The cricketing rivalry between the England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline spans over a century, marked by thrilling encounters, dramatic finishes, and historic milestones across all three formats—Test, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is). While not as storied as some of the traditional Ashes or subcontinental rivalries, the ENG vs NZ contests have grown in intensity and significance, especially in the 21st century. From nail-biting World Cup finals to hard-fought Test series in challenging conditions, the two nations have consistently delivered high-quality cricket. New Zealand, often seen as the underdog, has repeatedly punched above its weight against a traditionally stronger England side.
Their encounters have produced unforgettable moments, including the heart-stopping 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup final, which ended in a tie and ultimately saw England crowned champions on boundary count. As both teams continue to evolve, their head-to-head record reflects a balance of respect, competitiveness, and mutual admiration. This article provides a comprehensive look at the complete history, head-to-head statistics, and key milestones in the England vs New Zealand cricket timeline, including the latest developments in 2024–25 and the highly anticipated 2025 tour.
Table of Contents
Timeline of England vs New Zealand Matches
| 1931 | Test | New Zealand tour of England | 4 | England 4–0 | First-ever Test series between the two nations; New Zealand’s debut in Test cricket. |
| 1955 | Test | England tour of New Zealand | 4 | England 3–0 | England dominate; New Zealand still seeking first Test win. |
| 1971 | Test | New Zealand tour of England | 3 | England 2–0 | First time England lose a Test at home to NZ? No — but NZ show improvement. |
| 1983 | ODI | Prudential World Cup | 1 | England won | England win group stage match by 4 wickets. |
| 1992 | ODI | Benson & Hedges World Series | 1 | New Zealand won | NZ wins by 5 wickets in Australia-based tri-series. |
| 1999 | ODI | ICC World Cup | 1 | England won | England win by 4 wickets in group stage. |
| 2008 | T20I | Inaugural T20I series | 2 | England 2–0 | First-ever T20Is between ENG and NZ. England dominate. |
| 2015 | ODI | ICC World Cup | 1 | New Zealand won | NZ win by 8 wickets; eliminate England in group stage. |
| 2018 | Test | England tour of New Zealand | 2 | New Zealand 2–0 | NZ wins first home Test series against England since 1986. |
| 2019 | ODI | ICC Cricket World Cup Final | 1 | England (on boundary count) | Most dramatic ODI in history; tied twice, England win on boundary count. |
| 2021 | Test | ICC World Test Championship Final | 1 | New Zealand won | NZ wins inaugural WTC title by 8 wickets at Southampton. |
| 2022 | T20I | England tour of New Zealand | 5 | England 3–2 | England wins first T20I series in NZ. |
| 2023 | ODI | New Zealand tour of England | 3 | England 2–1 | England regains momentum in bilateral ODI cricket. |
| 2024–25 | Test | Crowe–Thorpe Trophy | 3 | England 2–1 | England wins first Test series in NZ since 2008. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} |
| Oct–Nov 2025 | T20I & ODI | England tour of New Zealand (Scheduled) | 3 T20Is + 3 ODIs | TBA | First multi-format tour in NZ since 2022; part of ICC Future Tours Programme. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} |
England vs New Zealand Cricket Rivalry Overview
The rivalry between the England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline has evolved from one-sided affairs in the early 20th century to fiercely competitive contests in modern cricket. While England, as one of the oldest Test-playing nations, historically held the upper hand, New Zealand has steadily closed the gap, particularly in limited-overs formats and ICC events.
New Zealand played its first Test match in 1930, and their inaugural series against England in 1931 marked the beginning of a long-standing cricketing relationship. For decades, England dominated the head-to-head, especially in Test cricket. However, the 21st century has seen a shift. New Zealand’s rise as a consistent top-tier team—evident in their back-to-back World Cup finals (2015, 2019) and winning the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (2021)—has elevated their status and intensified the rivalry.
