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New Zealand National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Matches have produced a fascinating international cricket rivalry spanning Test cricket, One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals. The two teams have faced each other for decades, with memorable performances from legendary players, closely fought contests and some dominant series victories.
New Zealand have generally enjoyed the stronger overall record in recent decades, particularly in Test and ODI cricket. West Indies, however, have always possessed the ability to challenge New Zealand through explosive batting, fast bowling and outstanding individual performances.
The rivalry has also produced important World Cup encounters and several memorable bilateral series. More recently, the teams met across all three formats during the 2025–26 season. New Zealand swept the three-match ODI series in November 2025, won the T20I series 3-1 with one no-result, and then won the Test series 2-0 after the opening Test ended in a draw.
In July 2026, the two teams met again in a five-match ODI series in the West Indies. West Indies won the first and fifth matches, while New Zealand won the second, third and fourth, giving New Zealand a 3-2 series victory.
New Zealand vs West Indies Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry has been particularly competitive in ODI cricket. According to the available ODI head-to-head record, New Zealand and West Indies have played 74 ODIs, with New Zealand winning 35 and West Indies winning 32. Seven matches produced no result.
| Format | New Zealand | West Indies | Other Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 18 wins | 13 wins | 20 draws* |
| ODIs | 35 wins | 32 wins | 7 no results |
| T20Is** | 13 wins | 6 wins | 3 no results, 3 ties |
| Overall Rivalry | New Zealand generally ahead | Highly competitive | Several drawn/no-result games |
*The ICC head-to-head page reflects its broader Test record presentation.
**The T20I statistical archive lists 25 matches through November 2025 and records 13 New Zealand wins, 6 West Indies wins, 3 no-results and 3 ties.
The exact aggregate can vary between statistical databases depending on whether historical or abandoned matches are included, but the overall pattern is clear: New Zealand have held a significant advantage in modern limited-overs cricket while West Indies remain a historically strong opponent.
New Zealand vs West Indies Test Match History
Test cricket has traditionally been one of the most important parts of the New Zealand National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team rivalry.
The teams have played numerous Test series over several decades, with both sides enjoying periods of dominance.
New Zealand’s home conditions have often provided their fast bowlers with an advantage. West Indies, meanwhile, have historically possessed some of the world’s greatest pace attacks and have produced major batting performances against New Zealand.
Recent Test history strongly favours New Zealand.
The latest three-Test series took place in New Zealand in December 2025. The first Test at Hagley Oval ended in a draw, while New Zealand won the second Test in Wellington by nine wickets and the third Test at Mount Maunganui by 323 runs.
2025 New Zealand vs West Indies Test Series
The 2025 Test series was an excellent example of how different the two teams’ performances could be across a long red-ball contest.
The opening Test in Christchurch was drawn after West Indies successfully fought to save the match. West Indies finished on 457/6 in their second innings, with Justin Greaves making an unbeaten double century.
New Zealand then responded strongly in Wellington.
In the second Test, New Zealand bowled West Indies out for 205 and 128. New Zealand declared their first innings at 278/9 before chasing the small target and winning by nine wickets.
The third Test was even more emphatic.
New Zealand scored 575/8 declared and then 306/2 declared. West Indies made 420 in their first innings but were dismissed for 138 in the second. New Zealand won by 323 runs.
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Christchurch | Draw |
| 2nd Test | Wellington | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
| 3rd Test | Mount Maunganui | New Zealand won by 323 runs |
| Series | New Zealand | New Zealand won 2-0 |
New Zealand vs West Indies ODI History
ODI cricket has produced one of the closest statistical contests between these two teams.
The teams have met 74 times in ODIs, with New Zealand holding a narrow advantage of 35 wins to 32. Seven matches have ended without a result.
This makes the ODI rivalry significantly more balanced than the recent T20I record.
The teams have also met regularly in World Cups, where New Zealand have generally enjoyed success.
2025 ODI Series in New Zealand
The three-match ODI series in November 2025 was completely dominated by New Zealand.
In the first ODI at Hagley Oval, New Zealand scored 269/7 and restricted West Indies to 262/6, winning by seven runs.
The second ODI at Napier was another close match. West Indies scored 247/9 from 34 overs, while New Zealand reached 248/5 with three balls remaining to win by five wickets.
The third ODI at Hamilton was much more one-sided. West Indies were bowled out for 161, and New Zealand reached 162/6 in just 30.3 overs, winning by four wickets.
| ODI | New Zealand | West Indies | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 269/7 | 262/6 | New Zealand won by 7 runs |
| 2nd ODI | 248/5 | 247/9 | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | 162/6 | 161 | New Zealand won by 4 wickets |
| Series | New Zealand won 3-0 |
The series demonstrated New Zealand’s ability to win both close matches and games where their bowling attack dominated.
2026 ODI Series in the West Indies
The latest ODI chapter came in July 2026, when New Zealand toured the West Indies for five ODIs.
Unlike the 2025 series, this contest was much more competitive.
West Indies won the first ODI by seven wickets after chasing New Zealand’s 267.
New Zealand then responded by winning the second ODI by five wickets. They bowled West Indies out for 138 and reached 141/5.
