Table of Contents
The West Indies Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline covers more than seven decades of international cricket between two teams with very different cricketing traditions. Their rivalry began with a Test series in New Zealand in 1952 and has since expanded across Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), T20 Internationals (T20Is), World Cups and other major competitions.
West Indies dominated many encounters during the early decades, particularly in the Caribbean. New Zealand gradually became more competitive and eventually established a strong advantage, especially in Test and T20I cricket.
The rivalry has produced memorable performances from legends such as Sir Frank Worrell, Gary Sobers, Brian Lara, Malcolm Marshall, Richard Hadlee, Stephen Fleming, Chris Gayle, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and many other international stars.
The most recent chapters have been particularly competitive. New Zealand won the 2025 T20I and ODI series at home, while West Indies responded by winning the first and fifth ODIs during New Zealand’s 2026 tour of the Caribbean. New Zealand still won that five-match ODI series 3-2.
West Indies Vs New Zealand Timeline: Quick Overview
| Category | West Indies | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| First Test meeting | 1952 | 1952 |
| First ODI meeting | 1975 | 1975 |
| First T20I meeting | 2006 | 2006 |
| Major formats | Tests, ODIs, T20Is | Tests, ODIs, T20Is |
| Historic Test advantage | Strong early record | Strong modern record |
| Major recent Test series | 2025 drawn first Test | 2025 series won 2-0 |
| Major recent ODI series | 2026 lost 2-3 | 2026 won 3-2 |
| Major recent T20I series | 2025 lost 1-3 with one NR | 2025 won 3-1 with one NR |
| Famous World Cup meeting | 2019 | 2019 |
According to ACS records, the teams have played 52 Tests, with New Zealand winning 19, West Indies winning 13 and 20 drawn. Their ODI rivalry had reached 76 matches by July 2026, with New Zealand winning 36 and West Indies 33, alongside no-results and abandoned/cancelled matches. In T20Is, the sides had played 25 matches through November 2025, with New Zealand winning 13, West Indies six, three no-results and three ties.
1952: The First West Indies Vs New Zealand Test Series
The first chapter in the West Indies Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline came in February 1952.
West Indies toured New Zealand after their series in Australia. The first Test was played at Lancaster Park in Christchurch from 8 to 12 February 1952.
West Indies won the historic first Test by five wickets. New Zealand scored 236 in their first innings and 189 in the second, while West Indies made 287 and successfully chased the target.
The second Test at Eden Park was drawn, meaning West Indies won the inaugural two-Test series 1-0.
The series introduced the two teams to each other in Test cricket and began a rivalry that would continue for more than 70 years.
1955-56: West Indies Dominate New Zealand
The 1955-56 tour was another important early chapter.
West Indies won the four-Test series 3-1. The Caribbean side had established itself as a major international force, while New Zealand were still developing into a competitive Test nation.
One of the outstanding performances came from West Indies bowler Sonny Ramadhin, who took six wickets for 23 runs in an innings at Carisbrook. Dennis Atkinson also took seven wickets for 37 runs in another match.
The series demonstrated the strength of West Indies’ bowling attack and their superiority over New Zealand during this period.
1968-69: New Zealand Begin to Challenge
By the late 1960s, New Zealand had become more competitive.
The 1968-69 Test series finished 1-1, with one match drawn. West Indies still possessed extraordinary batting talent, including Garfield Sobers and Seymour Nurse.
In one match, Nurse produced a remarkable 258, which remains one of the great individual scores in the historical rivalry.
The period marked a gradual shift from West Indies dominance toward a more competitive rivalry.
1971-72: Five Tests All Drawn
New Zealand’s first tour of the Caribbean came in 1971-72.
The five-Test series was unusual because all five Tests were drawn.
The tour included several remarkable performances. New Zealand opener Glenn Turner scored a huge 259 at Bourda, while Turner and Terry Jarvis put together a massive 387-run opening partnership.
For West Indies, the series featured outstanding batting from players such as Viv Richards and strong bowling from the emerging fast-bowling generation.
Although there was no series winner, the tour helped New Zealand gain valuable experience in Caribbean conditions.
1975: The ODI Rivalry Begins
The West Indies-New Zealand ODI rivalry began on 18 June 1975 at The Oval in England.
The match was part of the inaugural Cricket World Cup.
