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The England cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team rivalry is one of the most competitive matchups in international cricket. The two sides have faced each other in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), producing unforgettable World Cup encounters, thrilling finishes and outstanding individual performances.
England and New Zealand have a long cricketing history dating back to 1929, when they played their first Test match. Since then, their rivalry has developed across every major format. England have enjoyed success in Test and limited-overs cricket, while New Zealand have delivered some remarkable victories, including their dramatic one-run Test win in Wellington in 2023 and their famous ODI World Cup final performance in 2019.
This article covers England vs New Zealand matches, head-to-head records, recent results, World Cup encounters, memorable scorecards and key statistics.
England vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
England and New Zealand have played more than a century of Test matches and numerous ODI and T20I contests. Their overall record differs across formats, reflecting the contrasting conditions, playing styles and eras in which the teams have competed.
| Format | Matches | England wins | New Zealand wins | Other results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test cricket | 115 | 54 | 14 | 47 draws |
| ODI cricket | 99 | 44 | 48 | 3 ties, 4 no-results |
| T20I cricket | 31 | 18 | 10 | 3 no-results |
These figures reflect available head-to-head records through 2026. Totals can vary slightly between statistical databases depending on their update dates and counting conventions.
England have a substantial advantage in Test victories, although New Zealand have produced important wins in recent series. ODI cricket is particularly competitive, with New Zealand holding a narrow lead in the listed record. England have won more T20Is, but New Zealand remain a dangerous opponent in the shortest format.
England vs New Zealand Test Matches
Test cricket forms the foundation of this rivalry. England and New Zealand first played a Test match in 1929, and the teams have since competed in numerous bilateral series in England and New Zealand.
England have historically won more Tests, benefiting from their depth in batting and fast bowling. New Zealand, however, have become increasingly competitive, especially in home conditions where their seam bowlers can exploit movement and bounce.
Test head-to-head statistics
| Test statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 115 |
| England wins | 54 |
| New Zealand wins | 14 |
| Draws | 47 |
| First Test meeting | 1929 |
The high number of draws reflects the long history of the rivalry and the influence of weather, pitch conditions and batting endurance. Modern Test cricket has produced more decisive results, with both teams increasingly willing to attack and pursue victories.
England vs New Zealand Test series, 2024
England toured New Zealand for a three-match Test series in November and December 2024. England won the series 2–1.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st Test, Christchurch | England won by 8 wickets |
| 2nd Test, Wellington | England won by 323 runs |
| 3rd Test, Hamilton | New Zealand won by 423 runs |
England dominated the first two Tests and secured the series before New Zealand responded with a huge victory in the third match.
The final Test was a reminder of New Zealand’s ability to recover strongly, even when a series is already decided. Their win by 423 runs was one of the most emphatic results in the history of this matchup.
England vs New Zealand Test series, 2026
New Zealand toured England in June 2026 for another three-match Test series. New Zealand won the series 2–1.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st Test, Lord’s | England won by 115 runs |
| 2nd Test, The Oval | New Zealand won by 253 runs |
| 3rd Test, Trent Bridge | New Zealand won by 160 runs |
England started the series with a convincing win at Lord’s. New Zealand responded by winning the next two matches, including a 253-run victory at The Oval and a 160-run victory at Trent Bridge.
The result demonstrated New Zealand’s ability to adjust after a defeat and maintain pressure across a series. It also showed that England’s historical advantage in Test cricket does not guarantee success in every modern contest.
England vs New Zealand ODI Matches
The ODI rivalry has produced some of the most memorable moments in international cricket. England and New Zealand have competed in bilateral series, Champions Trophy matches and multiple Cricket World Cups.
Their ODI head-to-head record is extremely close. New Zealand have won slightly more matches in the available historical record, while England have also recorded important victories, including their famous 2019 World Cup triumph.
ODI head-to-head statistics
| ODI statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 99 |
| England wins | 44 |
| New Zealand wins | 48 |
| Ties | 3 |
| No-results | 4 |
The narrow difference between the teams’ victories highlights how competitive this format has been. Both teams have enjoyed successful periods, and the result often depends on batting partnerships, middle-over control and execution in the final overs.
England vs New Zealand ODI series, 2025
New Zealand hosted England for a three-match ODI series in late October and early November 2025. New Zealand won the series 3–0.
The series demonstrated New Zealand’s strength in home conditions. Their batters built competitive totals, while their bowling attack restricted England’s scoring opportunities.
New Zealand’s success was particularly significant because England have traditionally been strong in ODI cricket. The clean sweep highlighted the hosts’ consistency across the series.
England vs New Zealand T20I Matches
T20 cricket adds another dimension to this rivalry. Both teams have produced explosive batting performances, strong bowling spells and dramatic finishes in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
England have developed a highly aggressive T20 approach, often relying on powerful batting and deep line-ups. New Zealand have generally combined adaptable batting with disciplined bowling and strong tactical planning.
T20I head-to-head statistics
| T20I statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total matches | 31 |
| England wins | 18 |
| New Zealand wins | 10 |
| No-results | 3 |
England lead the T20I record in the available statistics. However, New Zealand have defeated England in important tournament matches and have repeatedly shown that they can compete with England’s aggressive batting style.
England vs New Zealand T20I series, 2025
The teams played a T20I series in New Zealand in October 2025. England won the second match by 65 runs, while weather affected the other matches.
England’s 236/4 in the second T20I gave them a commanding total, and New Zealand could not complete the chase. The result showed England’s capacity to score quickly and apply pressure through a strong batting performance.
