The cricketing rivalry between India and New Zealand has spanned decades, featuring numerous memorable moments and intense battles. Here’s a comprehensive timeline of the significant encounters and milestones in the India vs. New Zealand cricket history:

1955-56: The Beginning

• First Test Series: New Zealand toured India for the first time, marking the beginning of their Test match rivalry. The series, played in India, ended with a 2-0 victory for the hosts in the five-match series.

1967-68: India’s First Tour of New Zealand

• Historic Win: India toured New Zealand for the first time, playing four Test matches. New Zealand won their first-ever Test against India in Dunedin, but India managed to clinch the series 3-1.

1975: Inaugural World Cup Encounter

• First ODI Meeting: The teams met for the first time in a One Day International (ODI) during the 1975 Cricket World Cup. New Zealand emerged victorious by four wickets.

1981: Test Series in New Zealand

• Hard-Fought Draw: The three-match Test series in New Zealand ended in a 1-1 draw. This series was notable for India’s remarkable chase in the third Test in Wellington, securing a dramatic victory.

1990: India’s Domination at Home

• Clean Sweep: India hosted New Zealand for a three-match Test series and won all three Tests comprehensively, showcasing their dominance at home.

1999-2000: New Zealand’s First Series Win in India

• Historic Victory: New Zealand secured their first-ever Test series win in India, winning the two-match series 1-0.

2003: World Cup Semi-Final

• Thrilling Contest: In the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup, India and New Zealand faced off in the Super Six stage. India won the match, advancing to the semi-finals and eventually finishing as the tournament’s runners-up.

2008-09: New Zealand Tour of India

• ODI and Test Series: India toured New Zealand and won both the ODI series (3-1) and the Test series (1-0), highlighting their growing prowess in all formats.

2016: New Zealand Tour of India

• Comprehensive Wins: India hosted New Zealand for three Tests and five ODIs, winning the Test series 3-0 and the ODI series 3-2, reinforcing their strength in home conditions.

2019: World Cup Semi-Final Clash

• Heartbreak for India: The two teams met in the semi-finals of the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. In a rain-affected match spread over two days, New Zealand triumphed by 18 runs, knocking India out of the tournament.

2020: India’s Tour of New Zealand

• Mixed Results: India toured New Zealand for a full series including five T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. India won the T20I series 5-0, showcasing their T20 strength, but New Zealand bounced back to win the ODI series 3-0 and the Test series 2-0.

2021: World Test Championship Final

• Historic Final: The inaugural ICC World Test Championship final took place between India and New Zealand in Southampton, England. New Zealand won the match by eight wickets, claiming the title and solidifying their status as a top Test team.

2023-24: Recent Encounters

• Continued Rivalry: The teams have continued to face each other in various formats, with each series adding to the rich history of their rivalry. Both teams have seen significant growth, with players from both sides achieving remarkable feats.

Conclusion

The India vs. New Zealand cricket rivalry is marked by competitive spirit, mutual respect, and a series of unforgettable moments. From early Test matches to World Cup clashes and the World Test Championship final, each encounter has added a new chapter to their cricketing history. As both teams continue to evolve, fans can look forward to many more thrilling contests in the future.

FAQs: India National Cricket Team vs. New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline

1. When did India and New Zealand first play a Test match against each other?

Answer: India and New Zealand played their first Test match against each other in 1955-56 when New Zealand toured India. The series ended with a 2-0 victory for India.

2. When did India first tour New Zealand for a Test series?

Answer: India first toured New Zealand for a Test series in 1967-68. India won the series 3-1.

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3. Which team won the first-ever ODI between India and New Zealand?

Answer: New Zealand won the first-ever ODI between the two teams during the 1975 Cricket World Cup by four wickets.

4. When did New Zealand achieve their first Test series win in India?

Answer: New Zealand achieved their first Test series win in India in 1999-2000, winning the two-match series 1-0.

5. What was the result of the 2003 World Cup encounter between India and New Zealand?

Answer: In the 2003 World Cup, India defeated New Zealand in the Super Six stage, which helped them advance to the semi-finals.

6. How did the 2019 World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand conclude?

Answer: New Zealand won the 2019 World Cup semi-final against India by 18 runs in a rain-affected match spread over two days.

7. What was significant about the 2021 World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand?

Answer: The 2021 World Test Championship final was significant as New Zealand won by eight wickets, claiming the inaugural World Test Championship title.

8. What were the results of India’s tour of New Zealand in 2020?

Answer: During India’s 2020 tour of New Zealand, India won the T20I series 5-0, but New Zealand won the ODI series 3-0 and the Test series 2-0.

9. How did India perform in the New Zealand tour of India in 2016?

Answer: In the 2016 tour, India won the Test series 3-0 and the ODI series 3-2 against New Zealand.

10. Which was the first Test match New Zealand won against India?

Answer: The first Test match New Zealand won against India was in Dunedin during India’s 1967-68 tour of New Zealand.

11. When did India and New Zealand first meet in a T20I match?

Answer: India and New Zealand first met in a T20I match on September 16, 2007, during the ICC World Twenty20. New Zealand won by 10 runs.

12. How many Test series have India and New Zealand played against each other?

Answer: As of 2024, India and New Zealand have played 25 Test series against each other. The outcomes have been mixed, with both teams achieving notable victories over the years.

13. What was notable about the 2008-09 series in New Zealand for India?

Answer: The 2008-09 series in New Zealand was notable for India as they won both the ODI series (3-1) and the Test series (1-0), marking significant achievements in New Zealand conditions.

14. When did New Zealand first achieve a Test victory on Indian soil?

Answer: New Zealand first achieved a Test victory on Indian soil during the 1969-70 tour, winning the third Test in Nagpur.

15. How often do India and New Zealand play against each other in ICC tournaments?

Answer: India and New Zealand frequently face each other in ICC tournaments, including World Cups and ICC World T20 events, contributing to their storied rivalry with several high-stakes encounters.

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