India vs New Zealand: In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Team India is on a winning streak and currently sits at the top of Group A with three consecutive victories. The Indian team first defeated Bangladesh, followed by Pakistan, and in their third match, they triumphed over New Zealand by 44 runs. In this match, India batted first and posted a respectable total of 249 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs, with Shreyas Iyer contributing a crucial 79 runs. In response, New Zealand collapsed to 205 runs in 45.3 overs. Apart from Kane Williamson, no other New Zealand batsman could make a significant impact, and despite Williamson’s efforts, New Zealand lost the match.
With this remarkable victory, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has also set a new record. Rohit Sharma has now won the most matches as an Indian captain against New Zealand in ICC tournaments. This victory propelled him ahead of Indian captain Kapil Dev. Rohit Sharma has now defeated New Zealand three times in ICC tournaments. Prior to this match, Rohit had led India to a 4-wicket victory over New Zealand in the 2023 ODI World Cup group stage, and in the semi-final of the same tournament, India won by 70 runs against New Zealand. Now, with his third victory over New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025, Rohit has achieved this significant feat.
Indian Captains with the Most Wins Against New Zealand in ICC Tournaments
- 3 times – Rohit Sharma (against New Zealand)
- 2 times – Kapil Dev
- 1 time – Sourav Ganguly
There is no doubt that under Rohit Sharma’s leadership, India has defeated New Zealand in several key matches, and now he holds the record for the most wins in this regard. Let’s take a look at the records of previous Indian captains.
Sourav Ganguly’s Leadership Against New Zealand
Under Sourav Ganguly’s captaincy, India defeated New Zealand in the Super Sixes stage of the 2003 ODI World Cup. At that time, India gave New Zealand a tough fight and secured an important victory. Ganguly’s leadership helped India progress in the World Cup, and defeating New Zealand further boosted the team’s confidence. Ganguly’s tenure as captain remains a memorable chapter in Indian cricket history, and under his leadership, India achieved several historic wins.
Kapil Dev’s Leadership Against New Zealand
Kapil Dev, one of India’s greatest captains, led India to two brilliant victories over New Zealand in the 1987 ODI World Cup. The first victory was by 16 runs, and the second came by 9 wickets. In both matches, under Kapil Dev’s captaincy, India put on an impressive performance and asserted their dominance. Kapil Dev’s leadership was instrumental in India’s World Cup triumph, which set a new direction for Indian cricket. His contributions to Indian cricket are unparalleled, and his captaincy remains etched in history.
India’s Best Wins Against New Zealand
Matches between India and New Zealand have always been exciting and closely contested. Especially in ICC tournaments, the significance of these matches becomes even greater. Some of India’s most memorable victories over New Zealand have come in crucial tournaments.
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2011 ODI World Cup (Semi-final): In this match, India defeated New Zealand by 70 runs and advanced to the final. This was a significant victory for India, as they later went on to defeat Pakistan and won the World Cup after 28 years.
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2023 ODI World Cup (Semi-final): In this match, India again defeated New Zealand by 70 runs and reached the final. This win was particularly important for India as it helped them secure a spot in the 2023 World Cup final.
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Champions Trophy 2025: Under Rohit Sharma’s captaincy, India defeated New Zealand for the third time, solidifying their position in the tournament.
Why is This Victory Important for Indian Cricket?
This victory is not just a regular match win, but a significant milestone for Indian cricket in several ways. By defeating New Zealand, India has proven that they are capable of handling pressure in major tournaments under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. Additionally, the team’s batters and bowlers collectively contributed to this win, which has further boosted the team’s confidence.
Shreyas Iyer’s brilliant 79 runs, along with strong performances from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, and the effective bowling efforts, symbolized a complete team effort. This win has paved the way for India to move forward in the Champions Trophy, and it could prove to be a crucial step toward the title.
This match between India and New Zealand has become another important chapter in the history of Indian cricket, and Rohit Sharma’s leadership has secured India a notable win. This victory proves that the Indian team is capable of making the right decisions even under pressure. Rohit Sharma’s leadership and the collective strength of the team will give them the momentum to move forward in the tournament. Now, India will hope to maintain their excellent performance and secure a spot in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025.
