IND vs NZ 1st T20I Match Preview:

India and New Zealand are ready for the shortest format of cricket. Today, they will kick-start the first game of the five-match T20I series at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, India. Both teams will enter this series after a nail-biting finish in the ODI series.

India has been in sensational form, winning four out of the last five T20Is, while New Zealand recently won the ODI series, which boosted their confidence. Earlier in 2023, these two teams played a three-match T20I series against each other in India, which India won by 2-1. Both teams have a golden opportunity to prepare before the T20 World Cup in 2026.

Recent Performance:

IND vs NZ 1st T20I Match Details:

• Series/Tournament: New Zealand Tour of India 
• Match: India vs New Zealand 1st T20I
• Date: 21 Jan. 2026
• Match Start Time: 7:00 PM IST
• Stadium/Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur, India
• Live Score: cricketwinner.com
• Live Streaming: Star Sports network.

IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats:

(Last 10 Matches)

Pitch & Weather Report:

The weather is expected to remain cool and sunny with no possibility of rain. The temperature is expected to reach around 22.2°C. Based on previous stats, the average score at this venue ranges between 125 and 146 runs. The pitch offers little assistance to pacers.

Vidarbha Cricket Stadium Stats: 

The Vidarbha Cricket Stadium pitch is one of the fastest grounds, providing a flat surface for T20I excitement. As the match progressed, spinners played a crucial role. Winning the toss and opting to bat first will be a wise decision on this surface.  

IND vs NZ 1st T20I Playing 11

India (IND) Probable 11:

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Ishan Kishan, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, and Varun Chakravarthy

New Zealand (NZ) Probable 11:

Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (captain), Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry

IND vs NZ- Top Picks from IND

IND vs NZ- Top Picks from NZ

Cricket Winner Player’s Insight:

• Abhisek Sharma (IND) is one of the most explosive openers across the world. He can change the course of the match in the power play itself with his aggressive batting.
• Hardik Pandya (IND) is an excellent all-rounder who knows how to bat according to the team's needs. He can also provide valuable support to the team with his bowling. 
• B John Jacobs (NZ) has been in excellent form in Super Smash 2026; he scored 201 runs in the last three T20Is with two half-centuries.
• Daryl Mitchell (NZ) is the most experienced all-rounder in the New Zealand Squad. He was the highest run scorer in the recent ODI series against India.

IND vs NZ Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

IND vs NZ Fantasy Team Suggestion:  

IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Expert Advice 

IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Probable Winners:

IND is expected to win this match. They have the advantage of playing on their home ground. Additionally, India holds a dominant 8-2 advantage over New Zealand in their 10 most recent encounters.

IND vs NZ 1st T20I FAQ

Who is likely to win the IND vs NZ match today?

India (IND) is expected to win this match.

Who is ahead in head-to-head stats?    

India

Who are the top fantasy picks for the IND vs NZ Dream11 team?

Abhisek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, B John Jacobs and V Chakarvarthy

What is the pitch report for this match?

The surface is balanced, and we can expect an average score range between 125 and 146 runs.