The England vs New Zealand head to head has become a barometer of excellence in white-ball cricket. Their ODI encounters, especially in ICC tournaments, are known for their high stakes and dramatic finishes. The 2019 World Cup final remains the most iconic match between the two, not just in their history but in the annals of cricket.
In Test cricket, the rivalry gained a formal identity with the introduction of the Crowe–Thorpe Trophy in 2015, named after legendary batsmen Martin Crowe (NZ) and Graham Thorpe (ENG). This trophy symbolizes the respect and sporting excellence between the two nations. The recent 2024–25 Test series, where England won 2–1, marked a significant turnaround after New Zealand’s dominance in home conditions in recent years.
As both teams prepare for the upcoming 2025 tour, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs in New Zealand, the England vs New Zealand cricket timeline continues to expand with new chapters of competition, innovation, and national pride.
England vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Records
Test Matches
Test cricket has long been the traditional battleground for the England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline. Historically, England has enjoyed a commanding lead in Test encounters, but New Zealand has made significant strides, particularly at home.
- Total Test Matches Played: 105 (as of April 2025)
- England Wins: 52
- New Zealand Wins: 12
- Draws: 41
Key Facts:
- England’s first Test win over New Zealand came in 1931 at Lord’s.
- New Zealand recorded their first Test victory against England in 1978 at Christchurch.
- The Crowe–Thorpe Trophy, introduced in 2015, is awarded to the winner of bilateral Test series between the two nations.
- England’s 2–1 victory in the 2024–25 series marked their first Test series win in New Zealand since 2008, ending a 17-year drought. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Notable Performances:
- Joe Root (ENG): 1,876 runs in 22 Tests vs NZ (avg 53.59), including 6 centuries.
- Kane Williamson (NZ): 1,645 runs in 20 Tests (avg 52.90), with 5 centuries.
- James Anderson (ENG): 67 wickets vs NZ, the highest among all bowlers.
The England vs NZ Test records show a clear dominance by England, but New Zealand’s ability to compete in home conditions—especially in recent years—has made the contests more balanced.
ODI Matches
The ODI format has produced some of the most dramatic moments in the England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline, especially in ICC tournaments.
- Total ODI Matches Played: 109
- England Wins: 58
- New Zealand Wins: 50
- No Result/Tie: 1
Key Facts:
- First ODI: 1973 World Cup – England won by 7 wickets.
- The 2019 ICC World Cup Final is the most famous ODI between the two.
- England leads the ENG vs NZ match history in ODIs but the margin is narrow.
Iconic Match: 2019 ICC World Cup Final
- Venue: Lord’s, London
- Result: Match tied (both innings), Super Over also tied.
- England won on boundary count (26 vs 17).
- Ben Stokes scored 84*, Martin Guptill ran out off the final ball attempting a second run.
- This match redefined ODI cricket and remains a landmark in the England vs New Zealand cricket timeline.
Top Performers in ODIs:
- Eoin Morgan (ENG): 1,936 runs, highest run-scorer in ENG vs NZ ODIs.
- Brendon McCullum (NZ): 1,667 runs, including fastest World Cup century (2015).
- Trent Boult (NZ): 47 wickets, known for his swing bowling in English conditions.
- Jofra Archer (ENG): 23 wickets, including crucial role in 2019 final.
The England vs New Zealand head to head in ODIs is one of the closest among top cricketing nations, reflecting the competitive nature of their encounters.
T20I Matches
T20 Internationals have added a new dimension to the rivalry, with both teams fielding explosive batting line-ups and innovative bowling strategies.
- Total T20I Matches Played: 34
- England Wins: 19
- New Zealand Wins: 15
Key Facts:
- First T20I: 2008 at Auckland – England won by 9 wickets.
- England won their first T20I series in New Zealand in 2022 (3–2).
- New Zealand has often used T20Is to test young talent, while England fields a more settled T20 unit.
