The rivalry between India and New Zealand in One Day Internationals has consistently produced high-quality cricket and memorable batting performances. Over the years, a few elite players have stood out by repeatedly converting big starts into centuries. These hundreds were not just personal milestones but match-defining knocks that shaped results and series narratives.
List of Top 5 Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs
5. Chris Cairns
Chris Cairns was one of New Zealand’s most impactful all-rounders, and his batting against India often came at crucial moments. Ranked fifth in the list of Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs, Cairns scored three centuries that highlighted his strength, confidence, and ability to dominate bowling attacks. Unlike classical top-order batters, Cairns often batted in the middle order, making his hundreds even more valuable for New Zealand.
His centuries against India usually arrived when New Zealand needed momentum or stability. Cairns used his powerful build to target spinners and pacers alike, regularly clearing the boundary with ease. These innings helped New Zealand post competitive totals and challenge strong Indian line-ups. His contribution remains an important chapter in the history of the Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Hundreds | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | 838 | 115 | 3 | 1 |
4. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar’s dominance across eras is perfectly reflected in his performances against New Zealand. With five centuries, he stands fourth in the list of Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs. Facing different generations of bowlers, Tendulkar adapted his game effortlessly, combining technique with innovation to score heavily in both home and away conditions.
What made Tendulkar special was his consistency over a long period. His hundreds against New Zealand were built on patience, timing, and deep concentration. Whether India were setting targets or chasing totals, he played the anchor’s role with perfection. These innings strengthened India’s batting reputation and remain benchmarks in discussions about the Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Hundreds | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42 | 1750 | 186* | 5 | 8 |
3. Nathan Astle
Nathan Astle was one of New Zealand’s most dependable batters against India, earning third place in the Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs list with five centuries. Astle’s batting style was calm and methodical, allowing him to construct long innings that wore down Indian bowlers over time.
His hundreds often came through intelligent shot selection rather than aggressive power-hitting. Astle focused on rotating strike, punishing loose deliveries, and building partnerships. Against quality Indian bowling attacks, his centuries provided New Zealand with stability and belief. His consistent performances underline why he remains a key figure when discussing the Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Hundreds | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 | 1207 | 120 | 5 | 5 |
2. Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli sits at the top of the list of Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs, matching the record with six centuries but doing so with unmatched consistency and impact. Kohli’s batting against New Zealand reflects his mental strength, fitness, and hunger for big scores across different match situations.
His centuries have come while chasing targets, rebuilding innings, and accelerating when needed. Kohli’s ability to control the tempo of the game makes his hundreds extremely valuable for India. Many of his best ODI knocks have come against New Zealand, solidifying his position as the modern master of this rivalry. Among all players featured, Kohli’s influence defines the era of the Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Hundreds | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 1657 | 154* | 6 | 9 |
1. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag revolutionized opening batting in ODIs, and his record places him second among the Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs with six centuries. Sehwag’s approach was simple yet devastating—attack from ball one and never allow bowlers to settle.
His centuries against New Zealand were often quick, explosive, and match-defining. By scoring at a rapid pace, Sehwag put immense pressure on the opposition and gave India early dominance. His ability to turn matches within the powerplay made him one of the most feared batters in this rivalry. Sehwag’s aggressive centuries are a major reason his name is always mentioned in discussions about the Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs.
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Hundreds | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | 1157 | 130 | 6 | 3 |
READ MORE:
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FAQ
Who leads the list of Most Hundreds in India vs New Zealand ODIs?
Virat Kohli and Virender Sehwag jointly lead with six centuries each.
Which New Zealand batter has the most hundreds against India in ODIs?
Nathan Astle leads New Zealand players with five centuries against India.
Why are centuries in this rivalry considered special?
Because both teams have strong bowling attacks, making big scores harder to achieve.
Did middle-order players score centuries in this rivalry?
Yes, players like Chris Cairns scored impactful centuries from the middle order.
Are modern players scoring centuries more frequently than past players?
Modern conditions help batting, but past players scored centuries in tougher situations, making both eras equally impressive.