India vs New Zealand cricket matches have always been a treat for fans, with both teams known for their competitive spirit and talent. Over the last four decades, there have been several ODI encounters between India and New Zealand that have left a lasting impact on cricket enthusiasts. These matches have been filled with nail-biting moments, where fortunes swung dramatically for both teams. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most memorable India vs New Zealand ODIs.
One of the earliest encounters worth mentioning is the match played on November 15, 1985, at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. In this match, Indian cricket history witnessed an incredible innings by Kapil Dev. Coming in to bat at number six, with India struggling at 83 for 5, Kapil played a breathtaking knock of 90 runs off just 103 balls. His fearless hitting and aggressive style propelled India to a competitive total of 221 runs. It proved to be a game-changing innings as India managed to defend the target and win the match by 11 runs.
Another significant match took place during the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup. India faced New Zealand in the semi-final held at Old Trafford in Manchester. It was a low-scoring thriller where the toss played a crucial role. New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, only managing to score 241 runs. In reply, India got off to a shaky start but was on course for victory with Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly anchoring the innings. However, a sudden collapse in the middle-order caused panic in the Indian camp. The match came down to the last over, with India needing 9 runs to win. Unfortunately, in a heart-breaking moment, veteran all-rounder Chris Cairns bowled a brilliant delivery that resulted in the run-out of Indian captain, Mohammad Azharuddin. India fell short of the target by just 5 runs, ending their World Cup campaign.
Moving on to more recent times, the 2019 World Cup semi-final between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford is still fresh in the memory of cricket fans. In a rain-affected match, New Zealand batted first and set a target of 240 runs for India. The chase began on a disastrous note for India, losing key wickets early. It was the partnership between Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni that reignited hope for the Indian team. The duo put together a brilliant 116-run partnership and brought India back into the game. However, just when it seemed like India would seal the victory, Dhoni was run-out by Martin Guptill with a direct hit. It was a moment of heartbreak for Indian fans as Dhoni, one of the greatest finishers in the game, departed, taking away India’s hopes of reaching the final.
These are just a few examples of the thrilling encounters between India and New Zealand in ODIs. Each match has had its own share of drama, tense moments, and unforgettable performances. The rivalry between the two teams has always provided fans with excitement and entertainment. As cricket enthusiasts, we eagerly await more captivating matches between India and New Zealand in the future.
