A cricket rivalry can change dramatically over seven decades. The New Zealand national cricket team vs West Indies cricket team timeline is a perfect example, moving from West Indies dominance in the early years to a much more competitive modern contest.
New Zealand and West Indies first met in Test cricket in 1952, and the two sides have since played across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Their history includes the great West Indies teams of the 1950s and 1980s, New Zealand’s rise as a major Test force, memorable World Cup encounters and plenty of close limited-overs matches.
The rivalry is particularly interesting because the balance has not been the same in every era or format. New Zealand now have the stronger overall Test record, while the ODI numbers remain relatively close. T20 cricket has produced its own share of twists.
Here’s a chronological look at New Zealand vs West Indies, including major series, iconic matches, important players and the latest results.
New Zealand vs West Indies: Quick Overview
The first Test between the teams was played at Lancaster Park in Christchurch in February 1952. West Indies won that opening encounter by five wickets, establishing an early advantage in the rivalry.
More than 70 years later, the teams continue to meet regularly.
Head-to-head snapshot
As of the latest completed matches in July 2026:
| Format | Matches | New Zealand wins | West Indies wins | Other results |
| Tests | 49 | 17 | 13 | 19 draws |
| ODIs | 76 | 36 | 33 | 7 no-results |
| T20Is | 25 | 14 | 8 | 3 no-results |
| Total | 150 | 67 | 54 | 29 |
The figures show something important: this has never been a completely one-sided rivalry. West Indies dominated some early periods, while New Zealand have enjoyed much greater success in the modern era.
1952: The New Zealand vs West Indies Timeline Begins
The story officially began in February 1952, when West Indies toured New Zealand for a two-Test series.
The first Test was played in Christchurch. West Indies won by five wickets after New Zealand were unable to defend their first-innings advantage.
The second Test at Auckland ended in a draw.
1952 Test series
- 1st Test: West Indies won by 5 wickets
- 2nd Test: Draw
- Series: West Indies won 1–0
At this point, West Indies were already an established cricketing power, while New Zealand were still searching for their first Test victory.
That difference in experience would define the early years of the rivalry.
1956: New Zealand Make History Against West Indies
One of the most important moments in the entire West Indies vs New Zealand timeline came in 1956.
New Zealand entered the fourth Test of the series at Eden Park having lost the first three matches. They had still never won a Test in their history.
That changed dramatically.
Captain John Reid made 84 in New Zealand’s first innings, while Tony MacGibbon and Harry Cave helped dismiss West Indies for 145.
New Zealand declared at 157/9 in their second innings, setting West Indies a target of 268.
West Indies collapsed to 77, and New Zealand won by 190 runs.
It was not just a victory over West Indies.
It was New Zealand’s first-ever Test victory.
The match remains one of the most significant milestones in New Zealand cricket history.
1960s: West Indies Still Hold the Upper Hand
The following decade largely belonged to West Indies.
Their teams contained some of the greatest cricketers of the era, including Gary Sobers and other world-class batters and bowlers.
New Zealand did manage a famous victory in 1969, winning a Test in Wellington by six wickets. But West Indies remained the stronger side overall.
The rivalry also began producing more drawn matches, particularly as both teams encountered conditions that made batting difficult and results harder to force.
1972: A Long Series in the Caribbean
The New Zealand vs West Indies rivalry entered another major phase when New Zealand toured the Caribbean in 1972.
The teams played a lengthy four-Test series, and West Indies remained unbeaten.
Several matches ended in draws, reflecting the slower pace of Test cricket during the period.
West Indies ultimately won the series 2–0.
The tour reinforced a familiar pattern: New Zealand could compete for long stretches, but West Indies possessed the superior depth and match-winning ability.
1975: World Cup Cricket Adds a New Dimension
The inaugural Cricket World Cup in 1975 gave New Zealand and West Indies another stage on which to meet.
They faced each other in the semi-final at The Oval in London.
West Indies won convincingly and advanced to the final, where they defeated Australia to become the first-ever men’s World Cup champions.
For New Zealand, it was another reminder of the gulf between themselves and the dominant Caribbean side.
But limited-overs cricket would eventually give the Black Caps more opportunities to challenge West Indies.
1979: New Zealand and West Indies Meet Again at the World Cup
The teams met again during the 1979 World Cup.