Notable Performances:
- Alex Hales (ENG): 723 runs vs NZ in T20Is, including two centuries.
- Colin Munro (NZ): 612 runs, known for aggressive middle-order hitting.
- Adam Milne (NZ): 28 wickets, one of the fastest bowlers in NZ history.
- Chris Jordan (ENG): 26 wickets, effective death bowler.
The England vs New Zealand cricket timeline in T20Is reflects England’s slight edge, but New Zealand’s ability to perform in ICC T20 World Cups (reaching semi-finals multiple times) keeps the rivalry alive.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
The England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline is filled with moments that have shaped modern cricket history. Below are some of the most iconic:
1. 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final – The Greatest ODI Ever
- Venue: Lord’s, July 14, 2019
- Result: England won on boundary count after tied match and tied Super Over.
- Significance: First World Cup final to end in a tie twice. Ben Stokes’ heroic 84* and the controversial deflection off his bat that went to the boundary sparked debate but ultimately led to England’s first World Cup title.
- This match is a cornerstone in the England vs New Zealand head to head narrative and is often cited as the most dramatic finish in cricket history.
2. 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final
- Venue: Rose Bowl, Southampton
- Result: New Zealand won by 8 wickets
- Significance: New Zealand claimed the inaugural WTC title, defeating England in a low-scoring Test. Kane Williamson’s 52* and Kyle Jamieson’s 5-wicket haul were pivotal.
- This victory marked NZ’s arrival as a dominant force in Test cricket and balanced the rivalry after the 2019 ODI heartbreak.
3. Introduction of the Crowe–Thorpe Trophy (2015)
- Named after Martin Crowe and Graham Thorpe, two elegant and technically sound batsmen.
- Awarded to the winner of bilateral Test series between ENG and NZ.
- Symbolizes the respect between the two cricketing nations and honors players who embodied grace and consistency.
4. England’s 2024–25 Test Series Victory in New Zealand
- Result: England won 2–1
- Highlights:
- First Test: England won by 423 runs (dominant performance).
- Second Test: New Zealand bounced back with a 7-wicket win.
- Third Test: England clinched the series with a 5-wicket victory in Hamilton.
- Key Players: Joe Root (3 centuries), Ollie Robinson (18 wickets), Kane Williamson (178 in 2nd Test).
- This series marked England’s first Test series win in NZ since 2008, ending a long drought and signaling a resurgence in their away Test performances. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
5. Brendon McCullum’s Aggressive Captaincy (2012–2016)
- Transformed New Zealand into an aggressive, fearless team.
- Set the tone for future successes, including World Cup runs and Test competitiveness.
- His 123 off 58 balls against England in 2015 World Cup group stage was a statement of intent.
Recent & 2025 Series Timeline
The England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline has seen significant action in recent years, culminating in the 2024–25 Test series and setting the stage for a major tour in 2025.
2024–25 Test Series: Crowe–Thorpe Trophy
- Dates: November 2024 – December 2024
- Format: 3-match Test series
- Result: England won 2–1
- Venues: Bay Oval (1st Test), Basin Reserve (2nd Test), Seddon Park (3rd Test)
- Key Highlights:
- England’s 423-run win in the first Test was their largest victory by runs against New Zealand.
- New Zealand responded strongly in the second Test, winning by 7 wickets with Kane Williamson and Tom Latham scoring centuries.
- England sealed the series in the third Test with a composed chase led by Joe Root and Ben Duckett.
- Significance: This victory gave England crucial points in the ICC World Test Championship standings and boosted their confidence ahead of the 2025 Ashes. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Upcoming 2025 Tour: T20Is and ODIs
- Dates: October–November 2025
- Format: 3 T20Is + 3 ODIs
- Location: New Zealand
- Status: Scheduled as part of ICC’s Future Tours Programme
- Expected Impact:
- Preparation for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup and 2027 ODI World Cup.
- Opportunity for both teams to test new players and strategies.