New Zealand won the first ODI between the teams. The match established another format for the rivalry, which would become increasingly important over the following decades.
ACS records list the ODI head-to-head as beginning on 18 June 1975 and extending through the fifth ODI of the 2026 series.
1979: World Cup Rivalry Continues
The teams met again during the 1979 Cricket World Cup.
West Indies were already one of the strongest limited-overs sides in the world and went on to reach the final.
The growing importance of World Cup cricket gave West Indies and New Zealand additional high-pressure encounters outside Test cricket.
1980s: West Indies Remain the Stronger Side
During the 1980s, West Indies were arguably the most dominant team in world cricket.
Their fast-bowling attack included Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, Michael Holding and Andy Roberts, while their batting line-up featured Gordon Greenidge, Desmond Haynes and Viv Richards.
New Zealand had outstanding players of their own, especially Richard Hadlee, but West Indies generally held the advantage.
The 1979-80 Test series in New Zealand was won by the hosts 1-0, with two matches drawn. Richard Hadlee’s bowling was particularly important during this period.
1984-85: West Indies Win in the Caribbean
West Indies hosted New Zealand in 1984-85 for a four-Test series.
West Indies won 2-0, with the other two Tests drawn.
The series again demonstrated the strength of the Caribbean side at home.
New Zealand had difficulty dealing with the quality of West Indies’ pace attack and the depth of their batting.
1994-95: West Indies Continue Their Advantage
New Zealand toured the Caribbean again in 1994-95.
The first Test at Christchurch was drawn, but West Indies won the second Test at Wellington by an extraordinary innings and 322 runs.
West Indies declared on 660/5, while New Zealand were dismissed for 216 and 122.
Brian Lara, Carl Hooper, Courtney Walsh and other West Indies stars featured in this period.
The result remains one of the largest victories in the history of the rivalry.
1995-96: A Competitive Series in the Caribbean
New Zealand returned to the Caribbean in 1995-96.
The ODI series was highly competitive. West Indies won the first ODI by one wicket, New Zealand won the second by four wickets, and West Indies won the third by seven wickets.
New Zealand then produced one of the most memorable ODI victories of the tour, defeating West Indies by four runs at Georgetown. New Zealand successfully defended just 158.
West Indies eventually won the five-match ODI series 3-2.
In the Test series, West Indies won the first Test at Bridgetown by 10 wickets and the second was drawn, giving West Indies a 1-0 series victory.
2000s: New Zealand Become More Competitive
The new millennium marked an important change in the rivalry.
New Zealand became increasingly successful against West Indies, especially in home conditions.
Players such as Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns, Daniel Vettori and Shane Bond became important figures.
West Indies remained capable of producing outstanding individual performances, but the overall balance began moving toward New Zealand.
2006: T20I Rivalry Begins
The first T20I between New Zealand and West Indies was played on 16 February 2006.
The introduction of international T20 cricket created a new chapter in the rivalry.
New Zealand eventually developed a strong T20 record against West Indies. According to ACS records, the teams had played 25 T20Is through November 2025, with New Zealand leading 13-6, alongside three ties and three no-results.
2011 Cricket World Cup
West Indies and New Zealand met during the 2011 Cricket World Cup in India.
New Zealand won the match and advanced further in the tournament.
The game was another example of New Zealand’s growing ability to challenge West Indies in global limited-overs cricket.
2015 Cricket World Cup: New Zealand Win a Thriller
One of the most memorable World Cup meetings occurred during the 2015 Cricket World Cup quarter-final in Wellington.
New Zealand scored 393/6, powered by Martin Guptill’s extraordinary 237 not out.
West Indies fought back through Chris Gayle, Marlon Samuels and other batters but were eventually bowled out for 250.
New Zealand won by 143 runs and advanced to the semi-finals.
Guptill’s double century became one of the defining innings of the tournament.
2017-18: New Zealand Sweep the Tests and T20Is
New Zealand hosted West Indies during the 2017-18 season.
The Test series was won by New Zealand 2-0.
In the first Test at Wellington, New Zealand scored 520/9 declared and won by an innings and 67 runs. The second Test at Hamilton was won by 240 runs.
New Zealand also won all three ODIs.
The T20I series was similarly one-sided. New Zealand won the first T20I by 47 runs, the second was abandoned without a result and New Zealand won the third by a huge 119 runs.