New Zealand had progressed to the tournament’s later stages, while West Indies were once again among the favorites.
Their group-stage meeting became another West Indies victory.
By the end of the tournament, West Indies had reached the final and successfully defended their World Cup title.
The early World Cup history therefore strongly favored the Caribbean side.
1980s: The West Indies Golden Era
The 1980s were arguably the most difficult period for New Zealand in this rivalry.
West Indies were the dominant force in international Test cricket.
Their fast-bowling attack was feared around the world, and their batting lineup contained players capable of controlling matches for long periods.
New Zealand did manage occasional success, but West Indies usually had the edge.
The Caribbean side’s pace attack presented a particularly difficult challenge on both lively New Zealand pitches and in the West Indies.
1987–88: New Zealand Produce a Major Test Upset
The late 1980s finally brought a significant shift.
New Zealand hosted West Indies for a three-Test series in 1987–88.
The hosts won the series 1–0.
It was an important result because defeating West Indies in a Test series during their great era was extremely difficult.
New Zealand’s bowlers were able to exploit home conditions, and the result hinted at a changing balance.
The West Indies remained a world-class side, but New Zealand were becoming increasingly capable of beating top teams at home.
1995: West Indies Strike Back
The rivalry swung back toward West Indies in the mid-1990s.
During the 1995 tour of New Zealand, West Indies produced a massive Test victory at Wellington.
They declared on 660/5, with their batting strength overwhelming the hosts.
New Zealand were eventually beaten by an innings and 322 runs.
The match remains one of the largest victories by either side in the history of the rivalry.
It was also a reminder that West Indies could still dominate New Zealand when their batting and bowling units clicked together.
1999–2000: New Zealand’s Modern Era Begins
The turn of the millennium marked a major change in the New Zealand national cricket team vs West Indies cricket team timeline.
New Zealand hosted West Indies for a two-Test and five-ODI tour.
The Black Caps won both Tests.
They then completed a 5–0 ODI sweep.
That was a remarkable turnaround.
West Indies had historically been the stronger team, but New Zealand were now building a side capable of dominating them across formats.
Players such as Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle, Chris Cairns and Daniel Vettori were central to New Zealand’s success.
2000s: The Rivalry Becomes More Even
The early 2000s produced a fascinating period.
Neither team had complete control.
West Indies still had outstanding individual talent, while New Zealand were becoming increasingly reliable in home conditions.
The teams met regularly in both Tests and ODIs, with series results often depending heavily on location.
New Zealand were especially difficult to beat at home.
West Indies, meanwhile, remained dangerous in the Caribbean, where their pace bowlers and aggressive batting could change a match quickly.
2002: New Zealand Win a Test Series in the Caribbean
One of New Zealand’s most significant achievements came in 2002.
The Black Caps toured the West Indies and won the Test series 1–0.
Winning a Test series in the Caribbean was no small achievement.
For years, West Indies had enjoyed a major home advantage. New Zealand’s victory showed that their improvement was no longer restricted to home conditions.
It remains one of the notable turning points in the rivalry.
2006–07: New Zealand Continue Their ODI Progress
The ODI rivalry became particularly competitive during the 2000s.
New Zealand’s ability to chase targets and manage the middle overs became a recurring theme.
West Indies still produced explosive performances, but New Zealand’s disciplined approach often gave them the advantage in close matches.
The teams also began developing different strengths:
- New Zealand: tactical bowling, fielding and consistency
- West Indies: power hitting, athleticism and individual match-winners
That contrast continues to shape NZ vs WI contests today.
2012–14: West Indies Fight Back
The early 2010s saw West Indies regain some momentum.
In 2012, West Indies won both Tests against New Zealand in the Caribbean.
New Zealand struggled to deal with the conditions, while the hosts made better use of their bowling resources.
The teams met again in 2013–14, this time with New Zealand enjoying greater success.
New Zealand won the first two Tests in their home series, while the third was drawn.
The following tour to the Caribbean was another mixed affair, with New Zealand winning two of the three Tests.
The back-and-forth results demonstrated that neither side had a permanent grip on the rivalry.
2015 World Cup: A Memorable New Zealand Victory
The 2015 Cricket World Cup gave West Indies vs New Zealand fans one of the tournament’s most memorable matches.
