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New Zealand To Host India In Record-Breaking 12-Match Landmark Tour
By CricShots - Jun 3, 2026 12:25 pm
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India is set for a historic tour of New Zealand later this year, with the two cricketing nations scheduled to play a 12-match all-format series between October 22 and December 1. Featuring five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches, the tour will be the largest men’s bilateral series ever hosted by New Zealand and the most matches the country has staged against a visiting side.

India New Zealand
India vs New Zealand

The high-profile series carries added significance as it forms part of the centenary celebrations marking 100 years of sporting ties between India and New Zealand. With both teams expected to field strong squads, the tour promises nearly six weeks of competitive cricket across all three formats.

The action begins with the opening T20I in Christchurch on October 22. The five-match T20I series will be played across Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton before the focus shifts to the ODI leg of the tour. The 50-over series gets underway at Auckland’s iconic Eden Park on November 4 and concludes in Mount Maunganui on November 15.

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Attention will then turn to Test cricket, with the first match scheduled at Wellington’s Basin Reserve from November 19 to 23. The second and final Test will be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch from November 27 to December 1, bringing the landmark tour to a close.

 

The red-ball contests will be particularly intriguing, as they mark India’s first Test tour of New Zealand since the 2019-20 season. Since then, New Zealand have travelled to India twice, including their memorable 2024-25 visit when they stunned the hosts with a historic 3-0 Test series sweep.

Beyond the cricketing rivalry, the tour is also part of broader celebrations recognising a century of sporting connections between the two countries. The New Zealand Government is supporting the initiative, with several India-related sporting events planned throughout the commemorative year.

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With 12 international matches spread across multiple venues and formats, the India tour of New Zealand is shaping up to be one of the biggest bilateral assignments on the cricket calendar. Fans can expect a fascinating contest between two competitive sides as they renew one of the sport’s most respected rivalries.

INDIA TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND: FULL SCHEDULE

T20I Series

  • 1st T20I – 22 October, Christchurch
  • 2nd T20I – 24 October, Christchurch
  • 3rd T20I – 27 October, Wellington
  • 4th T20I – 30 October, Auckland
  • 5th T20I – 1 November, Hamilton

ODI Series

  • 1st ODI – 4 November, Auckland
  • 2nd ODI – 7 November, Wellington
  • 3rd ODI – 10 November, Hamilton
  • 4th ODI – 13 November, Mount Maunganui
  • 5th ODI – 15 November, Mount Maunganui

Test Series

  • 1st Test – 19-23 November, Wellington
  • 2nd Test – 27 November-1 December, Christchurch