India and New Zealand could create an electrifying showdown when they meet in Sunday’s ICC Champions Trophy final. Over their 119 ODI encounters, India has prevailed with 61 victories while New Zealand have taken 50.
Shubman Gill, who scored an unbeaten century against Pakistan in their last match, will be key for India, while New Zealand’s spinners could cause issues for them. Looking back at the India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline, fans have witnessed several iconic battles filled with thrilling performances and unforgettable moments.
| Date | Match Type | Venue | Result | Notable Performers / Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 Mar 2025 | Champions Trophy Final (ODI) | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | India won by 4 wickets | India chased 252, Rohit Sharma scored 76 (MoM), spinners pivotal (ESPN Cricinfo, ESPN, Wikipedia) |
| 2 Mar 2025 | Champions Trophy Group A (ODI) | Dubai International Cricket Stadium | India won by 44 runs | Varun Chakravarthy 5/42 earned MoM; India set up semis (ESPN Cricinfo, ESPN, Reuters) |
| 2023 (CWC Semi-Final) | ICC World Cup Semi-Final (ODI) | Mumbai (Wankhede) | India won by 70 runs | Kohli 117, Iyer 105, Shami 7/57; historically significant (icc, Wikipedia) |
| 2023 (CWC Group Stage) | World Cup Group Match (ODI) | Dharamshala (HPCA Stadium) | India won by 4 wickets | Mitchell’s 130, Shami 5/54; Kohli 95 steered chase (icc) |
| 2022–23 Series (ODIs) | Bilateral ODI Series | India (home series) | India won 3–0 | Gill top-scored in series (360 runs), Gill & Thakur/Kuldeep leading bowlers (Wikipedia) |
India vs New Zealand
India and New Zealand are two of the most thrilling teams to watch in limited-overs cricket. The recent ODI series between these sides provided plenty of thrills and spills, with each side showing their strengths – India with their Champions Trophy win proving they dominate 50-over cricket, while New Zealand can be relied upon when chasing big targets; their respective lineups boast big names like Rohit Sharma and Kane Williamson who promise an action-packed clash whenever these two meet again!
New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel exploited the turning Wankhede pitch, making life hard for India’s batsmen despite some determined efforts from Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant. India ultimately fell short in an exciting chase.
This game demonstrated exactly why both these teams are so captivating to watch: both boast top players, but the Kiwis’ depth was key in their victory. Meanwhile, India made quick work of scoring big totals; yet Black Caps showed tremendous composure during death overs to keep India at bay and keep run rates under control in the dying overs ensuring victory for themselves.
New Zealand’s bowlers put up an excellent performance, led by all-rounder Matt Henry’s impressive 67, which set the pace for New Zealand’s run chase. India’s spinners, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy respectively, were equally as impressive, keeping their batsmen at bay throughout.
India are expected to field the same starting XI that won them their opening two matches of the 2019 World Cup series, likely without making any changes in terms of personnel or starting lineup. Virat Kohli has already spoken about wanting to keep this team together; should any injuries arise before or during tournament play-offs then Ravindra Jadeja would provide additional pace as well as bat depth that would give Kohli some much-needed depth and 6-7 overs of pace per match – perfect if injuries strike prior to tournament start date!
History
Indian and New Zealand cricket rivalry dates back several decades in international cricket, both teams boasting long traditions of success in international cricket. Each has developed their own distinct style that stands them in good stead when competing against one another, making every encounter between these countries intensely competitive. This World Cup match marks only their third encounter. New Zealand have an admirable track record when competing at any level despite being one of the least-populated Test-playing nations; winning first World Test Championship and numerous ODI tournaments before reaching four semi-finals out of eight T20 World Cup appearances!
New Zealand achieved their greatest victory at the 1987 World Cup when they defeated Australia in an exciting run-chase final. Since then they have been formidable opponents across all formats of cricket; most notably their performance at 2017 World Cup when they were heavy favorites to take the title, only losing out in an unexpected “Super Over.”
During an era of empire and nation building, cricket played an essential role in creating imagined communities within both empire and nationhood. This can be seen through its team composition – which included players from throughout India as well as members of the Indian Armed Forces! Led by Maharaja of Porbandar himself, this particular cricket team displayed how sports helped construct imagined communities and national identities.
New Zealand was dominated by bowlers such as Shane Bond, Andy Hadlee, Lou Vincent, and Dave Fleming during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Additionally, top batsmen such as Bert Sutcliffe and Glenn Turner provided top performances. John Reid completed their lineup as an all-rounder.
New Zealand was at risk of losing many of its talented cricketers during the era of Twenty-20 cricket due to Indian Premier League’s lucrative contracts and early retirement of some talented cricketers such as Hamish Marshall, Craig McMillan, Daryl Tuffey, and Andre Adams; however, thanks to Twenty-20 cricket’s rise many New Zealand players have returned home and joined national teams again.
Predictions
As the second Test begins, both sides will be eager to put in better performances than seen previously. But which team stands a better chance? Both have plenty to play for and excel in certain departments; England may have taken an early advantage due to their tactical acumen.
India have made some significant strides forward, yet their top-order remains responsible for much of their success. Shubman Gill impressed with a fluent 94-run innings during their last outing and will look to replicate that performance here, while Ravindra Jadeja will look to add runs and wickets.
Before this match begins, Bumrah’s fitness will likely be the main focal point, with India’s pace attack likely being reduced without him in their attack. His absence could force Sai Sudharsan and Prasidh Krishna up the order; it will be intriguing to observe their performances under such pressure.
New Zealand are well equipped to face any challenge that comes their way, with batsmen like Rachin Ravindra excelling on turning pitches; bowlers such as Matt Henry and William O’Rourke being especially effective against India batting lineup.
Indian cricket will find it challenging to alter a winning playing XI from their two victories against Australia and New Zealand. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy have shown exceptional form, so will likely continue being given ample chances at bat. Mohammed Siraj could replace Jadeja as Jadeja will likely not make the team.
Bengaluru has proven itself an ideal venue for batsmen, and England have taken full advantage, with Joe Root and Ben Stokes both scoring runs with ease in the top-order while their lower order have impressed in recent outings. Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue could prove pivotal players here as all-rounders.
Schedule
The New Zealand national cricket team, commonly referred to as the Black Caps, are based in Auckland and compete in Test, ODI, and T20 international matches under Tom Latham during Test matches and Mitchell Santner during ODI/T20I internationals. Organized by the New Zealand Cricket board, they have achieved remarkable success throughout all formats of cricket including being first champions of World Test Championship in 2021; twice reaching final of ICC Cricket World Cup; four final appearances at T20 World Cup; renowned strength in one-day cricket where victory can be won without needing large scores of runs/wickets taken off.
The Black Caps had an outstanding start to their 2019 World Cup campaign, winning their opening six matches and going undefeated until their form began to decline and they lost three group games after that run. Still, they managed to advance to the semi-finals where they stunned India on reserve day to reach another consecutive final. England eventually emerged victorious by hitting more boundaries during a Super Over.
2024 marks a busy schedule for the Black Caps, featuring Test matches against Bangladesh and India as well as ODI series in Australia and England. Furthermore, limited-overs matches against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe will take place. They should make a formidable challenger at the forthcoming Twenty20 World Cup; young talent such as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal may begin breaking through.
In January 2025, New Zealand will play a two-match Test series in India followed by five ODIs and three T20Is to rest key players and rotate the bench strength. India are formidable T20I opponents having won previous editions of this tournament with talented batsmen capable of hitting both sixes and long fours.