The quarter-final was played at Wellington’s Basin Reserve.
New Zealand batted first and posted a huge 393/6.
Martin Guptill was the star.
He smashed 237 not out, one of the greatest individual innings in World Cup history.
West Indies fought back through Chris Gayle and later Corey Anderson’s bowling, but New Zealand eventually won by 143 runs.
Match highlights
- New Zealand: 393/6
- West Indies: 250
- Result: New Zealand won by 143 runs
- Martin Guptill: 237*
- Tournament: 2015 World Cup quarter-final
Guptill’s double century became the defining image of the match.
2016: T20 Cricket Changes the Equation
T20 cricket created a different kind of New Zealand vs West Indies rivalry.
West Indies were becoming one of the most dangerous T20 teams in the world.
Their batting depth, six-hitting ability and experience in franchise cricket made them particularly difficult to contain.
New Zealand remained competitive, but West Indies’ strengths were perfectly suited to the shortest format.
This period helped establish a pattern that still exists today: New Zealand have generally been stronger in Test cricket, while West Indies can be exceptionally dangerous in T20 cricket.
2017: New Zealand Dominate the Test Series
New Zealand hosted West Indies for two Tests in December 2017.
The hosts produced two emphatic victories.
First Test
New Zealand won by an innings and 67 runs.
Second Test
New Zealand won by 240 runs.
The series was a clear demonstration of New Zealand’s strength at home.
Their seamers exploited the conditions, while their batting lineup consistently put West Indies under pressure.
2019: Another World Cup Meeting
The 2019 Cricket World Cup provided one of the most entertaining recent NZ vs WI matches.
New Zealand batted first and scored 291/8.
West Indies appeared to be struggling at 139/5, but Carlos Brathwaite produced an extraordinary late assault.
He smashed 101, nearly dragging West Indies over the line.
The match ended with New Zealand winning by just 5 runs.
Why it remains memorable
Brathwaite was dismissed with West Indies only six runs short of the target.
It was one of the closest finishes of the tournament.
For New Zealand, the victory was crucial in their run toward the final.
For West Indies, it was another example of how close they could come despite losing control earlier in the match.
2020: New Zealand Sweep the Tests
New Zealand hosted West Indies for two Tests in December 2020.
The hosts were ruthless.
First Test
New Zealand won by an innings and 134 runs.
Second Test
New Zealand won by an innings and 12 runs.
Kane Williamson’s huge batting performances and the effectiveness of the New Zealand bowling attack gave the hosts complete control.
The 2–0 result reinforced New Zealand’s dominance in home Test cricket.
2022: West Indies Win the First ODI in the Caribbean
New Zealand toured the West Indies in 2022 for a limited-overs series.
The first ODI in Barbados was won by West Indies by five wickets.
New Zealand were dismissed for 190, and West Indies chased the target comfortably.
New Zealand responded by winning the second and third ODIs, taking the series 2–1.
The result once again demonstrated the basic pattern of the rivalry:
West Indies could beat New Zealand in the Caribbean, but New Zealand had the consistency to recover and win series.
2024: West Indies Produce a T20I Surprise
One of the more recent T20I chapters came in June 2024.
West Indies defeated New Zealand by 13 runs in Tarouba.
The result was significant because New Zealand had traditionally performed strongly against West Indies in bilateral cricket, while the Caribbean side’s T20 strengths remained obvious.
It was another reminder that NZ vs WI cannot be judged purely by Test or ODI records.
2025: A Huge Year in the New Zealand vs West Indies Timeline
The 2025–26 West Indies tour of New Zealand became one of the most interesting recent chapters in this rivalry.
The teams played:
- Five T20Is
- Three ODIs
- Three Tests
That gave fans 11 international matches between the teams in a single tour.
The results varied considerably by format.
2025 T20I Series: New Zealand Win 3–1
The five-match T20I series began in Auckland.
West Indies won the first match by seven runs.
New Zealand then responded strongly.
They won the second T20I by three runs, the third by nine runs and the fifth by eight wickets.
The fourth match was abandoned without a result because of rain.
