India and New Zealand kick off the 2026 ODI season with the first match of a three game series that promises quality cricket. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the ODI setup adds extra buzz, especially given their strong form and the rarity of seeing them together in this format.
India come in as clear favourites after dominating New Zealand in recent tournaments and at home, including a clean sweep the last time the Black Caps toured India and victory in the Champions Trophy final.
New Zealand arrive short of several key players, while India recall captain Shubman Gill and vice captain Shreyas Iyer, making this opening ODI an ideal stage to assess combinations, form and early momentum in the series.
Here's TSN's predictions, lineups, betting tips, odds and live scorecard for the ODI opener.
India vs. New Zealand: Who Will Win?
India head into the first ODI as favourites, especially with the match being played at home where their record against New Zealand is dominant. New Zealand arrive in strong form, but adapting to Indian conditions against quality spin could prove decisive.
Expect a competitive contest, but India’s depth in batting and variety in bowling should give them the edge.
BET NOW: How to bet on cricket in India | Best cricket betting sites | Cricket matches today
Head-to-head record: India vs. New Zealand in ODIs
India and New Zealand have faced each other 120 times in one day internationals. India lead the rivalry with 62 wins, while New Zealand have won 50 matches.
- Total matches: 120
- India wins: 62
- New Zealand wins: 50
- Tied/No result: 8
India vs. New Zealand Form Guide & Predictions
India have looked sharp in recent ODIs, highlighted by a strong series against South Africa in December where they are on course for a 2-1 victory. Their batting has shown flexibility across conditions, while the bowling unit has delivered in key moments, particularly in tight finishes.
New Zealand come into this contest in red hot ODI form, riding a nine match winning streak since their last defeat to India in the Champions Trophy final. They have been ruthless at home throughout 2025, completing clean sweeps against England, Sri Lanka and West Indies.
India - Last 5 ODIs
- India beat South Africa by 9 wickets (Visakhapatnam)
- South Africa beat India by 4 wickets (Raipur)
- India beat South Africa by 17 runs (Ranchi)
- India beat Australia by 9 wickets (Sydney)
- Australia beat India by 2 wickets (Adelaide)
New Zealand - Last 5 ODIs
- New Zealand beat West Indies by 4 wickets (Hamilton)
- New Zealand beat West Indies by 5 wickets (Napier)
- New Zealand beat West Indies by 7 runs (Christchurch)
- New Zealand beat England by 2 wickets (Wellington)
- New Zealand beat England by 5 wickets (Hamilton)
AllSportsPeople Prediction for IND vs. NZ 1st ODI
- If India bat first: 290 to 330
- If New Zealand bat first: 270 to 315
Expected Result: India start as favourites given home conditions and their strong recent ODI form. New Zealand’s winning streak keeps this competitive, but in Indian conditions, India should have the upper hand.
India vs. New Zealand lineups: Predicted XIs and team news
India Team News
India arrive with a well balanced squad that blends experience with emerging talent. Shubman Gill takes charge as captain, supported by senior figures Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who remains in strong form at the top. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant provide wicketkeeping options, while Shreyas Iyer anchors the middle order as vice captain.
The bowling attack looks versatile, combining pace from Mohammad Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana with quality spin through Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar. Depth in batting and all round options give India flexibility to tailor their XI to home conditions, where they have traditionally dominated New Zealand.
India (predicted playing XI): Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj
MORE READING:
- IPL 2026 auction: Most expensive overseas players
- India’s T20I schedule ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup
- India squad for T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand Team News
New Zealand travel with a disciplined and competitive ODI squad led by Michael Bracewell. The batting unit features proven performers in Devon Conway, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell and the explosive Glenn Phillips, offering stability and firepower through the order.
Their bowling group is built around a strong pace core, including Kyle Jamieson and Zak Foulkes, supported by all round options who add balance. Fielding remains a major strength, and while adapting to spin friendly Indian conditions will be key, New Zealand’s structured approach and consistency give them the tools to test the hosts if they settle quickly.
New Zealand (predicted playing XI): Devon Conway (WK), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (C), Zak Foulkes, Josh Clarkson, Jayden Lennox, Kyle Jamieson, Aditya Ashok
Players to Watch – India vs New Zealand 1st ODI
Rohit Sharma (India): India’s captain will look to set the tone at the top after a great 2025, scoring 650 runs from 14 ODI innings at an average of 50. His ability to provide fast starts makes him central to India’s plans.
Virat Kohli (India): Kohli carried strong momentum into the end of 2025, piling up 674 ODI runs from 15 innings at an average above 56. With four centuries and three half centuries, including back to back hundreds in the Champions Trophy and the home series against South Africa, the No.2 ranked ODI batter remains India’s biggest batting pillar.
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand): Mitchell shapes as New Zealand’s key threat after an outstanding ODI year, amassing 761 runs from 17 matches at an average of 54.35. His knack for stabilising the innings under pressure makes him dangerous in middle overs.
IND vs. NZ betting odds & tips: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, India enter the first ODI as clear favourites priced at 1.16 compared to New Zealand’s 5.20.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
India | 1.16 |
New Zealand | 5.20 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- India to win the match, using home conditions and spin depth to control the middle overs.
- Virat Kohli to score 50+ runs, continuing his strong ODI form against New Zealand.
- Daryl Mitchell to be New Zealand’s top run scorer, anchoring the innings if early wickets fall.
IND vs. NZ live scorecard: 1st ODI
To follow the action between India vs. New Zealand live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Dafabet's website.
Navigate to the game of your choice and click the scorecard icon to follow along, and bet live with the action with a trusted Dafabet site.
Where to watch IND vs. NZ 1st ODI in India
- Venue: Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) Stadium in Vadodara
- Date & Time (IST): Sunday, January 11, 1:30 p.m
- Live Telecast & Streaming Details: Star Sports Network / JioHotstar
RELATED LINKS:
- How to bet online on cricket in India and most trusted sites
- All the latest cricket news
- Women's Premier League Winner Odds: Who is the favourite to win the WPL 2026?