New Zealand Cricket (NZC): WTC 2021 Winners, Plunket Shield & The Blackcaps
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) governs cricket in New Zealand. The Blackcaps won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021. Learn about NZC's structure, domestic cricket, and New Zealand's greatest players.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) governs cricket in New Zealand, a nation that has punched well above its weight in the sport. The Blackcaps — as the men's national team is nicknamed — won the inaugural World Test Championship Final in 2021, beating India at Southampton.
The WTC 2021 Win
New Zealand beat India by 8 wickets in the World Test Championship Final at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton in June 2021. The match was delayed by rain and went to a reserve day. Kyle Jamieson took 5 wickets and Devon Conway scored 54* to seal the win. It was New Zealand cricket's greatest team achievement.
The 2019 World Cup Final
New Zealand famously lost the 2019 ODI World Cup Final to England at Lord's despite the scores being tied after both the final over and a Super Over. England won on boundary count (26 vs 17) — a rule since changed. Martin Guptill's run-out off the last ball remains one of cricket's most heartbreaking moments.
Plunket Shield and Domestic Cricket
The Plunket Shield is New Zealand's premier first-class competition, competed between six provinces: Auckland, Central Districts, Canterbury, Northern Districts, Otago, and Wellington. The Ford Trophy is the List A competition and the Super Smash is the T20 competition.
- WTC 2021 winners — beat India by 8 wickets
- 6 provincial teams in the Plunket Shield (first-class)
- Greatest players: Richard Hadlee (431 Test wickets), Martin Crowe, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson
- Women's team: The White Ferns have won 4 ODI World Cups
Frequently asked questions
Has New Zealand won a World Cup?
New Zealand won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, beating India by 8 wickets. The men's team has not won an ODI or T20 World Cup, though they were runners-up in the 2019 ODI World Cup Final.
What is the Plunket Shield?
The Plunket Shield is New Zealand's first-class domestic cricket competition, featuring six provincial teams: Auckland, Central Districts, Canterbury, Northern Districts, Otago, and Wellington.