2025 T20I results
| Match | Result |
| 1st T20I | West Indies won by 7 runs |
| 2nd T20I | New Zealand won by 3 runs |
| 3rd T20I | New Zealand won by 9 runs |
| 4th T20I | No result |
| 5th T20I | New Zealand won by 8 wickets |
| Series | New Zealand won 3–1 |
The series was particularly useful for New Zealand as preparation for the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup.
2025 ODI Series: New Zealand Complete a 3–0 Sweep
The ODI series was even more one-sided.
First ODI
Daryl Mitchell scored 119 as New Zealand posted 269/7.
West Indies reached 262/6 but fell seven runs short.
New Zealand won by 7 runs.
Second ODI
West Indies made 247/9 in a rain-shortened 34-over match.
New Zealand chased the revised target and reached 248/5.
New Zealand won by 5 wickets.
Shai Hope scored a century for West Indies, but his effort was not enough.
Third ODI
West Indies were dismissed for just 161.
New Zealand chased the target with plenty of time remaining.
New Zealand won by 4 wickets.
The Black Caps completed a 3–0 ODI sweep.
2025 First Test: West Indies Produce a Stunning Draw
The first Test at Hagley Oval appeared to be heading toward a New Zealand victory.
New Zealand set West Indies a massive fourth-innings target of 531.
Instead of collapsing, the visitors produced one of the most remarkable defensive batting performances in recent Test cricket.
Justin Greaves scored an unbeaten 202.
Shai Hope added 140, while Kemar Roach contributed an unbeaten 58.
West Indies finished on 457/6, securing a draw.
The innings was notable not just because West Indies saved the Test, but because it became one of the highest fourth-innings totals ever recorded.
2025 Second Test: New Zealand Regain Control
The second Test in Wellington was a completely different story.
West Indies were dismissed for 205 in their first innings.
New Zealand replied with 278.
The tourists then collapsed for 128 in their second innings.
New Zealand needed only 56 to win and completed the chase for the loss of one wicket.
New Zealand won by 9 wickets.
The Black Caps took a 1–0 series lead with one match remaining.
2025 Third Test: New Zealand Seal the Series
The final Test at Mount Maunganui produced another dominant New Zealand performance.
New Zealand scored 575/8 declared in their first innings.
Devon Conway made 227, while Tom Latham scored 137.
West Indies replied with 420, with Kavem Hodge making 123.
New Zealand then declared their second innings at 306/2, setting West Indies 462 to win.
The visitors were eventually dismissed for 138.
New Zealand won by 323 runs.
The result gave New Zealand a 2–0 Test series victory, with the opening match drawn.
Jacob Duffy was one of the outstanding performers, while Ajaz Patel also played an important role with the ball.
2026: West Indies and New Zealand Meet Again in the Caribbean
The next chapter came in July 2026.
This time, New Zealand toured the West Indies for a five-match ODI series.
The series was much more competitive than the 2025 white-ball contests.
2026 First ODI: West Indies Win by Seven Wickets
West Indies chased down New Zealand’s 267 with 268/3 in 48.5 overs.
Keacy Carty made 95, while Shai Hope added 87.
West Indies won by 7 wickets.
It was an excellent start for the hosts.
2026 Second ODI: New Zealand Level the Series
New Zealand bounced back in the second match.
West Indies were dismissed for 138.
New Zealand reached 141/5 in just 32.4 overs.
New Zealand won by 5 wickets.
The series was now tied 1–1.
2026 Third ODI: New Zealand Take the Lead
The third ODI again went New Zealand’s way.
West Indies were restricted to 140/9.
New Zealand chased the target, reaching 141/4 in 39.3 overs.
New Zealand won by 6 wickets.
That put the visitors 2–1 ahead.
2026 Fourth ODI: A One-Wicket Thriller
The fourth match was one of the most dramatic games in the modern West Indies vs New Zealand timeline.
West Indies were bowled out for 188.
New Zealand’s chase became increasingly tense as wickets fell.
Eventually, Mitchell Santner held his nerve and New Zealand reached 189/9.
New Zealand won by 1 wicket.
The result gave the visitors an unassailable 3–1 series lead.
2026 Fifth ODI: West Indies Finish Strongly
West Indies had one final opportunity to avoid a 4–1 defeat.
New Zealand scored 268/9.
West Indies then chased the target successfully, reaching 269/8 in 47.3 overs.
