How has India performed against New Zealand in ICC knockout matches?

India is poised to clash with New Zealand in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final at Wankhede Stadium on November 15. This matchup comes with heightened stakes, as India faces the Kiwis in ICC men's events knockouts, where historical records would weigh heavily on their minds. 

Indian cricket fans still carry the bitter taste of the World Cup 2019 semi-final defeat, a haunting memory of losses to New Zealand in past ICC events. Remarkably, the last time India managed to conquer the Kiwis in an ICC men's multi-team event dates back to the 2003 ODI World Cup in South Africa. India recently ended that drought with a victory against New Zealand in the ongoing World Cup 2023 at Dharamsala.

Three instances where New Zealand held all aces against India in ICC Knockouts

ICC Champions Trophy Final, 2000

India, having opted to bat, witnessed a formidable start led by Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar. Ganguly, the skipper, crafted a brilliant 117, while Tendulkar contributed 69, forming a commanding 141-run partnership for the first wicket. However, the momentum dwindled as the middle order faltered, ultimately culminating in India's final total of 264/6 after their allotted 50 overs.

New Zealand's pursuit encountered early turbulence, stuttering at 132/5, as Anil Kumble and Venkatesh Prasad spearheaded India's bowling effort. However, the all-rounder Chris Cairns emerged as the savior, unleashing an undefeated 102 from 113 balls, batting at No 5. His heroics steered the Kiwis to a narrow victory with four wickets remaining and just two balls to spare. Chris Harris at No. 7 also chipped in with a valuable 46 off 72.

ICC World Cup Semi-Final, 2019

India and New Zealand met in the fateful 2019 World Cup semi-final in Manchester. The Kiwis encountered early setbacks batting firsr, with Henry Nicholls displaying resilience. The pivotal third-wicket partnership between Kane Williamson (67 off 95) and Ross Taylor (74 off 90) stabilized their innings. However, the lower order could not make an impact, resulting in them posting 239/8 in their allotted 50 overs. An intriguing twist unfolded as rain interrupted the match after 46.1 overs, forcing the innings to conclude on the following day.

On the second day, India faced overcast conditions, which favored the New Zealand pacers. The top three, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, managed just one run each, leading to a stunning collapse. MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja fought back with 50 and 77 runs, respectively. Nevertheless, India's total reached only 221 in 49.3 overs, resulting in an 18-run loss. Dhoni's narrow run-out towards the end added to the disappointment for Indian fans.

World Test Championship Final, 2021

In the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final, India once more suffered the cruel effects of rain and a heart-wrenching loss to New Zealand at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. India, having lost the toss, were compelled to bat first. Kyle Jamieson, the all-rounder, was exceptional, clinching a remarkable 5/31, restricting India to a mere total of 217 runs.

India's batting woes persisted in the second innings, as they tumbled for a mere 170 runs. Rohit managed 30 at the opening slot, with Rishabh Pant leading the scoring with 41. New Zealand required only 139 runs to secure victory. Once again, Williamson and Ross Taylor's unbroken partnership proved instrumental in clinching the championship for the Kiwis.