How have India fared against New Zealand in T20 WCs?
What's the story
India and New Zealand are set to face off in the final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The match will take place at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. While India are looking to clinch their third title on home turf, New Zealand are hoping for their maiden title win. However, India's history against New Zealand in T20 World Cups isn't promising.
Record breakdown
Have India ever beaten NZ in a T20 WC match?
In the history of T20 World Cups, India have faced New Zealand three times and lost on all three occasions. The first encounter was in 2007 when India lost by 10 runs despite a strong start while chasing a target of 191 in Johannesburg. Daniel Vettori's four-wicket haul turned the match around for New Zealand, triggering a collapse after India had been 76/0.
Spin challenge
Struggles of Indian batters in 2016 and 2021
In 2016, India were expected to dominate New Zealand on a spinning track but was outdone by Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi's spin bowling. Chasing a modest target of 127 in Nagpur, India were bundled out for just 79 runs. In a must-win group game during the 2021 T20 World Cup, India's batting lineup struggled in Dubai. New Zealand's disciplined bowling restricted India to just 110/7. The Kiwis later won by eight wickets.
H2H
What is overall head-to-head record?
As per ESPNcricinfo, India are ahead of New Zealand in terms of overall head-to-head record. The two sides have clashed in 30 T20Is, with India winning 18 of them. This includes a couple of Super-Over wins. NZ have won 11, while one resulted in a tie. The Men in Blue routed the Kiwis 4-1 when the two sides last met in a bilateral T20I series earlier this year.
DYK
NZ's record vs India in away T20Is
The Black Caps have so far met India 16 times in T20Is on Indian soil. While the hosts emerged winners 11 times, NZ clinched the other five matches. The two sides have met only once in Ahmedabad, in February 2023. India convincingly won that encounter by a massive 168 runs. Overall, the Kiwis own 12 wins and 13 defeats in T20Is on Indian soil.