New Zealand has built a reputation for being incredibly composed when chasing large targets in One Day Internationals. Their history against India is particularly rich with high-stakes drama and exceptional batting. In this piece, we break down the top five times the Kiwis hunted down a huge total set by India. These encounters serve as a testament to New Zealand's batting resilience, their tactical discipline, and their knack for staying cool even when facing a world-class Indian bowling lineup.
Table of Contents
The Top 5 Most Successful ODI Chases by New Zealand vs India
5. 281 Runs at Wankhede, 2017
During their 2017 tour of India, the Kiwis faced a challenging target of 281 at Mumbai's famous Wankhede Stadium. The victory was a result of a stellar start from the openers and a composed middle order that refused to panic. By combining disciplined shot selection with aggressive running between the wickets, New Zealand managed to outmaneuver the Indian bowlers. This win is especially memorable because it proved the team could execute a high-pressure chase in demanding overseas conditions.
| Date | 2017 |
| Venue | Wankhede |
| Target | 281 |
| Result | NZ won by 3 wkts |
| Top NZ Batsmen | Runs |
| Ross Taylor | 88 |
| Kane Williamson | 74 |
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4. 285 Runs at Rajkot, 2026*
In 2026, New Zealand pulled off a stunning chase in Rajkot, successfully reaching a target of 285. The innings was a perfect blend of calculated aggression and smart strike rotation. Despite the Indian bowlers' best efforts to stifle the scoring, New Zealand's depth in the batting lineup made the difference. The match is best remembered for the way the Kiwis kept the momentum high throughout and closed out the game with a powerful finish, further cementing their ability to win away from home.
| Date | 2026* |
| Venue | Rajkot |
| Target | 285 |
| Result | NZ won by 4 wkts |
| Top NZ Batsmen | Runs |
| Martin Guptill | 92 |
| Devon Conway | 81 |
3. 297 Runs at Mount Maunganui, 2026
Playing on home soil in Mount Maunganui back in 2020, New Zealand tracked down a formidable 297 runs. The innings was a masterclass in pacing, with the batsmen balancing the need for speed with the need to keep wickets in hand. Strong partnerships between the top and middle orders kept the scoreboard ticking over smoothly. This match remains a standout example of New Zealand's domestic dominance and their strategic approach to breaking down a large total.
| Date | 2020 |
| Venue | Mount Maunganui |
| Target | 297 |
| Result | NZ won by 5 wkts |
| Top NZ Batsmen | Runs |
| Henry Nicholls | 85 |
| Glenn Phillips | 78 |
2. 307 Runs at Auckland, 2026
One of the most clinical displays of batting occurred in Auckland in 2022, where New Zealand chased down a towering 307 runs. The team exhibited incredible mental strength, knowing exactly when to accelerate and when to consolidate. Their ability to rotate the strike under immense pressure ensured the target remained achievable. This victory solidified New Zealand's standing as one of the most dangerous chasing sides in the international game. strongest chasing teams in world cricket.
| Date | 2022 |
| Venue | Auckland |
| Target | 307 |
| Result | NZ won by 2 wkts |
| Top NZ Batsmen | Runs |
| Kane Williamson | 101 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 76 |
1. 348 Runs at Hamilton, 2026
The pinnacle of New Zealand's chasing efforts against India took place in Hamilton in 2020. Faced with a daunting 348 runs, the Kiwis responded with fearless hitting and rock-solid partnerships. While Martin Guptill provided the fireworks with a century, Kane Williamson provided the stability needed to guide the team home. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest chases in the nation's ODI history, proving that no target is too high for them when they are in the zone.
| Date | 2020 |
| Venue | Hamilton |
| Target | 348 |
| Result | NZ won by 1 wkts |
| Top NZ Batsmen | Runs |
| Martin Guptill | 146 |
| Kane Williamson | 85 |
FAQs
1. Which is the largest total New Zealand has successfully chased against India in ODIs?1. What is the highest successful chase by New Zealand against India in ODIs?
The record stands at 348 runs, achieved at Hamilton in 2020, powered by a brilliant 146 from Martin Guptill and a steady 85 from Kane Williamson.
2. How often has New Zealand chased over 300 runs in an ODI against India?2. How many times has New Zealand chased more than 300 runs against India in ODIs?
New Zealand has crossed the 300-run mark three times in successful chases against India: 297 at Mount Maunganui (2020)—though technically just under—alongside 307 in Auckland (2022) and 348 in Hamilton (2020).
3. Which Kiwi players were most instrumental in these victories?3. Which New Zealand batsmen played crucial roles in these chases?
Several players stepped up in the clutch, most notably Martin Guptill, Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, and Daryl Mitchell, all of whom delivered big runs under pressure.
4. What makes these specific matches so significant?4. Why are these matches considered some of the highest successful chases by New Zealand against India in ODIs?
These games are legendary because they weren't just about the numbers; they were about New Zealand overcoming elite Indian bowling through superior teamwork, mental toughness, and a clear tactical plan.