The matchup in the T20 World Cup 2026 final adds the shortest format to a rivalry that has already produced the World Test Championship final in 2021 and the Champion Trophy finals in 2009 and 2025.
Champions Trophy final, Nairobi, October 15, 2000
India and New Zealand first met in an ICC knockout match with Sourav Ganguly and Stephen Fleming leading their sides. New Zealand won the toss and chose to field.
India built a formidable total of 264 for six, powered by a commanding 117 from Sourav Ganguly and a fluent 69 by Sachin Tendulkar.
In reply, New Zealand appeared to be slipping at 132 for five. But Chris Cairns had other plans. His unbeaten 102, combined with steady support from Chris Harris, transformed the chase. The pair guided New Zealand past the target of 265 with just two balls to spare, sealing a memorable victory.
Champions Trophy final, Dubai, March 9, 2025
India survived a spirited New Zealand fightback to clinch the ICC Champions Trophy with a four-wicket victory in Dubai.
Dominant throughout the tournament, India made a brisk start in pursuit of 252 before a sudden wobble saw it lose three wickets for 17 runs. Rohit Sharma, who had set the tone with a fluent 76, departed during that collapse, while Virat Kohli fell for one.
Shreyas Iyer contributed 48 but was unable to see the chase through, and when Axar Patel holed out for 29, India still needed 49 from 51 balls.
Hardik Pandya pushed India closer with a useful 18 before his dismissal brought further tension. K.L. Rahul then held his nerve, finishing unbeaten on 34, while Ravindra Jadeja struck the winning runs to seal the title with an over to spare.
This was a record third time that India had won the Champions Trophy.
ICC Test championship final, Southampton, June 18-23, 2021
Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli were the rival captains when India and New Zealand met in the final of the ICC World Test Championship Final 2021. New Zealand won the toss and chose to field.
A superb spell from Kyle Jamieson (five for 31) dismantled India’s first innings, bowling it out for 217. India’s bowlers responded strongly, with Mohammed Shami (four for 76) and Ishant Sharma (three for 48) leading the fightback to dismiss New Zealand for 249.
In the second innings, New Zealand’s seamers again seized control. Tim Southee claimed four for 48 while Trent Boult took three for 39 as India was bowled out for 170.
Chasing 139 to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship title, New Zealand completed the task with composure. Kane Williamson (52 not out) and Ross Taylor (47 not out) guided the Black Caps home to seal a historic victory.
Published on Mar 06, 2026
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