Shimron Hetmyer produced the match-winning innings, scoring 69 not out from 64 balls.
West Indies won by 2 wickets.
2026 ODI series result
New Zealand won the series 3–2.
It was a much more competitive contest than the 3–0 New Zealand ODI sweep in 2025.
New Zealand vs West Indies Timeline: Major Milestones
| Year | Format/Event | Result |
| 1952 | First Test series | West Indies won 1–0 |
| 1956 | Test series in New Zealand | West Indies won 3–1 |
| 1956 | 4th Test, Auckland | New Zealand won by 190 runs |
| 1969 | Test series | West Indies won 2–0 |
| 1972 | Test series in Caribbean | West Indies won 2–0 |
| 1975 | World Cup semi-final | West Indies won |
| 1979 | World Cup | West Indies won |
| 1987–88 | Test series in New Zealand | New Zealand won 1–0 |
| 1995 | Test in Wellington | West Indies won by innings & 322 runs |
| 1999–2000 | Test series | New Zealand won 2–0 |
| 1999–2000 | ODI series | New Zealand won 5–0 |
| 2002 | Test series in Caribbean | New Zealand won 1–0 |
| 2015 | World Cup quarter-final | New Zealand won by 143 runs |
| 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 |
| 2025 | T20I series | New Zealand won 3–1 |
| 2025 | ODI series | New Zealand won 3–0 |
| 2025 | Test series | New Zealand won 2–0 |
| 2026 | ODI series in Caribbean | New Zealand won 3–2 |
New Zealand vs West Indies Head-to-Head Record
The numbers give a useful picture of how the rivalry has evolved.
Test cricket
New Zealand lead the Test head-to-head.
They have won 17 of 49 Tests, while West Indies have won 13. The remaining 19 matches have been drawn.
The most noticeable change has come since the late 1990s.
New Zealand have become especially dominant at home, with their seam bowling and disciplined batting often proving decisive.
ODI cricket
ODI cricket is much closer.
After the July 2026 series, New Zealand lead 36–33 in wins, with seven no-results.
That is a much narrower gap than in Test cricket.
The 2026 series was a good illustration of this competitiveness. West Indies won the opening and final games, while New Zealand took the middle three.
T20I cricket
New Zealand have won 14 of the 25 T20Is between the sides.
West Indies have won eight, while three matches produced no result.
The T20I record is interesting because West Indies have traditionally been regarded as one of the strongest T20 nations.
Their power-hitting reputation means they remain a dangerous opponent even when the overall bilateral record favors New Zealand.
Famous Players in the New Zealand vs West Indies Rivalry
Several generations of great cricketers have shaped this matchup.
Sir Gary Sobers
Sobers was one of the defining figures of West Indies cricket during the 1950s and 1960s.
His all-round ability made him a constant threat against New Zealand.
Brian Lara
Lara played during the period when West Indies were beginning to lose some of their former dominance, but his batting remained exceptional.
His presence made every West Indies-New Zealand contest more dangerous for the Black Caps.
Courtney Walsh
The legendary West Indies fast bowler was another major figure.
His pace and accuracy represented the qualities that made Caribbean bowling so intimidating for generations of opponents.
Stephen Fleming
Fleming captained New Zealand through a crucial period of the rivalry.
His calm leadership and tactical approach helped New Zealand become more consistent against stronger opponents.
Daniel Vettori
Vettori’s left-arm spin and all-round ability made him one of New Zealand’s most important players during the late 1990s and 2000s.
Kane Williamson
Williamson became one of New Zealand’s most reliable batters during the modern era.
His performances were particularly important in Test cricket.
Martin Guptill
Guptill’s 237* against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup remains one of the most memorable individual performances in this rivalry.
Devon Conway
Conway has also become a major modern contributor.
His 227 in the third Test against West Indies in 2025 was one of the standout innings of the recent series.
Why New Zealand vs West Indies Is Such an Interesting Rivalry
At first glance, the rivalry might seem less famous than New Zealand’s contests with Australia, England or India.
But the history tells a different story.
1. The balance has shifted repeatedly
West Indies dominated the early decades.
New Zealand then became stronger, particularly from the late 1990s onward.
That creates a rivalry with distinct historical eras rather than one consistent pattern.
