India and Zimbabwe have shared a cricketing history across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Since their first encounter in 1983, India has maintained a dominant record in all three formats. Over the years, Zimbabwe has managed occasional victories, especially in ODIs between 1997-2001, but India has consistently outperformed them.
In Test cricket, India and Zimbabwe have faced off 11 times, with India winning 7 matches, Zimbabwe securing 2 victories, and 2 games ending in draws. In ODIs, India holds a massive advantage, winning 54 out of 66 matches, while Zimbabwe has won only 10, with 2 ties. In T20Is, the teams have met 13 times, where India has won 10 games, and Zimbabwe has won 3 matches, mostly in Harare.
Despite their rare victories, Zimbabwe has never won a Test series against India. India has also secured multiple whitewashes in ODIs and T20Is. Their head-to-head record highlights India’s cricketing dominance, with Zimbabwe showing glimpses of competitiveness in limited-overs formats.
The cricketing relationship between Zimbabwe and India kicked off in 1983 with their first One Day International (ODI) encounter. At that time, Zimbabwe was a relatively new player on the international stage, having only recently started competing in global cricket.
Their elevation to Test status in 1992 marked a turning point, and their early matches against India were pivotal in establishing their credibility. A notable moment came in 1992 with a Test match in Harare that ended in a draw—a result that showcased Zimbabwe’s growing ability to hold their own against a cricketing powerhouse like India.
Zimbabwe National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
This shift is evident in series like the 2022 ODI sweep, where India won all three matches, and the 2024 T20 International (T20I) series, which India clinched 4-1. These results reflect India’s current dominance, driven by a deep talent pool and consistent performance across formats. However, Zimbabwe has shown they’re not to be underestimated.
Their upset victory in the 2015 T20I series and a surprise win in the opening match of the 2024 T20I series demonstrate their potential to challenge India, especially in shorter formats. For Zimbabwe, these encounters often serve as opportunities to spotlight emerging players.
While for India, they test the bench strength of a team accustomed to fielding world-class lineups. This dynamic keeps the rivalry intriguing, even if it’s not as evenly matched as it once was.
India and Zimbabwe have played against each other in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. India has dominated in all three formats, with Zimbabwe securing occasional victories. Here’s a detailed breakdown.
Overall Head-to-Head Record (All Formats)
Format |
Total Matches |
India Won |
Zimbabwe Won |
Drawn/Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Tests |
11 |
7 |
2 |
2 (Drawn) |
ODIs |
66 |
54 |
10 |
2 (Tied) |
T20Is |
13 |
10 |
3 |
0 |
Total |
90 |
71 |
15 |
4 |
Key Takeaways
-
India dominates Zimbabwe in all three formats.
-
Zimbabwe’s best success came in ODIs between 1997-2001.
-
India has a 76% win rate across all formats.
-
Zimbabwe has never won a Test series against India.
-
India has secured multiple whitewashes in ODIs and T20Is.
India vs Zimbabwe in Test Matches (1992-Present)
Since 1992, Zimbabwe and India have played 11 Test matches. India has won 7, while Zimbabwe has claimed 2 victories. Two matches ended in draws, showing some competitive balance. The first Test in 1992 was a gritty draw for Zimbabwe. In 1998, Zimbabwe celebrated a 61-run win over India in Harare. India has since dominated, including a 2-0 series win in 2005.
Zimbabwe’s Test wins are infrequent but noteworthy achievements. India’s consistent performance underlines their Test match strength. The 2001 series draw highlighted Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit, yet India prevailed overall.
Zimbabwe and India have played 11 Test matches since 1992in their timeline. India has won 7, while Zimbabwe has 2 victories to their name. Two matches ended in draws, hinting at competitive moments. The first Test in 1992 saw Zimbabwe hold India to a draw.
This gritty performance marked their Test debut against a strong side. In 1998, Zimbabwe achieved a famous 61-run win in Harare, led by Heath Streak’s bowling. That triumph proved they could challenge top teams. In the 2001 Bulawayo Test, Zimbabwe nearly won, but India drew with 7 wickets down.
India later dominated, including a 2-0 series victory in 2005. Zimbabwe’s Test wins are rare but significant milestones. India’s consistent success highlights their Test prowess. The 2001 series draw showed Zimbabwe’s resilience, though India ultimately prevailed.
