India vs New Zealand head-to-head in ICC knockouts: a look back

From The Hindu: A look back at India vs New Zealand head-to-head in ICC knockouts

Fans are eagerly waiting for the D-Day of the ICC Champions Trophy when India meets New Zealand in the final at Dubai on Sunday (March 9, 2025).

India and New Zealand have clashed four times in ICC knockout games. Statistically, New Zealand with a 3-1 margin, holds the upper-hand over India.

Here are the four matches featuring the two rivals in the ICC knockouts:

India and New Zealand met first in an ICC knockout game when Sourav Ganguly and Stephen Fleming were the respective captains. New Zealand won the toss and opted to field. Riding on a brilliant century from Ganguly (117) and a well-made 69 from Sachin Tendulkar, India finished at 264 for six. Chasing a target of 265, the Blackcaps were in a spot of bother at 132 for five. But Chris Cairns (102 n.o.) had other ideas. He along with Chris Harris took New Zealand past the Indian total with just two balls to spare.

India and New Zealand locked horns in the first semifinal of the 2019 World Cup in Manchester. The captains were Kane Williamson (New Zealand) and Virat Kohli (India). Winning the toss and electing to bat, New Zealand rode on Williamson (67) and Ross Taylor (74) to finish at 239 for eight.

Chasing a target of 240, India faced some hostile bowling and were in a spot of bother at 92 for six. Then a brilliant partnership from M.S. Dhoni (50) and Ravindra Jadeja (77) took India to 208 in 47.5 overs. It all depended on the brilliance of finisher Dhoni. But a brilliant throw from Martin Guptill ended Dhoni’s innings and broke the hearts of Indian fans. India was bundled out for 221 and New Zealand won by 18 runs.

Williamson and Kohli were the rival skippers. New Zealand won the toss and opted to field. However, a brilliant Kyle Jamieson (five for 31) bundled out India for 217 in the first innings. Indian bowlers led by Mohammed Shami (four for 76) and Ishant Sharma (three for 48) knocked the opposition out for 249.