England vs New Zealand Cricket: Powerful Rivalry and Records
The rivalry between England vs New Zealand cricket has grown into one of the most fascinating and respectful contests in world cricket. Unlike some rivalries marked by hostility, this one is enriched by sportsmanship, unforgettable matches, and a shared cricketing spirit. With the upcoming England vs New Zealand ODI series in 2025 set to ignite more memorable moments, let’s dive deep into their head-to-head records, best players, and iconic encounters.
“Cricket is not just about competition, but about respect. The England-New Zealand rivalry reflects that spirit perfectly.” – Former England captain
Head-to-Head Records in T20 and ODI Cricket
Over the years, the two sides have faced each other across formats, creating a balance of competitiveness. Below is a snapshot of their record up to August 2025:
T20 Internationals (T20Is)
| Matches | England Wins | New Zealand Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27 | 16 | 10 | 1 |
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
| Matches | England Wins | New Zealand Wins | Tied | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96 | 45 | 45 | 2 | 4 |
This near parity in ODIs makes the England vs New Zealand ODI head-to-head record one of the most closely fought rivalries in the sport.
Test Match Legacy
While white-ball formats are more balanced, England has historically dominated Test cricket. Out of 115 Test matches:
- England Wins: 54
- New Zealand Wins: 14
- Draws: 47
- England Win %: 46.95%
This highlights England’s long-standing strength, but New Zealand’s resilience has led to iconic Test match moments, including their famous one-run win in Wellington (2023).
Best Players in England vs New Zealand Cricket
Top Run Scorers in ODIs
| Player | Country | Highest Score vs Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Guptill | New Zealand | 189* |
| Ben Stokes | England | 182 |
| Ross Taylor | New Zealand | 181* |
Top Run Scorers in T20Is
| Player | Country | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|
| Jos Buttler | England | 73 |
| Eoin Morgan | England | – |
| Alex Hales | England | – |
The best players England vs New Zealand T20 have often been match-winners, with Jos Buttler’s explosive batting making him a fan favorite.
Top Wicket-Takers in ODIs
| Player | Country | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Vettori | New Zealand | 297 |
| Kyle Mills | New Zealand | 240 |
| Tim Southee | New Zealand | 221 |
Top Wicket-Takers in T20Is
| Player | Country | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Southee | New Zealand | 164 |
| Ish Sodhi | New Zealand | 143 |
| Mitchell Santner | New Zealand | 120 |
England vs New Zealand Head-to-Head at Venues
Different grounds in New Zealand have produced thrilling contests. Here’s a breakdown:
| Venue | Format | England Wins | New Zealand Wins | Notable Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hagley Oval | T20I | 1 | 0 | Eng won by 7 wkts (2019) |
| Eden Park | T20I | 3 | 4 | Several thrillers |
| Eden Park | ODI | 2 | 4 | NZ dominance |
| Bay Oval | T20I | 0 | 1 | NZ win |
| Seddon Park | T20I | 1 | 2 | Close battles |
| Seddon Park | ODI | 2 | 4 | NZ dominance |
| Sky Stadium | T20I | 1 | 0 | Eng win by 10 wkts |
Defining Moments in England vs New Zealand Cricket
The 2019 World Cup Final
The England vs New Zealand cricket rivalry peaked at Lord’s during the 2019 ICC World Cup Final. The match tied twice—after 50 overs and in the Super Over—before England lifted the trophy on boundary count-back. Kane Williamson’s grace in defeat epitomized the respect between the two sides.
The One-Run Thriller (2023)
In a dramatic Test in Wellington, New Zealand became only the fourth team to win after following on, defeating England by just one run. It was a game that embodied resilience and unpredictability.
Expert Predictions for Upcoming England vs New Zealand ODI Series
As the upcoming England vs New Zealand ODI series in late 2025 approaches, experts suggest England might hold a slight edge thanks to their batting depth. Players like Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are expected to shine, while New Zealand will rely on bowlers such as Trent Boult to keep things balanced.
“Expect the ODIs to be nail-biters—this rivalry has rarely been one-sided.” – Cricket Analyst
For the T20Is, England’s explosive top order could dominate, but if Devon Conway or Glenn Phillips hit form, New Zealand could turn the tables.
Historical Perspective
The rivalry dates back to 1930, with England initially dominating. However, milestones like Richard Hadlee’s heroics in 1978 helped New Zealand emerge as a force. Today, the contest is marked by competitive cricket and cultural bonds, particularly with Brendon McCullum shaping England’s “Bazball” era.
“England vs New Zealand cricket is more than rivalry; it’s a bond built on admiration and grit.”
Conclusion
The England vs New Zealand cricket rivalry continues to produce thrilling matches filled with drama, sportsmanship, and unforgettable moments. With balanced head-to-head records and world-class players on both sides, fans can expect fireworks in the upcoming England vs New Zealand ODI series and T20Is.
Stay updated with fixtures and details on the England Tour of New Zealand 2025. For more, visit the official boards of NZC and ECB.
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What is the format of the series?
The series will consist of three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and three One Day Internationals (ODIs).
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Which teams are participating?
The series is a head-to-head competition between the England and New Zealand men’s national cricket teams.
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When is the series being held?
The matches will be played from October 18 to November 1, 2025.
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What are the venues for the matches?
The matches are scheduled to be held across various venues in New Zealand, including Hagley Oval, Eden Park, Bay Oval, Seddon Park, and Sky Stadium.
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How many matches are in the series?
There are a total of six matches in the series: three T20Is and three ODIs.