India vs New Zealand clash in the 1st ODI promises a thrilling start to the series, with the hosts aiming to shake off recent inconsistencies against a confident Kiwi side on a roll.
India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI, New Zealand tour of India 2025-26. Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 1:30 PM IST (1:30 PM Local). Kotambi Stadium (BCA Stadium), Vadodara.
Expect a flat pitch at Kotambi Stadium offering consistent bounce and true carry, favoring batsmen throughout with early new-ball swing for pacers and potential reverse later. Weather stays clear with temperatures around 27-29°C and no rain interruptions, setting up a full game under pleasant conditions.
This opener carries big weight as India kick off their white-ball year after a prolonged break, desperate to regain momentum in ODIs amid mixed recent results. New Zealand roll in on a hot streak of nine straight ODI wins, testing India’s home dominance where the Kiwis have never claimed a series victory. Key talking points include India’s returning stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli facing a youthful, inexperienced but fearless NZ attack, plus Shubman Gill’s captaincy under scrutiny post-injuries.
Head-to-Head
The sides have met 120 times in ODIs, with India holding 62 wins to New Zealand’s 50, alongside 7 no-results and 1 tie. Recent encounters tilt India’s way: they won the last five meetings, including the 2023 World Cup semi-final by 70 runs and a group stage thriller by 4 wickets.
IND vs NZ Match Details
- Match: 1st ODI Match
- Teams: India vs New Zealand 1st ODI
- Date: 11 January 2026
- Time: 1:30 PM IST (1:30 PM Local)
- Venue: Kotambi Stadium (BCA Stadium),
IND vs NZ Live Streaming Info
The 1st ODI Match between India vs New Zealand is scheduled for January 11, 2026. This T20 match is at Kotambi Stadium (BCA Stadium),.
- In India: The match will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and live streaming will be available on FanCode and Amazon Prime Video (SonyLiv app).
- In New Zealand: The match will be telecast on TVNZ 1 and streamed live on Sky Sport Now.
- In Australia: Telecast is available on Foxtel, Kayo Sports, and Fox Cricket channel (Channel 501) with live streaming on Kayo and Foxtel platforms.
- In Pakistan and other regions, platforms like Tapmad may also provide live streaming options
How to Watch the Match for Free:
On TV: The match is available free on DD Sports if you have a DD Free Dish connection; this lets you watch the game without any extra subscription fee.
On apps/sites: Live streaming is officially on JioCinema/Disney+ Hotstar (as per current rights), but these usually require at least a basic mobile or bundled plan; full live action is not generally free, though highlights are often available at no cost after the match.
Live Streaming Info:
The 1st ODI will be live on Willow Cricket.
Live Score Info:
Probable XIs
India Probable XI: Shubman Gill (capt), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj.
New Zealand Probable XI: Devon Conway (wk), Nick Kelly, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (capt), Kristian Clarke, Kyle Jamieson, Michael Rae, Adithya Ashok.
India Team Analysis
India’s batting depth shines with Rohit, Kohli, and Gill at the top, backed by Shreyas Iyer’s middle-order stability, though recent form shows WLWWLL in last six ODIs, including a loss to Sri Lanka. Strengths lie in spin variety from Kuldeep Yadav and allrounders Jadeja-Sundar, but pace relies on Siraj and Arshdeep amid Bumrah’s absence; weaknesses include prolonged toss woes and top-order rustiness. Key players: Virat Kohli for big scores, Ravindra Jadeja for balance.
New Zealand Team Analysis
New Zealand boast explosive momentum with WWWWW in recent ODIs, whitewashing West Indies, powered by allrounders like Daryl Mitchell and captain Michael Bracewell’s spin. Strengths include disciplined bowling from Jamieson and debutant Clarke, plus batting firepower from Conway and Phillips, but a largely inexperienced squad (eight uncapped in India) exposes weaknesses against spin on turning tracks. Standouts: Bracewell’s utility and Mitchell’s middle-order muscle.
Prediction
India hold the edge with home advantage, superior batting firepower, and spin options suited to Vadodara’s surface, likely overpowering New Zealand’s green unit despite the visitors’ streak—hosts to win by 40-50 runs batting first or chasing comfortably.