- First full white-ball tour by England in NZ since 2022.
- This tour will be a key part of the England vs New Zealand cricket timeline, especially as both nations aim to rebuild and strengthen their limited-overs squads. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Future & What to Watch
The England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline is set for exciting developments in the coming years. With both teams undergoing transitions in leadership and squad composition, the 2025 series will be a crucial indicator of future form.
Key Areas to Watch:
- Leadership Transition
- England: Ben Stokes’ retirement from white-ball cricket and potential Test retirement could open doors for new captains.
- New Zealand: With Kane Williamson stepping down as white-ball captain, emerging leaders like Tom Latham and Mitchell Santner will take charge.
- Next-Generation Players
- England: Players like Jacob Bethell (all-rounder), Rehan Ahmed (spinner), and Will Jacks could feature more prominently.
- New Zealand: Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, and Nathan Smith are expected to play larger roles in the 2025 series.
- T20 World Cup 2026 Preparation
- The 2025 T20I series will serve as vital preparation for both teams ahead of the next T20 World Cup.
- Conditions in New Zealand favor swing and seam, which could benefit England’s pace attack.
- Test Cricket Evolution
- While the 2025 tour is white-ball focused, the success of the 2024–25 Test series may lead to more frequent Test meetings.
- The Crowe–Thorpe Trophy is expected to be contested every 3–4 years, maintaining the Test rivalry.
- Women’s Cricket Parallel
- The women’s teams also have a strong rivalry, with both being top contenders in ICC events.
- Increased focus on women’s bilateral series could see parallel timelines develop.
The England vs New Zealand head to head will remain one of the most balanced and exciting rivalries in international cricket. As both nations invest in youth development and strategic planning, their encounters will continue to produce high-quality, emotionally charged cricket.
FAQs
When did England and New Zealand first play?
England and New Zealand first played a Test match in 1931 during New Zealand’s inaugural tour of England. The first ODI was played in the 1973 Prudential World Cup at Lord’s, which England won by 7 wickets. The first T20I took place in 2008 in Auckland, also won by England.
Who leads the head-to-head overall?
As of 2025:
- Test Matches: England leads 52–12.
- ODI Matches: England leads 58–50.
- T20I Matches: England leads 19–15. Overall, England holds the advantage in the England vs New Zealand head to head across all formats, but the gap has narrowed significantly in the 21st century.
Who are the key players with top records in the rivalry?
Top Run-Scorers:
- Joe Root (ENG): 1,876 Test runs vs NZ
- Kane Williamson (NZ): 1,645 Test runs vs ENG
- Eoin Morgan (ENG): 1,936 ODI runs vs NZ
- Alex Hales (ENG): 723 T20I runs vs NZ
Top Wicket-Takers:
- James Anderson (ENG): 67 Test wickets
- Trent Boult (NZ): 47 ODI wickets
- Chris Jordan (ENG): 26 T20I wickets
These players have defined the England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline with consistent performances across formats.
Conclusion
The England Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline is a rich tapestry of historic contests, emotional highs, and technical brilliance. From their first Test in 1931 to the heart-stopping 2019 World Cup final and the recent 2024–25 Test series victory by England, this rivalry has grown into one of the most compelling in modern cricket. Whether in Tests, ODIs, or T20Is, the England vs New Zealand head to head record reflects a balance of dominance and resilience.
With the Crowe–Thorpe Trophy adding prestige to their Test encounters and the upcoming 2025 tour set to feature three T20Is and three ODIs, the future of this rivalry looks brighter than ever. Fans can expect more thrilling finishes, emerging stars, and moments that will be etched into cricketing history.
As both nations continue to evolve, the ENG vs NZ match history will remain a benchmark for competitive, respectful, and world-class cricket. Whether you’re a fan of Test cricket’s patience or T20’s explosiveness, the England vs New Zealand cricket timeline offers something for every cricket lover.
