The 1st T20I between India and New Zealand falls under the New Zealand Tour of India 2025-26 series. It takes place on January 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST (matching local time in Nagpur) at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
Nagpur’s VCA Stadium pitch features red soil that offers early bounce and pace, favoring seamers in the powerplay before settling for batters, with average first-innings scores around 160-175. Expect cool conditions at 19°C with 58% humidity, potentially adding moisture to aid bowlers later, though no major rain disruptions are forecast.
This opener kicks off a five-match T20I series serving as a crucial litmus test for both sides ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, allowing experimentation with lineups and strategies on home soil for India. New Zealand aims to build on recent successes against India in Tests and ODIs in India, chasing their first T20I series win here.
India enters after a 2-1 ODI series loss to New Zealand, but their T20 setup under Suryakumar Yadav remains potent with recent white-ball tweaks post-2025 campaigns. New Zealand carries confidence from that ODI triumph and prior tours, though their T20 form includes mixed results against stronger sides lately.
Head-to-Head Record
The two teams have played 25 T20Is, with India winning 12, New Zealand 10, and 3 no-results. In the last five meetings: India won by 168 runs (Feb 2023), India by 6 wickets (Jan 2023), New Zealand by 21 runs (Jan 2023), match tied (Nov 2022), India by 65 runs (Nov 2022).
IND vs NZ Match Details
- Match: 1st T20 Match
- Teams: India vs New Zealand 1st T20
- Date: 21 January 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM 1:30 PM GMT / 7:00 PM LOCAL
- Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
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 T20 will be live on Willow Cricket.
Live Score Info:
Probable XIs
India Probable XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand Probable XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Rachin Ravindra, James Neesham, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi
India Team Analysis
India’s strength lies in explosive batting from Suryakumar Yadav and finishers like Rinku Singh, backed by a versatile pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah. Weaknesses include occasional top-order fragility without Rohit Sharma, and spin options needing consistency post-ODI struggles. Key performers: Suryakumar (captain, consistent middle-order anchor), Hardik Pandya (all-round impact), and Arshdeep Singh (death bowling).
New Zealand Team Analysis
New Zealand excels in balanced all-rounders like Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner, with a potent seam unit troubling India recently. Their batting depth can falter against spin, and injuries have tested squad resilience. Standouts include Finn Allen (powerplay aggressor), Rachin Ravindra (spin-handling), and Tim Southee/Ish Sodhi (experienced bowlers).
Match Prediction
India holds the edge at home with superior squad depth and batting firepower suited to Nagpur’s conditions, likely posting 170+ to defend successfully against New Zealand’s seam-heavy attack. Expect a close contest, but India wins by 10-15 runs or 5-6 wickets