IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 final: Head-to-head stats and memorable clashes

The T20 World Cup decider on Sunday could etch records. India aim to secure a historic third title, while New Zealand look to join the elite club as the seventh champions. The two teams have already set a unique record, being the first to face each other in ICC finals in all three formats.

India’s road to the T20 final was far from straightforward. After a flawless group stage with four wins, they endured a heavy defeat against South Africa. The team rebounded against Zimbabwe and West Indies, before Suryakumar Yadav and his squad triumphed in a high-scoring, and nail-biting semi-final against England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

The Kiwis secured the second spot in their group after England and were dependent on Sri Lanka’s outcome to advance. Their Super 8 journey featured a washout against Pakistan and a slim defeat to England. However, they managed to beat Sri Lanka.

In contrast to India, New Zealand cruised past South Africa in their semi-final at Eden Gardens, restricting the Proteas to 169/8 and chasing the target with nine wickets in hand and almost eight overs to spare.

As Sunday’s T20 World Cup final approaches at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, we break down the head-to-head record between India and New Zealand and revisit their biggest clashes in ICC tournaments.

India vs New Zealand head-to-head record

India may lead in overall T20I stats, but New Zealand have had the upper hand in T20 World Cups, winning all three previous encounters. From a 10-run victory in the 2007 Super 8 stage to a 47-run demolition in Nagpur in 2016 and an eight-wicket rout in Dubai in 2021, the Kiwis have historically troubled the Men in Blue on the big stage.

Historic showdowns between India and New Zealand across formats

As the Men in Blue and Black Caps prepare to meet in the T20 World Cup decider, here’s the list of their historical encounters and results.