The rivalry between India and New Zealand, though not as intense as that of India and Pakistan, has produced a balanced contest over the years. With 58 wins for India and 50 for New Zealand in 116 head-to-head matches, this match-up has almost always produced exciting games, and dramatic finishes. One iconic moment etched in memory is Mahendra Singh Dhoni's run-out during the critical 2019 World Cup semi-final, a turning point that favored New Zealand. The two sides, though, share a rich history that dates back to 1976 when India first toured New Zealand for an ODI series.
India, though, didn't register a bilateral series win over New Zealand until 1988, when it hosted the BlackCaps for the first time. A few years later (1994), a certain bilateral ODI between the two nations would find name in the history books, as it marked the beginning of Sachin Tendulkar's incredible dominance as an ODI opener.
The 'Master Blaster' opened for the first time in Auckland, blasting 82 off just 49 balls. There's no surprise Tendulkar remains the highest run-getter in India-New Zealand games (1750 runs in 42 matches). New Zealand certainly hold an edge over India in the World Cups with five wins in nine matches, while one being abandoned.
The last time India defeated the Kiwis at the marquee tournament was in 2003, when a Sourav Ganguly-led side outclassed them by seven wickets.