2019 Cricket World Cup: New Zealand Win by Five Runs
The 2019 Cricket World Cup produced another classic between the teams.
New Zealand scored 291/8 at Old Trafford, Manchester. Kane Williamson produced an outstanding 148, while Ross Taylor scored 69.
West Indies responded with 286 all out.
New Zealand won by only five runs, with Williamson named Player of the Match.
The match became particularly memorable because Carlos Brathwaite nearly completed a remarkable chase for West Indies.
2020-21: New Zealand Dominate in Test Cricket
West Indies toured New Zealand in 2020.
New Zealand won both Tests comprehensively.
The first Test ended with New Zealand winning by an innings and 134 runs, while the second Test was won by an innings and 12 runs.
The results demonstrated the growing difference between the teams in Test cricket.
New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack and strong top order proved too much for West Indies.
2022 ODI Series: West Indies Fight Back
West Indies hosted New Zealand in 2022 for a three-match ODI series.
West Indies won the first ODI by five wickets.
New Zealand then won the second ODI by 50 runs using the DLS method and the third by five wickets.
New Zealand therefore won the series 2-1, but West Indies had demonstrated their ability to compete strongly at home.
2024 T20 World Cup: West Indies Win a Memorable Match
The teams met again during the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Trinidad.
West Indies batted first and scored 149/9.
New Zealand were restricted to 136/9, giving West Indies a 13-run victory.
Sherfane Rutherford scored an unbeaten 68 from 39 balls, while Alzarri Joseph took four wickets.
The result was important for West Indies in a major tournament and demonstrated their ability to defeat New Zealand in T20 cricket.
2025: New Zealand Win the T20I Series
New Zealand hosted West Indies in November 2025 for five T20Is.
West Indies won the first match by seven runs, but New Zealand responded by winning the second and third games.
The fourth match was abandoned without a result, and New Zealand won the fifth by eight wickets.
The series therefore finished 3-1 in New Zealand’s favour, with one no-result.
2025 ODI Series: New Zealand Sweep West Indies
The ODI series followed the T20Is.
New Zealand won all three matches.
The first ODI at Christchurch was won by seven runs, the second at Napier by five wickets and the third at Hamilton by four wickets.
The second ODI was particularly competitive. West Indies made 247/9 in a rain-shortened 34-over match, with Shai Hope scoring a century, but New Zealand chased the target with three balls remaining.
2025-26 Test Series: New Zealand Win 2-0
The three-Test series in New Zealand produced a remarkable first match.
In the first Test at Christchurch, New Zealand made 231 and 466/8 declared. West Indies responded with 167 and then 457/6, securing a dramatic draw.
Justin Greaves scored 202 not out, helping West Indies save the Test.
New Zealand recovered to win the second Test at Wellington by nine wickets.
They then won the third Test at Mount Maunganui by 323 runs.
The series therefore finished 2-0 to New Zealand.
2026 ODI Series: West Indies Win Two, New Zealand Win Three
New Zealand toured the Caribbean in July 2026 for a five-match ODI series.
The first ODI at Providence was won by West Indies by seven wickets after they chased New Zealand’s 267.
New Zealand responded by winning the next three matches.
The second ODI was won by five wickets, the third by six wickets and the fourth by one wicket.
West Indies finished the series strongly by winning the fifth ODI at Kensington Oval.
New Zealand scored 268/9, while West Indies reached 269/8 in 47.3 overs to win by two wickets. Shimron Hetmyer scored 69 and Sherfane Rutherford made 61.
New Zealand therefore won the five-match ODI series 3-2.