England vs New Zealand at the T20 World Cup, 2026
England and New Zealand met in the Super Eight stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on 27 February 2026 in Colombo.
| Match statistic | Result |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | 159/7 |
| England | 161/6 |
| Winner | England |
| Margin | 4 wickets |
New Zealand posted 159/7, but England chased the target successfully, finishing on 161/6 to win by four wickets.
The result highlighted England’s ability to manage a chase under tournament pressure. New Zealand had set a competitive target, but England found the runs needed to secure the victory.
England vs New Zealand in the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final
The 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final remains one of the most famous matches in cricket history. England and New Zealand played at Lord’s on 14 July 2019, and the match ended in an extraordinary tie.
New Zealand batted first and scored 241/8 in 50 overs. England also scored 241, with the match going into a Super Over.
Both teams scored 15 runs in the Super Over. England were declared winners under the boundary-countback rule then in place, because they had scored more boundaries during the match.
The result was controversial and widely discussed. The International Cricket Council subsequently changed the Super Over rules for knockout matches so that tied Super Overs would be repeated until a winner emerged.
The final remains an iconic chapter in the England vs New Zealand rivalry because neither team could be separated by runs during regulation play or the Super Over.
England vs New Zealand: The Famous One-Run Test Victory
One of the most memorable Test matches between the sides took place at Wellington in February 2023.
England dominated much of the match and enforced the follow-on, but New Zealand produced a remarkable comeback. Chasing a target of 258, New Zealand were dismissed for 256, giving England victory by just one run.
The result was historic because New Zealand became only the fourth team to win a men’s Test after being asked to follow on. It was also only the second one-run victory in men’s Test cricket history.
The match demonstrated New Zealand’s resilience and England’s ability to create pressure, while also showing how quickly a Test match can change direction.
Memorable England vs New Zealand Matches
Several encounters stand out because of their importance, scorelines or individual performances.
2019 World Cup final
The match ended in a tie after both teams scored 241. England eventually won after the Super Over and the boundary-countback rule, securing their first men’s ODI World Cup title.
2023 Wellington Test
New Zealand defeated England by one run after following on. The match became one of the most remarkable comebacks in Test cricket.
2024 Test series
England won the three-match series 2–1, with a 323-run victory in Wellington and an eight-wicket win in Christchurch. New Zealand responded with a 423-run victory in Hamilton.
2026 Test series
New Zealand won 2–1 in England after losing the first Test at Lord’s. Their victories at The Oval and Trent Bridge demonstrated their ability to respond strongly during a series.
2026 T20 World Cup
England defeated New Zealand by four wickets after chasing 160 in Colombo. The result was another important tournament victory in a rivalry filled with close matches.
England vs New Zealand: Key Players
The rivalry has featured many outstanding players across generations. The most influential performers depend on the format, conditions and squads involved in each series.
England players
Joe Root: One of England’s most accomplished Test batters, known for his consistency and ability to build long innings.
Ben Stokes: An influential all-rounder who has played major roles in high-pressure Test and limited-overs matches.
Jos Buttler: A powerful limited-overs batter who has been central to England’s aggressive white-ball approach.
Harry Brook: An attacking batter capable of changing the momentum of an innings with rapid scoring.
New Zealand players
Kane Williamson: An accomplished batter known for his technique, patience and ability to anchor innings.
Daryl Mitchell: A versatile batter who has produced important performances in both Test and ODI cricket.
Tom Latham: An experienced batter and wicketkeeper who has played a significant role in New Zealand’s batting line-up.
Mitchell Santner: A left-arm spinner and all-rounder who offers control with the ball and depth with the bat.
These players illustrate the different strengths that have shaped the rivalry. Current squad selection and player availability can change from series to series.
England vs New Zealand: Statistical Comparison
The teams’ records reveal differences across formats.
| Category | England | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Test wins | 54 | 14 |
| ODI wins | 44 | 48 |
| T20I wins | 18 | 10 |
| Historical advantage | Stronger Test record | Narrowly ahead in ODIs |
| Notable World Cup achievement | 2019 ODI World Cup champions | 2019 ODI World Cup finalists |
| Recent Test series result in 2026 | Lost series 1–2 | Won series 2–1 |
England’s overall Test record is stronger, but New Zealand have been highly competitive in modern cricket. The ODI record remains close, while England have won more T20Is in the available statistics.
These figures should be considered alongside recent results rather than treated as a prediction of future matches. Conditions, player form and team selection can all influence the outcome.
Conclusion
The England cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team matches represent a rivalry built on competitive cricket, dramatic finishes and outstanding performances. England have historically dominated the Test head-to-head record, while New Zealand hold a narrow lead in ODIs and England have won more T20Is in the available records.
From the extraordinary 2019 World Cup final to New Zealand’s one-run Test victory in 2023 and their 2–1 Test series win in England in 2026, the rivalry has repeatedly delivered memorable moments.
With both teams continuing to develop new players and tactical approaches, future meetings are likely to produce more close contests across all formats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has won more matches between England and New Zealand?
The answer depends on the format. England have won more Test matches and T20Is in the available head-to-head records, while New Zealand have a narrow lead in ODIs.
2. What is the England vs New Zealand Test head-to-head record?
The available record lists 115 Test matches, with England winning 54, New Zealand winning 14 and 47 ending in draws.
3. Who won the 2019 Cricket World Cup final between England and New Zealand?
England were declared winners after the match and Super Over both ended in ties. Under the rules used at the time, England won on boundary countback.
4. What happened in the England vs New Zealand Test match at Wellington in 2023?
New Zealand won by one run after following on, completing a remarkable comeback in one of the most memorable Test matches in cricket history.
5. Who won the latest England vs New Zealand T20 World Cup match?
England defeated New Zealand by four wickets on 27 February 2026. New Zealand scored 159/7, and England chased the target with a total of 161/6.
