The five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand gets underway today with the 1st T20I at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, both teams see this series as a key testing ground for combinations, form, and match temperament.
The match will start at 7:00 PM IST, while the toss is scheduled for 6:30 PM IST. Fans can watch the game live on Star Sports Network, with streaming available on JioHotstar.
IND vs NZ 1st T20i Match Details
| Match | IND vs NZ, 1st T20I |
|---|---|
| Date | 21 January 2026 (Wednesday) |
| Venue | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur |
| Toss Time | 6:30 PM IST |
| Match Start | 7:00 PM IST |
| Live Telecast | Star Sports |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar |
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Record in T20Is
India and New Zealand have shared a competitive rivalry in the shortest format.
| Category | Matches | India | New Zealand | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 25 | 14 | 10 | 1 |
| In India | 11 | 7 | 4 | – |
| In New Zealand | 12 | 7 | 4 | 1 |
| Neutral Venues | 2 | – | 2 | – |
Also see: BCCI Central Contract 2026 List
IND vs NZ Pitch Report: Nagpur
The Nagpur pitch usually offers a balanced contest in T20 cricket. Early on, fast bowlers can get some movement and bounce, but as the match progresses, batting becomes easier. Spinners often come into play during the middle overs, especially in the second innings.
- Average first-innings score: 170–190
- Dew factor: Likely in the evening, making chasing slightly easier
- Toss trend: Teams may prefer to bowl first
India enter the match with a power-packed squad led by Suryakumar Yadav, focusing on aggressive batting and flexible bowling options. New Zealand, under Mitchell Santner, bring a balanced side with strong all-round depth and experience in overseas conditions.
IND vs NZ Probable Playing 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 Chakravarthy
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
(Final XIs may change at the toss.)
Key Players to Watch
- India: Suryakumar Yadav (explosive middle-order batting), Jasprit Bumrah (death-over specialist), Abhishek Sharma (power-play aggressor)
- New Zealand: Rachin Ravindra (all-round impact), Glenn Phillips (finisher), Mitchell Santner (spin and leadership)
This series is a crucial part of preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026, especially for players fighting for final squad spots. India will look to use home conditions to take an early lead, while New Zealand aim to upset the hosts and build momentum.
All eyes are now on Nagpur as the series opener promises fast scoring, tactical battles, and early World Cup signals.