2. Conditions matter
New Zealand’s seam-friendly pitches can give the Black Caps a major advantage.
Caribbean conditions can offer West Indies bowlers a different set of opportunities.
This is why home advantage has played such an important role.
3. The formats tell different stories
Test cricket currently favors New Zealand.
ODI cricket is considerably closer.
T20 cricket is more unpredictable, with West Indies’ explosive batting always capable of changing a match.
4. Both teams have produced memorable individual performances
From Sobers and Lara to Williamson, Guptill and Conway, the rivalry has featured plenty of world-class players.
Where to Watch New Zealand vs West Indies
If you’re searching for New Zealand vs West Indies live coverage, the broadcaster depends on the country, tournament and format.
For ICC tournaments, coverage is generally handled through the tournament’s official broadcast partners.
For bilateral tours, viewers should check the official New Zealand Cricket and Cricket West Indies platforms, along with local broadcasters in their country.
Official scorecards and match centres are also useful when live video is unavailable.
Because broadcast rights change from series to series, it is best to check the specific fixture rather than rely on an old streaming listing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did New Zealand and West Indies first play cricket?
The first Test between the two teams was played in February 1952 at Christchurch in New Zealand.
West Indies won the match by five wickets.
Who has won more Tests between New Zealand and West Indies?
New Zealand lead the Test head-to-head with 17 wins to West Indies’ 13 after 49 matches. Nineteen Tests have been drawn.
Has New Zealand ever won a Test series in the West Indies?
Yes. New Zealand won a Test series in the Caribbean in 2002, taking the series 1–0.
Who won the 2025 New Zealand vs West Indies Test series?
New Zealand won the three-Test series 2–0, with the first Test ending in a draw.
What happened in the first Test of the 2025 series?
West Indies produced a remarkable defensive performance to save the match.
After being set 531 to win, they finished on 457/6, with Justin Greaves scoring an unbeaten 202 and Shai Hope making 140.
Who won the 2025 ODI series?
New Zealand won the three-match ODI series 3–0.
They won the first ODI by seven runs, the second by five wickets and the third by four wickets.
Who won the 2025 T20I series?
New Zealand won the five-match T20I series 3–1, with one match abandoned without a result.
Who won the 2026 ODI series between New Zealand and West Indies?
New Zealand won the five-match 2026 ODI series 3–2.
West Indies won the first and fifth matches, while New Zealand won the middle three.
What is the biggest New Zealand vs West Indies Test victory?
One of the biggest victories in the rivalry came in 1995, when West Indies defeated New Zealand by an innings and 322 runs at Wellington.
What is New Zealand’s biggest World Cup win over West Indies?
New Zealand won the 2015 World Cup quarter-final by 143 runs after Martin Guptill scored an extraordinary 237 not out.
What is the closest World Cup match between New Zealand and West Indies?
The 2019 World Cup meeting was decided by just five runs.
New Zealand won after Carlos Brathwaite’s 101 almost carried West Indies over the line.
Who leads the overall New Zealand vs West Indies rivalry?
Across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, New Zealand have the stronger overall record.
However, the gap is much smaller in ODIs than in Tests, and West Indies remain a dangerous T20 opponent.
Conclusion: The Story Behind New Zealand vs West Indies
The New Zealand national cricket team vs West Indies cricket team timeline stretches back more than seven decades, and it has changed considerably during that time.
West Indies dominated much of the early history, particularly during their golden eras of the 1950s, 1970s and 1980s. New Zealand gradually closed the gap, and the late 1990s and 2000s marked a major shift as the Black Caps became increasingly successful, particularly at home.
The modern numbers favor New Zealand, especially in Test cricket. But the New Zealand vs West Indies rivalry remains competitive enough to produce surprises. The 2019 World Cup thriller, West Indies’ remarkable 2025 Test draw and the dramatic 2026 ODI series all prove that the matchup is far from predictable.
For fans searching West Indies vs New Zealand, NZ vs WI, or New Zealand vs West Indies, the biggest takeaway is simple: this is a rivalry shaped by changing generations, contrasting playing styles and shifting home advantages.
And with both teams continuing to rebuild and develop new talent, the next chapter of the timeline could be just as interesting as the ones that came before it.