West Indies Vs New Zealand Timeline: Major Results
| Year | Format / Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1952 | First Test | West Indies won by 5 wickets |
| 1955-56 | Test series | West Indies won 3-1 |
| 1968-69 | Test series | 1-1 draw |
| 1971-72 | Test series | All five Tests drawn |
| 1975 | First ODI | New Zealand won |
| 1979-80 | Test series | New Zealand won 1-0 |
| 1984-85 | Test series | West Indies won 2-0 |
| 1994-95 | Test series | West Indies won 1-0 |
| 1995-96 | ODI series | West Indies won 3-2 |
| 1995-96 | Test series | West Indies won 1-0 |
| 2006 | First T20I | New Zealand won |
| 2015 | World Cup quarter-final | New Zealand won by 143 runs |
| 2017-18 | Test series | New Zealand won 2-0 |
| 2017-18 | ODI series | New Zealand won 3-0 |
| 2019 | World Cup | New Zealand won by 5 runs |
| 2020 | Test series | New Zealand won 2-0 |
| 2022 | ODI series | New Zealand won 2-1 |
| 2024 | T20 World Cup | West Indies won by 13 runs |
| 2025 | T20I series | New Zealand won 3-1 |
| 2025 | ODI series | New Zealand won 3-0 |
| 2025-26 | Test series | New Zealand won 2-0 |
| 2026 | ODI series | New Zealand won 3-2 |
West Indies Vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
The Test rivalry has produced 52 matches, with New Zealand ahead 19-13 and 20 draws. The first meeting was in Christchurch in February 1952 and the latest Test was the third match of the 2025-26 series at Bay Oval.
The ODI rivalry had reached 76 matches by July 2026. New Zealand had 36 wins compared with 33 for West Indies, with the remaining matches involving no-results, abandoned or cancelled games.
The T20I rivalry stood at 25 matches through November 2025, with New Zealand leading 13-6, three ties and three no-results.
Key Players in the West Indies Vs New Zealand Rivalry
Brian Lara remains one of the most iconic West Indies batters to have played against New Zealand. His presence helped West Indies maintain their strength during the 1990s.
Richard Hadlee was one of New Zealand’s greatest performers in the rivalry. ACS records list his 11/102 as the best match bowling figures by a New Zealand player in the Test head-to-head.
Chris Gayle provided several memorable limited-overs performances for West Indies and became one of the most recognisable players in their modern rivalry with New Zealand.
Kane Williamson has been one of New Zealand’s most influential players against West Indies. His 148 in the 2019 World Cup match helped New Zealand win a five-run thriller.
Martin Guptill produced one of the most extraordinary innings in the rivalry when he scored 237 not out against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup quarter-final.
Sherfane Rutherford was instrumental in West Indies’ 2024 T20 World Cup victory over New Zealand, scoring 68 from 39 balls.
Most Memorable West Indies Vs New Zealand Matches
The 1952 Christchurch Test is historic because it was the first international Test between the two nations.
The 1995-96 Georgetown ODI is remembered for New Zealand defending 158 to defeat West Indies by four runs.
The 2015 World Cup quarter-final stands out because Martin Guptill scored 237 not out.
The 2019 World Cup match was one of the closest games between the teams, with New Zealand winning by only five runs.
The 2024 T20 World Cup match was another major tournament classic, with West Indies defending 149 to beat New Zealand by 13 runs.
The 2025 Christchurch Test produced an extraordinary draw after West Indies made 457/6 in the fourth innings, including Justin Greaves’ unbeaten double century.
The 2026 fifth ODI also deserves a place in the timeline because West Indies chased 269 to win by two wickets after losing three of the previous four games.
Why the West Indies Vs New Zealand Rivalry Matters
The rivalry is interesting because it represents the changing balance of international cricket.
West Indies were the dominant force during large parts of the 1970s and 1980s. Their combination of powerful batting and fast bowling made them one of the most feared teams in cricket.
New Zealand gradually developed into a highly competitive international side and became particularly difficult to beat at home.
In the modern era, New Zealand have enjoyed a stronger overall record in Test cricket, while West Indies remain capable of producing outstanding performances in white-ball cricket.
The 2024 T20 World Cup victory and the 2026 ODI wins show that West Indies continue to challenge New Zealand despite the Black Caps’ strong recent record.
Conclusion
The West Indies Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline stretches from the first Test in Christchurch in 1952 to the modern era of T20 cricket and the 2026 ODI series in the Caribbean.
West Indies dominated many early encounters, winning major Test series in the 1950s, 1980s and 1990s. New Zealand gradually closed the gap and became the stronger side in many modern encounters.
The rivalry has produced legendary performances from Richard Hadlee, Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson and many others.
Recent results show that the contest remains highly competitive. New Zealand won the 2025 T20I series, swept the 2025 ODI series and won the 2025-26 Test series 2-0. West Indies then fought back in 2026 by winning two ODIs in the Caribbean, although New Zealand ultimately took the five-match ODI series 3-2.
From classic Test battles to World Cup thrillers and close modern ODIs, the West Indies Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline remains an important part of international cricket history.
