BLAST FROM THE PAST

While the rivalry is not on a par with India versus Pakistan, the teams have played some exciting games. Here’s a look at some of them...

1985-86 Commonwealth Bank Series, at Perth

The New Zealand pace bowlers bundled out India for 113 runs. But Kapil Dev ran through the Kiwi middle-order, picking 3/23 in 10 overs. In a nervous chase, the Kiwis lost seven wickets before they got past the modest target.

1999, 2nd ODI, at Hyderabad

The game is famous for the batting treat dished out by Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Captain Tendulkar hammered an unbeaten 186 (150 balls) and Dravid hit 153 off 153 balls to help India amass 376 for two. NZ folded up for 202.

2000 ICC Knock-out final, at Nairobi

Having always played the bridesmaid, this was one final where Kiwis tasted success. India frittered away a start of 141 given by Ganguly and Tendulkar to finish with 264/6. Chris Cairns led NZ to victory, smashing an unbeaten 102.

2003 series, 6th ODI at Auckland

India restricted the Kiwis to 199/9, and then Sehwag took the battle to them. Once Sehwag fell at the score of 182, the 4th wicket, India suffered a collapse to be reduced to 198 /9. Lucky India were helped by a wide and leg-bye.

2016 series, 2nd ODI at Delhi

NZ took two games off India in last year’s series. In Delhi, they defended 242/9. Pacers Trent Boult and Tim Southee shared five between them, before part-timer Martin Guptill claimed two to restrict India to 236 all out.