in Vadodara. The second ODI will be played on January 14 in Rajkot, with the series concluding on January 18 in Indore. Played in Indian conditions, the series brings back a rivalry shaped by fine margins, memorable performances and changing momentum across generations.

India and New Zealand first faced each other in ODI cricket in 1975 and have since met 120 times in the format. India hold a slender advantage with 62 wins, while New Zealand have claimed victory in 50 matches. Seven games ended with no result, a reminder of how competitive this rivalry has been over the years.

Top 5 run scorers in India vs New Zealand ODIs

The legendary Sachin Tendulkar remains the most prolific batter in this rivalry. Across 42 ODIs, he scored 1,750 runs at an average of 46.05, with five centuries against New Zealand’s bowling. Virat Kohli follows closely and boasts one of his strongest bilateral records against New Zealand, averaging above 55 with six centuries. For New Zealand, Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson have been pillars of consistency, while Nathan Astle was a major force during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Top 5 wicket takers in India vs New Zealand ODIs

Javagal Srinath tops the wicket charts in this rivalry with 51 scalps, using pace and movement to trouble New Zealand batters across conditions. Anil Kumble sits second on the list with 39 wickets, while Mohammed Shami’s impact in recent years has stood out for its intensity and strike rate, highlighted by his memorable seven wicket haul in the 2023 World Cup semi final. For New Zealand, Tim Southee has been their most successful bowler against India in ODIs

The rivalry has produced dramatic extremes over the years. India’s highest ODI total against New Zealand came in the 2023 World Cup semi final in Mumbai, when they piled up 397 for 4. New Zealand’s highest score against India dates back to 1999, when they posted 349 for 9 in Rajkot.

At the other end of the spectrum, New Zealand were bowled out for just 79 in Visakhapatnam in 2016, a match that also marked India’s biggest victory in the rivalry, a dominant 190 run win. India’s lowest total against New Zealand came when they were bundled out for 88, while New Zealand’s biggest victory over India arrived in 2010 with a crushing 200 run win in Dambulla.

The rivalry has also delivered nail biting finishes, none more memorable than India’s narrow one run victory in Wellington in 1990, a match that remains etched in the history of contests between the two sides.

Bilateral history adds further layers. India first toured New Zealand in February 1976 and lost a two match ODI series 2-0. A similar result followed in 1981. The balance shifted in 1989 when New Zealand toured India for a five match ODI series that India won 4-0.

In recent years, New Zealand have enjoyed success at home, winning 3-0 in 2020 and clinching a rain affected series 1-0 in 2022. India responded emphatically in 2023 with a dominant 3-0 home series win.

Squads

India’s ODI squad: Shubman Gill (C), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul (WK), Shreyas Iyer (VC)*, Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd Siraj, Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal

New Zealand ODI squad: Michael Bracewell (c), Adi Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young

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