New Zealand won the third ODI by six wickets after West Indies were dismissed for 140.
The fourth ODI was an extremely close contest. New Zealand chased 189 and reached 189/9, winning by one wicket with 35 balls remaining.
West Indies avoided a series defeat by winning the fifth ODI by two wickets after chasing 269.
| ODI | West Indies | New Zealand | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI | 268/3 | 267 | West Indies won by 7 wickets |
| 2nd ODI | 138 | 141/5 | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| 3rd ODI | 140 | 141/4 | New Zealand won by 6 wickets |
| 4th ODI | 188 | 189/9 | New Zealand won by 1 wicket |
| 5th ODI | 269/8 | 268/9 | West Indies won by 2 wickets |
| Series | New Zealand won 3-2 |
The fourth ODI was particularly memorable because New Zealand successfully completed a difficult one-wicket chase.
Latest New Zealand vs West Indies ODI Matches
The July 2026 ODI series provides the most recent five-match sample between the teams.
New Zealand won three of the five matches, while West Indies won two. The series therefore demonstrated how closely matched the teams can be when playing in Caribbean conditions.
The performances of West Indies batter Keacy Carty were especially notable. Carty finished the series as the leading run-scorer with 194 runs, while New Zealand’s Will Young scored 176 and Tom Latham made 167.
New Zealand vs West Indies T20I History
T20 cricket has produced some of the most unpredictable New Zealand vs West Indies matches.
The available international record through November 2025 lists 25 T20I meetings, with New Zealand winning 13 and West Indies winning six. Three matches ended without a result and three were tied. Four additional scheduled matches were cancelled.
New Zealand have therefore held the stronger T20I record, although the West Indies style of aggressive batting makes them a dangerous opponent in the shortest format.
2025 T20I Series in New Zealand
The five-match T20I series in November 2025 was another competitive contest.
West Indies won the first match at Eden Park by seven runs after scoring 164/6 and restricting New Zealand to 157/9.
New Zealand then responded by winning the second match by three runs after scoring 207/5.
The third T20I also went New Zealand’s way, with the hosts winning by nine runs.
The fourth match ended without a result after West Indies reached 38/1 in 6.3 overs.
New Zealand then won the fifth match by eight wickets, chasing 140 in only 15.4 overs.
| T20I | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st | West Indies won by 7 runs |
| 2nd | New Zealand won by 3 runs |
| 3rd | New Zealand won by 9 runs |
| 4th | No result |
| 5th | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| Series | New Zealand won 3-1 |
The series demonstrated New Zealand’s consistency, particularly in the second half of the contest.
Famous New Zealand vs West Indies World Cup Matches
The two teams have faced each other at major international tournaments, including the Cricket World Cup.
World Cup meetings have often produced important moments because both nations have historically been capable of competing strongly in tournament cricket.
New Zealand’s strength in home and neutral conditions has often helped them, while West Indies have relied on explosive batting and powerful fast bowlers.
The World Cup rivalry is particularly significant because New Zealand have reached multiple knockout stages, while West Indies were among the strongest teams in the early decades of World Cup cricket.
Biggest New Zealand Wins
New Zealand have produced several dominant performances against West Indies.
One of the strongest recent examples came in the third Test of the 2025 series. New Zealand won by 323 runs after setting West Indies a target of 462 and dismissing them for 138.
In limited-overs cricket, New Zealand’s 2025 ODI series sweep was also significant because all three matches were won despite West Indies producing competitive totals in the first two games.
New Zealand’s ability to win close ODI matches has been a major feature of the modern rivalry.
Biggest West Indies Wins
West Indies have also produced memorable performances against New Zealand, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
The Caribbean side’s ability to score quickly makes them particularly dangerous in T20 cricket.
The first T20I of the 2025 series is a recent example. West Indies scored 164/6 at Eden Park and successfully defended the total against New Zealand, winning by seven runs.
The first ODI of the 2026 series was another important West Indies victory. They chased New Zealand’s 267 successfully and won by seven wickets.
Closest New Zealand vs West Indies Matches
The rivalry has produced numerous close matches.
The 2025 ODI series included two particularly tight games. New Zealand won the first match by seven runs and the second by five wickets with only three balls remaining.
The fourth ODI of the 2026 series was even closer. New Zealand chased 189 but lost nine wickets before reaching the target with 35 balls remaining.
T20 cricket has also produced narrow margins. West Indies won the first 2025 T20I by only seven runs, while New Zealand won the second by three runs.
Key Players in New Zealand vs West Indies Matches
The rivalry has featured some of the most talented cricketers from both nations.
New Zealand have historically relied on technically strong batters, disciplined seamers and versatile all-rounders. Players such as Kane Williamson, Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori, Trent Boult and Tim Southee have played important roles in different eras.
Kane Williamson’s return to the New Zealand Test squad for the 2025 series was particularly significant. He brought experience and leadership to a team preparing for a three-Test contest against West Indies.
West Indies have traditionally produced explosive batters and outstanding fast bowlers. Players from the Caribbean have often been capable of changing a match within a short period.
