BackNew Zealand and India share a long-standing rivalry in international cricket, with their ODI encounters producing several memorable batting performances over the years. As the two teams prepare for a five-match ODI series beginning on November 4, 2026, attention will once again turn towards the batters who have made a lasting impression in this contest.
Both sides have witnessed some exceptional individual displays, but Indian batters have largely dominated the record books when it comes to the highest individual scores in New Zealand vs India ODIs. From Sachin Tendulkar‘s remarkable centuries to Virat Kohli‘s masterclass in a run chase, these innings have become an important part of the rivalry’s history. Let’s have a look at some of the highest individual scores recorded in New Zealand vs India ODI encounters.
1. Shubman Gill – 208 at Hyderabad (2023)
Captain Shubman Gill holds the record for the highest individual score in India vs New Zealand ODIs, courtesy of his sensational 208-run knock in Hyderabad in 2023. The young Indian opener reached the milestone at just 23 years of age, becoming the youngest batter in men’s ODI cricket to register a double-century.
Facing 149 deliveries, Gill displayed tremendous control and attacking intent, striking 19 fours and nine sixes. He continued to dominate the New Zealand bowling attack even as wickets fell at the other end, taking India to a formidable total.
His remarkable innings eventually proved decisive in the contest, as India secured a thrilling 12-run victory despite Michael Bracewell‘s spectacular counter-attacking century.
2. Sachin Tendulkar – 186* at Hyderabad (1999)
Tendulkar occupies the second position with an outstanding unbeaten 186 against New Zealand in Hyderabad in 1999. At a time when massive ODI totals were far less common, the legendary Indian batter produced an innings that demonstrated his exceptional ability to combine patience with aggression.
Tendulkar remained unbeaten after facing 150 balls, building a remarkable partnership with Rahul Dravid. The duo added 331 runs for the second wicket, putting the New Zealand bowling attack under enormous pressure.
His innings featured an impressive combination of classical strokeplay and powerful hitting, helping India register a commanding total. The knock remained the highest individual score in this rivalry until Gill surpassed it more than two decades later.
3. Sachin Tendulkar – 163* at Christchurch (2009)
Tendulkar makes another appearance on the list with his magnificent unbeaten 163 against New Zealand in Christchurch in 2009. Playing away from home, the Indian batting great delivered another outstanding performance against the Black Caps.
Coming in with the intention of building a competitive total, Tendulkar took control of the innings with his trademark strokeplay. He smashed 16 fours and five sixes during his 133-ball stay at the crease.
However, his innings was cut short by a serious stomach muscle injury, which forced him to retire hurt during the 45th over. Although he could not complete his innings, his contribution played a major role in India’s batting effort.
4. Virat Kohli – 154* at Mohali (2016)
Kohli features at fourth place following his exceptional performance during India’s successful run chase against New Zealand in Mohali in 2016. Chasing a target of 286, India needed a composed yet aggressive batting effort, and Kohli delivered exactly that. The former Indian captain remained unbeaten on 154 from 134 deliveries, striking 16 boundaries and one six.
Kohli controlled the chase with remarkable composure, rotating the strike regularly while punishing loose deliveries. His ability to maintain the required scoring rate without taking unnecessary risks proved crucial.
The innings helped India reach the target comfortably, further strengthening Kohli’s reputation as one of the finest run-chasers in ODI cricket.
5. Sourav Ganguly – 153* at Gwalior (1999)
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly completes the top five with an unbeaten 153 against New Zealand in Gwalior during the 1999 bilateral series. Ganguly produced a memorable batting display, combining elegant drives with aggressive strokeplay to put the opposition bowlers on the back foot. His innings came off 150 deliveries and included three sixes.
Known for his exceptional off-side strokeplay, Ganguly showcased his ability to dominate both pace and spin. His unbeaten contribution helped India post a substantial total.
Interestingly, Rahul Dravid also scored 153 during the same series, but Ganguly’s unbeaten effort earns him a place among the five highest individual scores in this rivalry.
While Indian batters occupy all five positions on this list, New Zealand have also produced some memorable individual performances against India. Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham holds the distinction of registering the highest individual score for New Zealand in India vs New Zealand ODIs. He achieved the feat with an unbeaten 145 off 104 deliveries in Auckland in 2022.
Latham’s counter-attacking innings came at a crucial stage when New Zealand were under pressure during their pursuit of a 307-run target. He took responsibility for the chase and guided the hosts to a memorable seven-wicket victory.
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