Test Series Results
-
1992/93 (Zimbabwe) – Match drawn (0-0).
-
1992/93 (India) – India won the only Test.
-
1998/99 (Zimbabwe) – Zimbabwe won by 61 runs.
-
2000/01 (India) – India won the series 1-0.
-
2001 (Zimbabwe) – The series ended in a 1-1 draw.
-
2001/02 (India) – India won the series 2-0.
-
2005 (Zimbabwe) – India won the series 2-0.
Test Match Summary
-
Total Matches Played: 11
-
India Wins: 7
-
Zimbabwe Wins: 2
-
Drawn Matches: 2
-
Most Dominant Team: India
India has performed strongly in Zimbabwe, winning three series. Zimbabwe’s only home win came in 1998/99.
India vs Zimbabwe in One-Day Internationals (ODIs)
India and Zimbabwe have played 66 ODIs since their first clash in 1983. India has won 54 matches, showcasing their clear dominance over Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has managed 10 victories, mostly between 1997 and 2001. Two games ended in ties, reflecting some closely fought battles. A famous match occurred in 1997, when Zimbabwe beat India by 3 runs.
This upset underlined Zimbabwe’s potential during their peak years. Another iconic moment was the 1999 World Cup, where Zimbabwe stunned India again by 3 runs. That victory remains a highlight in Zimbabwe’s ODI history. In the 2001 Coca-Cola Cup, Zimbabwe secured a 4-wicket victory over India, proving their home strength.
Recently, India swept Zimbabwe 3-0 in the 2022 series. Their bowlers and batsmen consistently outperformed Zimbabwe’s lineup. India’s win rate stands at an impressive 81.8%. Despite this, Zimbabwe’s rare wins add spice to their ODI rivalry.
ODI Match Summary
Total Matches |
India Won |
Zimbabwe Won |
Tied Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
66 |
54 |
10 |
2 |
Notable ODI Matches
-
First Match: 11 June 1983 – India won by 5 wickets.
-
Last Match: 22 August 2022 – India won by 13 runs.
-
Zimbabwe’s Best Period: 1997-2001 – when they won several ODIs.
India holds a dominant 81.8% win rate in ODIs. Zimbabwe has secured only 10 wins in 40 years.
India vs Zimbabwe in T20 Internationals (T20Is)
India and Zimbabwe have faced off in 13 T20Is since their first meeting in 2010. India has secured 10 wins, while Zimbabwe has claimed 3 victories. Zimbabwe’s successes often happen in Harare, their home stronghold. A memorable upset came in 2015, when Zimbabwe defeated India by 10 runs.
This thrilling finish shocked Indian fans and showcased Zimbabwe’s grit. Similarly, in 2016, Zimbabwe stunned India by winning the first T20I by 2 runs, though India took the series. In 2024, Zimbabwe won a series opener, surprising India once more. India bounced back, winning the next four games to take the series 4-1.
India’s strong batting depth and sharp bowling usually overwhelm Zimbabwe. Still, these occasional upsets keep the T20I encounters exciting. India’s overall record remains significantly stronger.
T20I Match Summary
Total Matches |
India Won |
Zimbabwe Won |
|---|---|---|
13 |
10 |
3 |
Notable T20I Matches
-
First Match: 12 June 2010 – India won by 6 wickets.
-
Last Match: 14 July 2024 – India won by 10 wickets.
-
Zimbabwe’s Best Performance: Winning 3 matches at home in Harare.
India has maintained a strong T20 record against Zimbabwe, with Zimbabwe’s victories being rare.
Conclusion
India has outperformed Zimbabwe in cricket history, winning most encounters convincingly. Zimbabwe’s victories remain rare, but they have occasionally challenged India, especially in ODIs.
India has consistently dominated Zimbabwe in all three formats of cricket. With a strong win percentage across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, India has outperformed Zimbabwe in almost every series. Zimbabwe’s victories have been rare, with their best performances in ODIs between 1997-2001. Despite occasional challenges, Zimbabwe has never won a Test series against India.
India’s superiority is evident in multiple whitewashes across formats, proving their dominance. However, Zimbabwe has shown resilience, especially in home conditions. While India continues to be the stronger team, Zimbabwe’s ability to occasionally surprise them keeps their rivalry interesting.
