IND vs NZ: Top three best India-New Zealand ODI clashes of all time

India vs New Zealand: (Image Source: Twitter)

India and New Zealand are all set to lock horns with each other in three T20I and as many one-day internationals. The series will begin with three ODIs, scheduled to be played on the 18th, 21st, and 24th of January 2022.

India and New Zealand are two big cricketing nations. Over the years, we have seen some memorable games played between these two teams. In all, the two teams have taken on each other in 116 ODI matches. 

Of those, India have managed to win 55 times, while New Zealand emerged victorious on 50 occasions.

In this article, let’s take a look at the top India vs New Zealand ODI clashes of all time: 

3. ICC Knockout Trophy 2000 final

India vs New Zealand: (Image Source: Twitter)

The ICC knockout trophy final between India and New Zealand took place in Kenya in the year 2002. India were invited to bat first and the opening pair of Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly laid the foundation for a big score by stitching a 141-run partnership. 

However, wickets fell in quick succession once that partnership was broken and India, eventually, ended up scoring 246 runs in the first innings. Sourav Ganguly top-scored with a 117-run knock. 

In reply, New Zealand had lost half of their side for just 132 runs on the board. India were on course to win the game but Chris Cairns and Chris Harris then added 122 runs for the sixth wicket to help the team win the match by 6 wickets. 

2.  3rd ODI, India tour of New Zealand 2014 

India vs New Zealand: (Image Source: Twitter)

The 3rd ODI between India and New Zealand is hailed as one of the most memorable matches in the history of ODI cricket. India had lost the first two ODIs and needed to win the third game to keep the series alive. 

Batting first, New Zealand posted a gigantic score of 314 runs on the board. The opening pair of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma added 64 runs for the opening wicket and gave the team a positive start. 

However, the other batters struggled to score runs as India were left in trouble at 184 for 6. Ravichandran Ashwin then joined hands with Dhawan and the duo added 85 runs in less than 10 overs. The equation came down to 18 runs needed in the final over. 

Jadeja then added smashed two fours and a six to leave the equation down to 2 needed on the final ball. The last ball fetched a single, resulting the game in a draw. 

1. ICC World Cup 2019, Semi-Final 

India vs New Zealand: (Image Source: Twitter)

India and New Zealand took on each other in the semi-final match of the 2019 World Cup in England. The fans had high hopes for India, who had performed admirably in the tournament. However, once again, they went down in a high-ticket event’s knockout match. 

The New Zealand Cricket Team notched a 239-run total, batting first in the first innings. India were expected to chase down the target with ease. But a sensational opening spell from Trent Boult led to the team reeling at 24 for 5, which, later, became 75 for 5. The likes of Hardik Pandya (32), MS Dhoni (50), and Ravindra Jadeja (77) came up with valuable contributions but India still fell 18 runs short of the target.