IND vs NZ 1st T20I: Pitch Report, Playing XI, Match Prediction

IND vs NZ 1st T20I: The first T20I match between India and New Zealand will be played today in Indore. New Zealand won the ODI series 2-1, defeating India by 41 runs in the third match. Now, New Zealand's focus is on the T20I series. Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand in this series.

On the other hand, India is also entering this series after defeating South Africa and Australia in the T20I format. Both teams will be looking to test their strategies before the T20 World Cup. In this article, we will review the pitch report, recent form, key players, and the IND vs NZ match prediction.

IND vs NZ First T20I Match Details

Match: India vs New Zealand

Stadium: Vidarbha Cricket Stadium, Nagpur

Match Date: January 21, 2026 (07:00 PM)

Live Streaming (in India): Available on Jio Hotstar, DD Sports, and Star Sports Network.

Head-to-Head Record:

Total Matches: 25

India Won: 14

New Zealand Won: 10

Draw/Tie: 1

IND vs NZ 1st T20I Pitch Reports

The first T20I match will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Stadium in Nagpur. Twelve T20I matches have been played at this ground so far. The Nagpur pitch is considered balanced. Batting has been easy initially, but spin bowlers get assistance in the second innings.

• Average first innings score: 146 runs
• Average second innings score: 125 runs
• Winning percentage for the team batting first after winning the toss: 75%
• Wickets taken by spinners: 26%

IND vs NZ: Who can score the most runs?

Abhishek Sharma is currently ranked number one in the ICC rankings for the T20 format. He performed well against South Africa and can give the team a strong start in this match as well.

Daryl Mitchell was the highest run-scorer in the ODI series. He can anchor the innings in the middle overs in this match as well.

IND vs NZ: Who can take the most wickets?

Varun Chakravarthy bowled very well against South Africa. The Nagpur pitch has been helpful for spinners, and he is capable of taking wickets in these conditions. Lockie Ferguson is a very experienced bowler. He is known for his bowling variations and can play a crucial role in the death overs in this match.

IND vs NZ: Whose strategy will work today?

Considering the Nagpur pitch, recent form, and spin attack, India has a slight advantage in this match, but New Zealand also has excellent players who can single-handedly change the course of the match.

IND vs NZ Probable Playing XI:

India: Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy.

New Zealand: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (captain), Rachin Ravindra, James Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi.

Read More: IND vs NZ 3rd ODI: Do-or-Die Match in Indore, India’s Playing XI, Dream11