India and New Zealand have crafted one of cricket’s most gripping rivalries, where every ball feels like a chess move between two tactical powerhouses. Fans live for those nail-biting chases and collapses that define their clashes, from World Cup heartbreaks to bilateral barnburners. Today, January 11, 2026, the 1st ODI at Vadodara’s windswept ground kept the drama alive as Kiwis fought back to 300/8 after India’s bowlers struck early.
Head-to-Head Battles
India edges ahead in ODIs with roughly 62 triumphs to New Zealand’s 50 across 120-plus showdowns, a testament to home dominance but Kiwis’ knack for upsets. Tests see India at 22 wins against 16, locked in gritty draws 27 times over 65 epics. T20Is tilt India’s way, 14-10 in 25 thrillers.timesofindia.indiatimes+2
| Format | Total Matches | India Victories | NZ Victories | Draws/Ties/No Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 65 | 22 | 16 | 27 |
| ODIs | 120 | 62 | 50 | 8 |
| T20Is | 25 | 14 | 10 | 1 |
Iconic Rivalry Moments
Picture New Zealand’s 2020 WTC final ambush or India’s epic 397-run ODI explosion—pure sporting poetry. Stars shine bright: Kohli’s predatory 1657 ODI runs, Tendulkar’s mastery, and Kiwi grit from Mitchell’s match-turners keep the fire raging.
1st ODI Live Pulse
Shubman Gill’s toss call to bowl lit the fuse at Vadodara, with Rana and Siraj snaring early scalps. Kiwis rebuilt through Conway’s poise, Nicholls’ gritty 62, and Mitchell’s explosive 84 off 71, hitting 300/8 despite middle-order wobbles at 170/4. As India’s chase heats up under lights—6:00 PM IST—expect swing, spin, and that classic Indo-Kiwi arm-wrestle to decide the opener.
