Most Centuries in India vs New Zealand ODIs: Top Records

Most Centuries in India vs New Zealand ODIs: Top Records

India and New Zealand have a long history of exciting One Day International (ODI) cricket. Both teams have produced some of the world's best batters, who have scored many memorable centuries in this rivalry.

A century in an ODI match means scoring 100 or more runs in one innings. Scoring multiple centuries against a strong team like India or New Zealand is a major achievement for any batter.

Virat Kohli holds the record for the most ODI centuries against New Zealand, with seven hundreds. However, Daryl Mitchell has scored his four centuries against India in fewer innings than any other player in the leading list.

This article covers the leading century-makers in India vs New Zealand ODI matches. The players are ranked according to the number of innings they have taken to score their centuries.

Most Centuries in India vs New Zealand ODIs: Top Records

The following table shows the leading century-makers in India-New Zealand ODI matches. The ranking is based on innings per century. A lower number means the batter has scored centuries more frequently.

Ranking Note: Players are ranked first by the total number of ODI centuries against their respective opponents. When two or more players have the same number of centuries, the player who scored them in fewer batting innings receives the higher position.

1. Virat Kohli – 7 ODI Centuries

Virat Kohli holds the record for scoring the most ODI centuries against New Zealand. He has scored seven centuries in 36 batting innings.

Kohli is known for his excellent technique, consistency and ability to perform in difficult match situations.

His seventh century against New Zealand came in the third ODI at Indore on 18 January 2026. He scored 124 runs from 108 balls.

Although India lost the match, Kohli moved ahead of Virender Sehwag and Ricky Ponting, who had six centuries each against New Zealand.

Kohli has scored the highest number of centuries in this rivalry, with 5.14 innings per century.

2. Virender Sehwag – 6 ODI Centuries

Virender Sehwag was one of India's most aggressive opening batters. He scored six ODI centuries against New Zealand in 23 batting innings.

Sehwag was famous for his fearless batting style and ability to attack bowlers from the beginning of an innings.

He could score runs quickly against both fast bowlers and spinners. His attacking approach made him a dangerous batter in ODI cricket.

With six centuries in 23 innings, Sehwag has an average of just 3.83 innings per century. This gives him second place in the ranking.

3. Nathan Astle – 5 ODI Centuries

Nathan Astle was one of New Zealand's most successful opening batters. He scored five ODI centuries against India in 29 batting innings.

Astle was famous for his aggressive batting and ability to score runs quickly. He could play attacking cricket while also building long innings when required.

He played an important role in New Zealand's batting line-up during the 1990s and early 2000s.

His five centuries against India give him an average of 5.80 innings per century and fourth place in this ranking.

4. Sachin Tendulkar – 5 ODI Centuries

Sachin Tendulkar is widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history. He scored five ODI centuries against New Zealand in 41 batting innings.

Tendulkar was known for his excellent technique, timing and consistency. He performed well against different bowling attacks throughout his international career.

One of his most memorable performances against New Zealand came in Hyderabad in November 1999. He scored an unbeaten 186 runs, which remains one of the greatest innings in this rivalry.

His five centuries against New Zealand give him an average of 8.20 innings per century.

5. Daryl Mitchell – 4 ODI Centuries

Daryl Mitchell holds the first position in this ranking because he has scored four ODI centuries against India in just 11 innings.

Mitchell has become one of New Zealand's most dependable middle-order batters. He is known for his excellent batting technique, calm approach and ability to perform under pressure.

His performances against India have been particularly impressive. During the January 2026 ODI series, he scored 137 runs in the third ODI at Indore.

He also produced an important century earlier in the series. His four centuries in only 11 innings give him an impressive rate of 2.75 innings per century.

6. Chris Cairns – 3 ODI Centuries

Chris Cairns was an important all-rounder for New Zealand. He scored three ODI centuries against India in 28 batting innings.

Cairns was known for his powerful batting and ability to change the direction of a match with aggressive shots.

He played several important innings against India and contributed to New Zealand's success in international cricket.

His three centuries give him an average of 9.33 innings per century.

7. Sourav Ganguly – 3 ODI Centuries

Sourav Ganguly was one of India's most successful captains and left-handed opening batters. He scored three ODI centuries against New Zealand in 31 batting innings.

Ganguly was famous for his elegant off-side shots and ability to build strong partnerships.

He played several memorable innings against New Zealand and helped India achieve important victories.

His three centuries give him an average of 10.33 innings per century.

8. Ross Taylor – 3 ODI Centuries

Ross Taylor was one of New Zealand's most dependable middle-order batters. He scored three ODI centuries against India in 34 batting innings.

Taylor was known for his ability to build innings and perform under pressure. He played an important role in New Zealand's batting line-up for many years.

His experience and consistency helped him score several memorable runs against India.

He has scored three centuries in 34 innings, giving him an average of 11.33 innings per century.

India's Best Batters Against New Zealand

India have produced several excellent batters who have performed well against New Zealand in ODI cricket.

Some of the leading Indian players in this rivalry include:

• Virat Kohli: Seven ODI centuries against New Zealand, the highest number in this record.

• Virender Sehwag: Six centuries with his aggressive batting style.

• Sachin Tendulkar: Five centuries and several memorable innings.

• Sourav Ganguly: Three centuries against New Zealand.

• Rahul Dravid: Two centuries against New Zealand.

These players have made important contributions to India's batting performances against the Black Caps.

New Zealand's Best Batters Against India

New Zealand have also produced several talented batters who have scored important centuries against India.

Some of their leading players include:

• Nathan Astle: Five ODI centuries against India.

• Daryl Mitchell: Four ODI centuries against India.

• Chris Cairns: Three centuries against India.

• Ross Taylor: Three centuries against India.

• Kane Williamson: One ODI century against India.

Nathan Astle was one of New Zealand's most successful batters against India, while Daryl Mitchell has made a strong impact with his recent performances.

Why Are Centuries Important in India vs New Zealand ODIs?

Centuries are important because they show a batter's ability to perform consistently over a long period during a match.

India and New Zealand have produced excellent bowling attacks over the years. Scoring 100 runs against either team requires concentration, patience and good batting skills.

Here are some reasons why centuries matter:

1. They help teams build big scores

A batter who scores a century can help their team reach a strong total. This puts pressure on the opposition during a run chase.

2. They can help teams win matches

A century can change the direction of an ODI match. A batter who stays at the crease for a long time gives the team a better chance of winning.

3. They show batting consistency

Scoring multiple centuries against the same opponent shows that a batter can perform well in different conditions and match situations.

4. They create memorable cricket records

Centuries become an important part of cricket history. Players like Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Nathan Astle are remembered for their outstanding performances.

Conclusion

The India vs New Zealand ODI rivalry has produced many memorable batting performances. Several great players have scored multiple centuries against these two teams.

Daryl Mitchell leads this ranking with four centuries in just 11 innings. Virender Sehwag follows with six centuries in 23 innings, while Virat Kohli holds the overall record with seven centuries in 36 innings.

Nathan Astle and Sachin Tendulkar have also scored five centuries each against their respective opponents. Chris Cairns, Sourav Ganguly and Ross Taylor have made important contributions with three centuries each.

These records show the quality of batters from different generations. As India and New Zealand continue to play ODI cricket, these numbers may change in the future.