India vs New Zealand: Series Results and WTC Scenarios — Updated November 15, 2026

Updated: November 15, 2026, 12:05 p.m. UTC (7:05 a.m. EST in Toronto).

India closed its white-ball tour of New Zealand with a 22-run win in the fifth ODI at Mount Maunganui, taking that series 3–1 after winning the T20I series 3–2. The next standings question is about Test cricket: the teams begin a two-match World Test Championship (WTC) series in Wellington on November 19. New Zealand is second in the WTC table and India fourth, according to the ICC, so the Tests carry implications for the championship race that the completed ODI and T20I results do not.

What are the India vs New Zealand series results?

India won the first two ODIs, the third match in Hamilton was abandoned without a result, and New Zealand kept the series alive with a 244-run win in the fourth. India then defended a target of 210 in the finale, winning by 22 runs. The ICC reports that India was bowled out for 209, with Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan each scoring 46; Arshdeep Singh took three wickets, while Mohammed Siraj claimed key early wickets. These details help explain the final result, but the standings impact depends on the format: this ODI series is separate from the WTC table. ICC: India’s ODI series win

How do the results affect the World Test Championship standings?

They do not add WTC points. The T20I and ODI legs are bilateral white-ball series; the WTC is contested through Test matches. The relevant standings snapshot is the one ahead of the Test leg: the ICC reported New Zealand in second place and India in fourth, with South Africa first and Australia third. Rankings in one format should not be confused with the WTC table: a team’s place in the Test team rankings is a separate measure from its WTC position.

That makes the upcoming two Tests the meaningful tournament scenario. A strong result would give either side valuable WTC points and affect its path toward the 2027 final. India, currently fourth, has more immediate ground to make up; New Zealand, second, will be looking to protect its position. The precise effect will depend on match outcomes and results elsewhere in the championship, so a series win alone should not be described as guaranteeing either team a place in the final. The ICC says both teams remain in contention. ICC: WTC context and series schedule

When do the India vs New Zealand Tests start?

The first Test is scheduled for November 19–24 in Wellington, followed by the second in Christchurch from November 27 to December 2. The ICC’s schedule gives the dates and venues, but the sources checked for this update did not confirm start times, so this article does not list a local or converted kickoff time. For Canadian readers, match-day dates may differ from New Zealand’s depending on the broadcast schedule and time zone.

What could shape the Test series?

New Zealand’s home conditions and the teams’ changing fortunes in the white-ball matches offer useful context, not a forecast. The fourth ODI showed how decisively the hosts can capitalize on a strong performance, while India’s final win demonstrated a successful defence under pressure. Test cricket is a different format, however, and those outcomes do not establish which side will dominate over five days.

Squad availability is another factor to watch. India added fast bowler Gurnoor Brar to its Test group and released spinner Kuldeep Yadav, while the ICC reported that Rishabh Pant had been declared fit. New Zealand named Tom Latham as captain and included players managing injury concerns. These are confirmed squad details; their effect on selections and match results remains uncertain. ICC: India’s updated Test squad

FAQ

Who won the India vs New Zealand ODI series?

India won the five-match series 3–1, with one match abandoned.

Did the ODI result change the WTC standings?

No. Only Test results count toward the World Test Championship standings.

When is the next India vs New Zealand match?

The first Test is scheduled for November 19 in Wellington, New Zealand.