IND vs NZ Match Prediction : 1st T20, New Zealand tour of India, 2026

After a historic ODI series win on Indian soil, New Zealand now turn their attention to the shortest format as they take on India in a five-match T20I series. The opening game will be played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.

While India remain favourites at home, New Zealand have shown in recent months that they are no longer overawed by Indian conditions. Having surprised India in both Tests and ODIs at home, the visitors will believe they can challenge the hosts once again, particularly with India still ironing out combinations at the top of the order.

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India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record

The two sides have faced each other 25 times in T20 internationals. India have won 14 matches, while New Zealand have won 10. One match ended in a tie.

India vs New Zealand Live-streaming and Broadcast

Matches in Bangladesh are televised on T Sports and GTV, with live streaming available on RabbitholeBD and the T Sports app. In India, BPL is streamed live on FanCode (app and website), which holds the official digital rights.

Viewers in Pakistan can watch via Tapmad, which carries BPL streaming in the region. In the UK and USA, coverage is available through Willow (TV/app) in many packages, sometimes supplemented by Rabbithole’s YouTube presence when permitted.

In the UAE and wider MENA, BPL access is typically through digital platforms that carry Rabbithole or Willow feeds, with availability varying slightly by provider, so checking local IPTV/OTT sports bundles is recommended.

You can find live odds, updated tips after every day's play, and more information about this match at ocbsports.com.

IND vs NZ Team Previews

India

India entered the ODI series as firm favourites but fell short, losing a bilateral series at home to New Zealand for the first time. That defeat has raised a few questions, particularly around the batting combinations, and the T20I series presents an opportunity for a reset ahead of the T20 World Cup.

One area of concern remains the opening pair. With multiple options tried in recent months, India are still searching for a settled combination at the top. Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson are likely to open, and while both are explosive, consistency in the powerplay has been an issue.

The middle order, however, looks far more settled with Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Shivam Dube providing power and experience. With Tilak Varma unavailable for the first three matches, Shreyas Iyer is expected to slot in.

The bowling attack appears well-balanced, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the pace unit alongside Arshdeep Singh, while Axar Patel and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to shoulder spin duties.

India Expected Playing 11

Sanju Samson (WK), Abhishek Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

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New Zealand

New Zealand arrive full of confidence after a memorable ODI series triumph and will be keen to carry that momentum into the T20Is. In recent years, they have repeatedly found ways to challenge India in Indian conditions, whether through smart bowling plans or adaptable batting approaches.

The return of aggressive batters like Tim Robinson strengthens the top order alongside Devon Conway, who brings vast experience from IPL stints. The middle order has a strong mix of stability and firepower with Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell.

Mitchell Santner’s return is a major boost, both as captain and as the leader of the spin attack, while Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy are expected to take the new ball.

New Zealand is a team that tends to perform very well against India and adapts well to different conditions. They are the definite underdogs but they are not a team to be counted out completely!

New Zealand Expected Playing 11

Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (WK), Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson

IND vs NZ Toss Prediction

Nine of the 13 T20 matches played at this venue have been won by teams batting first. With the surface expected to slow down later, the captain winning the toss is likely to choose to bat first.

Pitch Report and Weather Conditions

The pitch in Nagpur is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. There is good pace and bounce early on, which should aid fast bowlers, while spinners are likely to come into play as the match progresses. Batters will need to time their innings carefully.

The average first-innings score here is around 146, and any total above 160 could prove challenging to chase. Weather conditions are expected to remain clear with pleasant temperatures throughout.

IND vs NZ: Who Will Win?

New Zealand have played outstanding cricket on this tour and have already shown they can unsettle India at home in both Tests and ODIs. They will fancy their chances, especially against an Indian side still finalising its opening combination.

However, India’s depth, experience, and home advantage in T20 cricket give them a slight edge. With a stronger middle order and a high-quality bowling attack, India are better placed to start the series on a winning note.

Bet on India to win.