India vs New Zealand 1st T20: Full Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Match Prediction
The much-anticipated India vs New Zealand 1st T20 kicks off today, marking the start of a thrilling five-match series as both teams gear up for the upcoming T20 World Cup. With India looking to bounce back from a recent ODI series loss and New Zealand aiming to build momentum, this clash promises high-octane action under the lights.
Match Details
- Date: Today, January 21, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
- Match Number: 1st T20
- Series: New Zealand tour of India 2026 (5-match T20I series)
India vs New Zealand: Series Background
The rivalry between India and New Zealand in T20Is has been intense, with India holding a strong edge in recent encounters. The last T20I series between the two in 2022/23 ended with India winning 1-0, impacted by rain and ties. Before that, India achieved a historic 5-0 whitewash during their 2019-20 tour of New Zealand. India enters this series on the back of eight consecutive T20I series wins since lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup, aiming to maintain their dominance. New Zealand, fresh from a 2-1 ODI series victory over India, will look to upset the hosts and fine-tune their squad for the World Cup.
Team India Preview
Under captain Suryakumar Yadav's leadership, India boasts a balanced side blending experience with explosive talent. Key performers like Yadav himself, known for his 360-degree batting, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya provide depth. Young guns such as opener Abhishek Sharma and pacer Harshit Rana add flair, with potential debuts or key roles in the mix. India's recent T20 form has been ruthless, focusing on aggressive batting and versatile bowling options to overpower opponents.
New Zealand Team Preview
Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand relies on their all-round strength and adaptability. Match-winners like Daryl Mitchell, who excels in pressure situations, and Glenn Phillips offer firepower in the middle order. Their bowling, featuring pacers like Matt Henry and spinners including Ish Sodhi, suits Indian conditions well. While they have weaknesses in facing high-quality spin, their recent ODI success shows they can exploit dew and chase effectively.
Pitch Report & Weather Update
The pitch at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur is balanced but tends to assist pacers early with bounce, before slowing down to favor spinners. Average first-innings score in T20Is here is around 146-160, with high scores rare in some records but competitive totals often seen between 150-175 depending on conditions. Dew is expected to play a role in the second innings, making chasing preferable.
Weather in Nagpur on January 21, 2026, is forecast to be clear and sunny, with daytime highs around 31°C and evening lows near 17-19°C. No rain is anticipated, ensuring a full match.
Probable Playing XI
India Probable XI
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube/Rinku Singh, Rinku Singh/Axar Patel, Axar Patel/Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy/Harshit Rana.
New Zealand Probable XI
Tim Robinson/Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell/James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy/Lockie Ferguson.
Key Players to Watch
- Indian Batter: Suryakumar Yadav – His innovative shots could dismantle New Zealand's attack.
- Indian Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah – Back in the side, his yorkers and variations will be crucial early on.
- NZ Batter: Daryl Mitchell – A proven performer against India, expect him to anchor the innings.
- NZ Bowler: Mitchell Santner – As captain and spinner, he'll exploit the slowing pitch effectively.
Match Prediction / What to Expect
The India vs New Zealand 1st T20 could be a close contest, with India's home advantage and depth giving them a slight edge. However, New Zealand's recent form suggests they won't be pushovers. The toss will be key due to dew, likely favoring the team bowling first. Expect a competitive match, potentially decided in the death overs.
Live Streaming & Telecast Info
In India, the India vs New Zealand 1st T20 will be telecast live on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 HD. Live streaming is available on the JioHotstar app and website.
Fans are buzzing with excitement as the India vs New Zealand 1st T20 sets the tone for the series. With World Cup spots on the line, this opener could deliver unforgettable moments – don't miss it!