Team India will lock horns with New Zealand in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023 at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium (HPCA) in Dharamsala on October 22.
KL Rahul Record vs New Zealand - ODIs
The Indian wicketkeeper-batsman has featured in 4 One-day internationals against New Zealand, and has scored 205 runs at a brilliant average of 68.33.
Rahul's maiden encounter with the BlackCaps- the 2019 World Cup semi-final- proved to be a disaster; he was dismissed for a mere 1 by seamer Matt Henry.
However, the stylish batsman went on to make merry during the 3-match ODI series in New Zealand in February 2020.
Unlike in the 2019 World Cup semi-final, Rahul batted in the middle-order in this series, and he looked quite at ease.
He scored a whirlwind 64-ball 88* with the help of 3 4s and 6 6s in the 1st match in Hamilton, before smashing an imperious 113-ball 112 in the final ODI at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Avg | S/R | 50/100 | HS |
| 4 | 4 | 205 | 68.33 | 106.77 | 1/1 | 112 |
KL Rahul Record vs New Zealand - ODI World Cup
KL Rahul has played just one match against New Zealand in his World Cup career, and it proved to be a nightmarish one as he was knocked over for 1 by right-arm seamer Matt Henry.
The encounter took place at the 2019 World Cup semi-final at a gloomy Old Trafford in Manchester. Under overcast conditions, India lost the superstar duo of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli for 1 apiece.
KL followed them suit after he unnecessarily poked at a delivery outside off-stump to leave his side reeling at 5/3.
| Matches | Innings | Runs | Avg | S/R | 50/100 | HS |
| 1 | 1 | 1 | 1.00 | 100 | 0/0 | 62 |
New Zealand has always proved to be a bogey team for India in ICC events. The Men in Blue last defeated the Kiwis in a world event (ODI or T20I) in 2003, and following their repeated heartbreaking reversals in the past few years, the hosts will be eager to exorcise their demons once and for all.
But, given the fact that the match is set to take place in the swing friendly conditions of Dharamsala, the task is cut out for the Men in Blue. In case of an early collapse, their middle-order will be put under stern test, which puts into the context the importance of KL Rahul's performance with the bat if India is to do well in this World Cup.
!["Mera chauka mat de dena" - Rishabh Pant's hilarious quip to bowler goes viral on Day 2 of ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test [Watch]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/502ff-17505705338572-1920.jpg?h=166)
![Rishabh Pant flings away old ball in anger after being denied a replacement by umpire on Day 3 of ENG vs IND 2025 1st Test [Watch]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/06/3d747-17505912252858-1920.jpg?h=166)