In the 2025-26 Test series, Justin Greaves produced one of the standout individual performances. He scored 202 not out in the first Test and helped West Indies save the match.
New Zealand vs West Indies Batting Records
The T20I rivalry has produced some outstanding individual innings.
According to the historical T20I records, New Zealand’s highest team total against West Indies is 243/5 at Bay Oval. Glenn Phillips holds New Zealand’s highest individual score in the rivalry with 108.
The attacking nature of T20 cricket means that individual batting performances can have a major impact on the result.
West Indies’ power-hitting has also made them capable of chasing challenging targets, particularly when their top order gets through the opening overs.
New Zealand vs West Indies Bowling Battles
Bowling has been another major factor in the rivalry.
New Zealand’s seam attack traditionally benefits from movement and bounce, particularly in New Zealand conditions. West Indies have historically relied on pace and aggression.
In the 2025 Test series, New Zealand’s bowlers were able to dismiss West Indies cheaply in the second and third Tests after the first match had been drawn. The third Test demonstrated the difference particularly clearly, as West Indies were dismissed for 138 in their second innings.
In white-ball cricket, disciplined bowling during the middle overs has often been decisive.
New Zealand vs West Indies Matches Statistics
| Category | New Zealand | West Indies |
|---|---|---|
| ODI matches | 74 | 74 |
| ODI wins | 35 | 32 |
| ODI no-results | 7 | 7 |
| T20I matches in historical record | 25 | 25 |
| T20I wins | 13 | 6 |
| T20I no-results | 3 | 3 |
| T20I ties | 3 | 3 |
| 2025 ODI series | 3 wins | 0 wins |
| 2025 T20I series | 3 wins | 1 win |
| 2025 Test series | 2 wins | 0 wins |
| 2026 ODI series | 3 wins | 2 wins |
The numbers demonstrate New Zealand’s recent superiority, although the 2026 ODI series showed West Indies could still compete strongly on home soil.
Why New Zealand vs West Indies Matches Are Important
New Zealand National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Matches are important because they bring together two countries with very different cricketing traditions.
New Zealand cricket is often associated with disciplined team performances, strong seam bowling and tactical consistency.
West Indies cricket is famous for flair, athleticism, aggressive batting and a rich history of producing world-class fast bowlers.
This contrast makes their matches particularly interesting.
A New Zealand team can build pressure over long periods, while West Indies can change the direction of a game through a short burst of attacking cricket.
Home Advantage in the Rivalry
Home conditions have historically played an important role.
New Zealand’s pitches can provide movement for seam bowlers, especially early in Test matches. West Indies conditions can offer slower surfaces, heat and different challenges for visiting teams.
The 2025-26 series in New Zealand saw the home team dominate the white-ball formats and eventually win the Test series.
The 2026 ODI series in the Caribbean was much closer, with New Zealand winning 3-2.
This difference demonstrates how conditions can influence the balance between the two teams.
Future of the New Zealand vs West Indies Rivalry
The rivalry should remain an important part of international cricket.
Both nations continue to develop new players while maintaining experienced cores.
For New Zealand, the challenge will be to maintain their consistency across all three formats. For West Indies, the focus will be on turning strong individual performances into more series victories.
The 2026 ODI series showed that West Indies can compete strongly at home, while New Zealand’s ability to win three matches demonstrated their adaptability.
Future Test, ODI and T20I meetings should therefore continue to provide competitive cricket.
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Matches rivalry has a rich history across every major format of international cricket.
New Zealand currently hold the stronger recent record, especially in T20Is and the 2025 series across all three formats. New Zealand won the 2025 ODI series 3-0, the T20I series 3-1 with one no-result, and the Test series 2-0 after the first Test was drawn.
The 2026 ODI series in the Caribbean was more competitive. New Zealand won three matches and West Indies won two, giving New Zealand another series victory.
Despite New Zealand’s advantage, West Indies remain a dangerous opponent because of their aggressive batting, powerful bowling and ability to produce unexpected results.
The rivalry’s combination of history, contrasting cricketing styles and close contests ensures that future New Zealand vs West Indies matches will continue to attract worldwide attention.
How many ODI matches have New Zealand and West Indies played?
New Zealand and West Indies have played 74 men’s ODIs. New Zealand have won 35, West Indies have won 32 and seven matches ended without a result.
Who has the better T20I record between New Zealand and West Indies?
New Zealand have the stronger T20I record in the available historical statistics, with 13 wins compared with six for West Indies. There have also been three ties and three no-results in the listed 25 matches.
Who won the 2025 New Zealand vs West Indies ODI series?
New Zealand won the three-match ODI series 3-0 in November 2025. They won by seven runs, five wickets and four wickets respectively.
Who won the 2026 New Zealand vs West Indies ODI series?
New Zealand won the five-match ODI series in the Caribbean 3-2. West Indies won the first and fifth matches, while New Zealand won the second, third and fourth.
Who won the latest New Zealand vs West Indies ODI match?
West Indies won the fifth ODI on July 21, 2026, by two wickets after chasing New Zealand’s 268/9 with 15 balls remaining. New Zealand nevertheless won the series 3-2.
