New Zealand’s top five highest Test cricket totals showcase their batting dominance over the years. From monumental partnerships to remarkable resilience, these innings highlight the team’s ability to amass massive scores. These performances underline New Zealand’s growth as a formidable cricketing side, featuring matches that remain etched in cricketing history for their sheer brilliance.
5. 659/6 d vs Pakistan, Christchurch, 2021
Captain Kane Williamson stole the spotlight with an exceptional knock of 238, forming a formidable partnership with Henry Nicholls to build the foundation of the mammoth total.
With a first-innings lead of 362 runs, the Black Caps took firm control of the match. The game concluded as a one-sided affair, with New Zealand securing an emphatic victory by an innings and 176 runs. Pacer Kyle Jamieson was named Player of the Match for his outstanding 11-wicket haul.
4. 671/4 vs Sri Lanka, Wellington, 1991
One of New Zealand’s most iconic batting displays unfolded in Wellington during the 1991 series against Sri Lanka. Trailing by a massive 323-run first-innings deficit, the Kiwis found themselves in dire straits when Martin Crowe joined Andrew Jones at the crease. Together, they forged an extraordinary 467-run partnership for the third wicket, dismantling the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Martin Crowe led the charge with a stunning 299, falling heartbreakingly short of a historic triple century. This remarkable effort, coupled with Jones’ resilience, helped New Zealand salvage a draw from what seemed an inevitable defeat. Crowe’s phenomenal contribution of 329 runs across the match earned him the well-deserved Player of the Match award.
3. 680/8 d vs India, Wellington, 2014
In 2014, the Indian cricket team faced a daunting challenge against New Zealand in Wellington when the hosts piled up a colossal total of 680 runs. Trailing by 246 runs in their second innings, New Zealand staged a remarkable comeback, led by Brendon McCullum’s extraordinary knock of 302.
McCullum’s triple century turned the tide for the Black Caps, pulling them out of a precarious situation. He found valuable support from BJ Watling (124) and Jimmy Neesham (137), as the trio orchestrated a stunning fightback to save the Test match. Unsurprisingly, McCullum’s heroic effort earned him the Player of the Match award.
2. 690 vs Pakistan, Sharjah, 2014
New Zealand recorded their second-highest team total of 690 runs against Pakistan in Sharjah in 2014. Brendon McCullum once again stole the spotlight with a breathtaking double-century. His innings were complemented by stellar contributions from Kane Williamson, who narrowly missed a double-century with 192, along with Ross Taylor and Corey Anderson, who both chipped in with half-centuries.
McCullum reached his double-century in just 188 balls, showcasing his aggressive flair. The Kiwis dominated the match, securing victory by an innings and 80 runs. Mark Craig emerged as the Player of the Match, delivering a remarkable all-round performance with 10 wickets and a valuable 65 runs.
1. 715/6 d vs Bangladesh, Hamilton, 2019
In 2019, New Zealand registered their highest-ever Test total of 715 runs against Bangladesh in Hamilton. Replying to Bangladesh’s first-innings total of 234, the Black Caps’ top order delivered a commanding performance to script history. This remains the only instance where New Zealand crossed the 700-run mark in a Test innings.
The monumental innings was anchored by standout contributions from Jeet Raval (132), Tom Latham (161), and an unbeaten 200 by captain Kane Williamson. Their efforts built an insurmountable first-innings lead of 481 runs.
Despite a spirited fightback from Bangladesh in the second innings, the deficit proved too great, and they succumbed to an innings and 52-run defeat. Kane Williamson was deservingly named Player of the Match for his magnificent double-century.