The rivalry between the West Indies cricket team and the India national cricket team is one of the most historically rich and statistically fascinating rivalries in international cricket. Stretching back to the late 1940s, this contest has evolved through multiple eras — from Caribbean dominance in Test cricket to India’s rise as a global powerhouse across all formats.

Every West Indies cricket team vs India national cricket team match scorecard tells a story. Some reflect dominance, some capture dramatic collapses, and others showcase individual brilliance that defined generations. From iconic Test battles to World Cup clashes and explosive T20 thrillers, this article provides a complete historical breakdown, detailed timeline tables, major records, format-wise analysis, and frequently asked questions.

Historical Background of the Rivalry

The First Encounters (1948–1960s)

India and West Indies first met in Test cricket in 1948. During the early decades, the West Indies were far stronger, boasting natural flair, aggressive batting, and fast bowling superiority. Scorecards from the 1950s and 1960s often show the Caribbean side posting massive first-innings totals while India struggled to respond.

One of the defining figures of that era was Sir Garfield Sobers, whose all-round excellence left a deep mark on India vs West Indies match scorecards. India, meanwhile, was still developing consistency overseas.

The Era of West Indies Dominance (1970s–1980s)

The 1970s and 1980s marked the golden age of West Indies cricket. Fast bowlers like Malcolm Marshall, Michael Holding, and Curtly Ambrose terrorized batting lineups worldwide.

India found it extremely difficult to counter the pace quartet. Many Test match scorecards from this period show India being bowled out under 200 on challenging Caribbean pitches.

However, a historic turning point came during the Cricket World Cup, where India defeated West Indies in the final under the leadership of Kapil Dev. That match changed the psychological dynamics between the two nations forever.

India’s Rise and Modern Balance (1990s–Present)

From the 1990s onward, India gradually strengthened its overseas performances. The emergence of players like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid brought stability and class to Indian batting lineups.

Meanwhile, the West Indies continued to produce legends such as Brian Lara, whose innings frequently dominated India vs West Indies match scorecards.

In the 2010s, India established dominance in Tests and bilateral limited-overs series, led by modern icons like Virat Kohli.

Test Cricket: West Indies vs India Match Scorecard History

Test cricket forms the backbone of this rivalry.

Overall Test Head-to-Head Snapshot

Category	West Indies	India	Draw
Total Matches	100+	100+	40+
Home Series Wins	Multiple	Multiple	—
Overseas Series Wins	Several	Several	—

West Indies dominated early decades, but India has been stronger in the 21st century.

Historic Test Match Scorecard Timeline

Year	Venue	WI 1st Inns	IND 1st Inns	WI 2nd Inns	IND 2nd Inns	Result	Key Performance
1953	Kingston	622/5d	314	—	375	WI won	Sobers century
1976	Port of Spain	359	406	228	403/4	IND won	Historic chase
1983	Delhi	390	451	229	241/6	Draw	Kapil Dev all-round
2002	Kingston	629/9d	339	—	212	WI won	Lara double ton
2016	Antigua	243	566/8d	231	—	IND won	Kohli 200
2023	Dominica	150	421/5d	130	—	IND won	Ashwin 12 wickets

Analysis of Key Test Matches

1976 Port of Spain – India’s 403 Chase

India chased 403 runs successfully — one of the greatest fourth-innings chases in Test history. This match redefined India’s confidence against West Indies pace bowling.

2002 Kingston – Lara’s Dominance

Brian Lara’s commanding innings shaped a massive West Indies total of 629/9 declared. India’s batting collapsed under scoreboard pressure.

2016 Antigua – Kohli’s Double Century

Virat Kohli scored 200, leading India to 566/8 declared. The scorecard showed India’s dominance in batting depth and bowling control.

ODI History: West Indies vs India Match Scorecard Timeline

The ODI rivalry began in the 1970s and includes several World Cup encounters.

Overall ODI Head-to-Head

Category	West Indies	India
Total Matches	140+	140+
Wins	Competitive	Competitive
No Result	Several	Several

India has gained an edge in recent decades.

Iconic ODI Match Scorecard Timeline

Year	Tournament	WI Score	IND Score	Result	Highlight
1983	World Cup Final	140	183	IND won	Historic upset
1996	World Cup SF	258	120	WI won	Lara brilliance
2002	NatWest Series	325	326	IND won	Yuvraj chase
2011	Chennai	269	270	IND won	Kohli century
2019	Cuttack	315	316	IND won	Rohit masterclass

1983 World Cup Final Scorecard Summary

West Indies: 140 all out
India: 183 all out

India won by 43 runs, marking one of cricket’s greatest upsets.

T20I History: Explosive Encounters

T20 matches between these sides are known for high scoring and dramatic finishes.

Overall T20I Head-to-Head

Category	West Indies	India
Total Matches	25+	25+
Wins	Nearly equal	Nearly equal

Key T20I Timeline Table

Year	Tournament	WI Score	IND Score	Result	Key Player
2016	T20 WC SF	196	192	WI won	Lendl Simmons
2019	Series	146	150	IND won	Kohli
2022	Series	164	165	IND won	Rohit
2023	Series	159	152	WI won	Pooran

Statistical Comparison Across Formats

Highest Team Totals

• West Indies: 600+ in Tests
• India: 600+ in Tests
• Both teams: 350+ in ODIs
• T20 totals frequently 180+

Most Runs in the Rivalry

• Brian Lara
• Sachin Tendulkar
• Virat Kohli

Best Bowling Performances

• 10+ wicket hauls in Tests
• 5-wicket hauls in ODIs
• Economical spells in T20Is

Evolution of Match Scorecards Over Time

1950s–1970s

Low scoring, pace-dominated, long Test matches.

1980s–1990s

Balanced contests, improved Indian resistance.

2000s

Higher scoring games, batting-friendly pitches.

2010s–2020s

Aggressive cricket, especially in T20 format.

Modern scorecards reflect faster strike rates, higher run rates, and deeper batting lineups.

Recent Series Breakdown (2020s)

In recent tours, India has largely dominated Test series, often winning by innings margins. However, T20 series in the Caribbean have been competitive, with young West Indian players showcasing explosive power-hitting.

India’s spin bowling has often played a decisive role, while West Indies rely heavily on power hitters in limited-overs formats.

Why This Rivalry Remains Important

1. It represents cricket’s historical power shift.
2. It connects two cricket-loving regions with passionate fan bases.
3. It showcases contrasting playing styles.
4. It continues to produce high-quality cricket.

The West Indies cricket team vs India national cricket team match scorecard history reflects evolution, resilience, and global cricket transformation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When did West Indies and India first play each other?

They first met in 1948 in Test cricket.

2. Who has won more matches overall?

West Indies dominated early decades, while India has led in recent years.

3. What is the most famous match between them?

The 1983 World Cup Final remains the most iconic.

4. Who has scored the most runs in this rivalry?

Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara are among the highest run-scorers.

5. Which format is most competitive today?

T20 Internationals are currently the most competitive.

6. Has India won a Test series in the Caribbean?

Yes, India has won multiple Test series in the West Indies in recent decades.

7. What makes this rivalry special?

Its longevity, historic shifts in dominance, and iconic performances make it special.

Conclusion

The West Indies cricket team vs India national cricket team match scorecard is more than numbers on paper. It captures decades of changing cricket philosophies, legendary players, dramatic chases, and unforgettable tournaments.

From the dominance of Caribbean fast bowlers to India’s modern supremacy, this rivalry continues to evolve. As both teams rebuild and nurture young talent, future scorecards promise new milestones and fresh history in one of cricket’s most compelling rivalries.