Top 5 highest scores by New Zealand batsmen against India in test cricket

Brendon McCullum is the leading run-scorer for New Zealand against India in test cricket.

The Indian Cricket Team and New Zealand Cricket Team share an interesting on-field rivalry in test cricket. The two teams first locked horns in a drawn test match back in the year 1955 in Hyderabad.

Since then, both have witnessed ups and downs in their cricketing journey but what has made both countries a cricketing powerhouse is their ability to bounce back from these challenges.

The ICC World Test Championship 2019-21 final added a new chapter to this rivalry with the Kiwis edging out India to win the title.

Another interesting aspect of this rivalry is the contrast between the home conditions of both teams: while Indian pitches assist spinners, New Zealand have pace-friendly conditions. This rivalry has seen plenty of batsmen posting massive scores and guiding their team towards victory.

On that note let’s take a look at the top five individual scores by the Kiwi batsmen against India in test matches.

Here are the top five highest scores by New Zealand batsmen against India in test cricket:

5. Brendon McCullum – 224, Auckland, 2014

The first test of India’s 2014 tour of New Zealand in Auckland is remembered for its nail-biting finish. Brendon McCullum led New Zealand’s charge as they powered their way to a huge total of 503. McCullum was the star of New Zealand’s first innings with his impressive knock of 224, which comprised of 29 fours and five sixes.

New Zealand seemed to be cruising towards a comfortable win on the back of a massive 301-run lead in the first innings, but an inspired Indian bowling attack had other plans as they bundled out the Kiwis for 105 runs in their second innings.

Chasing a target of 407 runs, India fought hard but remained 40 short of the target. McCullum was named Player of the Match for his double hundred.

4. Brendon McCullum – 225, Hyderabad, 2010

Another Brendon McCullum classic against India came in the second innings of the Hyderabad test in 2010. What made this innings special was the fact that it came away from home on Indian soil, where the Kiwi batters have a long-standing history of struggle.

On a batting paradise, the Black Caps were 122 runs behind in their second innings and facing a possibility of defeat. McCullum, with his heroics, proved to be the saviour for the visitors, batting for almost two days to help the Black Caps post 448/8.

The game ended in a draw with India scoring 68/0 in their second innings while chasing a target of 327. McCullum was named Player of the Match for his match-saving knock.

3. Bert Sutcliffe – 230*, Delhi, 1955

Bert Sutcliffe’s unbeaten 230 off 540 balls in Delhi in 1955 remains the highest score by a Kiwi batsman on Indian soil. Sutcliffe’s brilliance led the visitors to a massive first-innings total of 450. Sutcliffe’s innings included 30 fours.

In reply, India were equal to the task as they posted 531 runs in their first innings. The game ended in a boring draw with New Zealand’s scorecard reading 112/1 in their second innings.

2. Graham Dowling – 239, Christchurch, 1968

Graham Dowling’s innings of 239 in Christchurch in 1968 played a key role in New Zealand’s test match victory over India. Dowling’s excellent innings helped the hosts post a big score of 502 in their first innings. The knock was an exhibition of temperament as he faced 519 balls for his impressive feat.

India were no match for New Zealand as they managed 288 in their first innings. Having a 214-run lead, New Zealand decided to enforce the follow-on and then bowled out India for 301. New Zealand later won the game by six wickets and Dowling was named Player of the Match.

1. Brendon McCullum – 302, Wellington, 2014

Brendon McCullum holds the record for the highest test score by a New Zealand batsman against India. He scored 302 against the Asian Giants in Wellington in 2014. This is also the only test triple century by a Black Caps batsman.

This knock in Wellington again came in a match-saving effort. New Zealand’s batting collapse in the first innings meant that they were 246 runs behind coming into their second innings. With the Kiwi scorecard reading 94/5 in the second innings, the match seemed done and dusted for the hosts.

McCullum, though, had other plans as he stitched a 352-run partnership with BJ Watling before adding 179 runs with Jimmy Neesham. McCullum’s valiant effort saw New Zealand draw the test.

(All stats updated till October 18, 2024.)

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