The New Zealand cricket team is currently engaged in an important eight-match white-ball series in India. This series includes three One Day Internationals (ODIs) and five Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Both teams are using this tour to prepare for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to begin on February 7, 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka.
ODI Series Highlights
The ODI series commenced with a thrilling match in Vadodara, where India secured a four-wicket victory. Virat Kohli played a pivotal role, scoring 93 runs and helping India chase down a target of 301 runs. However, the second ODI saw New Zealand making a strong comeback as they successfully chased down 284 runs, thanks to Daryl Mitchell’s remarkable century and solid performances from Will Young.
Deciding ODI and Series Summary
The third ODI, held in Indore on January 18, proved decisive for the series. New Zealand posted an impressive total of 337 runs, with Daryl Mitchell once again showcasing his talent by scoring a century. He received strong support from Glenn Phillips, who also achieved a century. Despite Kohli’s century in this match, India fell short, allowing New Zealand to clinch the series 2-1.
New Zealand’s ODI Series History in India
This tour marks a significant moment in the history of New Zealand cricket. They had previously visited India for bilateral ODI series seven times without successfully winning any series. The first series was in 1988/89, where India triumphed 4-0 in a four-match series. It wasn’t until 2026 that New Zealand finally secured an ODI series victory on Indian soil after a 37-year wait.
Series Results Overview
| Year | Matches | India Wins | New Zealand Wins | Series Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988/89 | 4 | 4 | 0 | India won 4-0 |
| 1995/96 | 5 | 3 | 2 | India won 3-2 |
| 1999/00 | 5 | 3 | 2 | India won 3-2 |
| 2010/11 | 5 | 5 | 0 | India won 5-0 |
| 2016/17 | 5 | 3 | 2 | India won 3-2 |
| 2017/18 | 3 | 2 | 1 | India won 2-1 |
| 2022/23 | 3 | 3 | 0 | India won 3-0 |
| 2026 | 3 | 1 | 2 | New Zealand won 2-1 |
New Zealand’s ODI series victory in 2026 marks a historic achievement, affirming their growth and competitiveness on Indian soil.
