India and New Zealand begin a five-match T20I series on Wednesday at the VCA Stadium, in what shapes up as the final rehearsal before the T20 World Cup 2026.
The series arrives at a perfect time, giving both sides a chance to test combinations, assess form and settle key roles just weeks before the tournament.
All eyes will be on India captain Suryakumar Yadav, whose leadership record has impressed despite recent questions around his batting returns. New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, also see this tour as a crucial tune-up, making the opening T20I an important marker ahead of the World Cup.
Here's TSN's predictions, lineups, betting tips, odds and live scorecard for the T20I opener.
India vs. New Zealand: Who Will Win?
India start as slight favourites at home, with stronger depth and better familiarity with conditions giving them an edge. New Zealand remain a dangerous T20 side and can push the game deep, but India’s bowling variety and explosive middle order should tilt the contest in their favour in a closely fought opener.
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 T20Is
India and New Zealand have faced each other 25 times in T20 internationals. India lead the rivalry with 14 wins, while New Zealand have won 10 matches.
- Total matches: 25
- India wins: 14
- New Zealand wins: 10
- Tied/No result: 1
India vs. New Zealand Form Guide & Predictions
India come into this clash in solid recent T20I form. They have won three of their last four completed matches, including two convincing victories over South Africa in December. The batting has looked settled, and when India have applied pressure with the ball, results have followed quickly.
New Zealand have also shown consistency in recent T20Is against West Indies. They won three of their last five matches, with two narrow victories highlighting their ability to handle close finishes. Their only concern has been occasional lapses with the ball at the death.
India – Last 5 T20Is
- India beat South Africa by 30 runs (Ahmedabad)
- India beat South Africa by 7 wickets (Dharamsala)
- South Africa beat India by 51 runs (New Chandigarh)
- India beat South Africa by 101 runs (Cuttack)
- No result vs Australia (Brisbane)
New Zealand – Last 5 T20Is
- New Zealand beat West Indies by 8 wickets (Dunedin)
- No result vs West Indies (Nelson)
- New Zealand beat West Indies by 9 runs (Nelson)
- New Zealand beat West Indies by 3 runs (Auckland)
- West Indies beat New Zealand by 7 runs (Auckland)
AllSportsPeople Prediction for IND vs. NZ 1st T20I
- If India bat first: 175 to 195
- If New Zealand bat first: 165 to 185
Expected Result: India are slightly better placed to start the T20I series with a win. Familiar conditions, stronger recent form, and greater batting depth give them the edge, though New Zealand can stay competitive if their top order clicks and their bowlers strike early in the powerplay.
India vs. New Zealand lineups: Confirmed 11 and team news
India Team News and Injury Update
India head into the first T20I against New Zealand with a few enforced changes but a largely settled core under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership. With Tilak Varma ruled out of the opening matches following abdominal surgery, Ishan Kishan is set to slot in at No. 3. Kishan’s return comes on the back of strong domestic form, while Shreyas Iyer provides cover after being added as a replacement for Tilak for the first three games.
Suryakumar continues as T20I skipper, backed by Axar Patel as vice-captain, and his tenure has delivered impressive results with India winning over 72 per cent of matches since 2024. The batting unit retains its aggressive shape with Sanju Samson expected to push for consistency at the top, supported by the likes of Rinku Singh and Abhishek Sharma.
India’s bowling remains a major strength. Jasprit Bumrah leads the attack alongside Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, and Kuldeep Yadav, offering a strong blend of pace and spin. Hardik Pandya is also available, adding balance and experience. Washington Sundar misses out through injury, with Ravi Bishnoi drafted in as cover, as India look to start the series with their strongest available XI.
India (predicted playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy
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 and Injury Update
New Zealand enter the T20I series in high spirits after securing their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil, with Mitchell Santner returning to lead the side. The Black Caps regain several key white-ball regulars, including Rachin Ravindra, Matt Henry, and Jacob Duffy, strengthening both their batting depth and bowling options for the shorter format.
There are, however, a few fitness concerns. Michael Bracewell is unlikely to feature in the early part of the series as he continues to recover from a calf strain that prevented him from bowling in the third ODI. Adam Milne also carries an injury worry, prompting New Zealand to keep fast bowler Kristian Clarke with the squad as cover for the first three T20Is following an impressive ODI debut.
Glenn Phillips is expected to return straight into the XI after missing the recent T20 series against West Indies due to a groin injury. His inclusion could see James Neesham make way, although Neesham remains in contention if New Zealand opt for extra all-round balance in the absence of Bracewell.
New Zealand (predicted playing XI): Tim Robinson, Devon Conway (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Players to Watch – India vs New Zealand 1st T20I
Varun Chakravarthy (India): India’s most effective T20I spinner and the current world No.1 bowler in the format. Chakravarthy is expected to strike at crucial moments, especially in the middle overs, and remains a key wicket-taking threat.
Hardik Pandya (India): The experienced all-rounder arrives in strong form after impressive domestic performances for Baroda and a productive T20I series against South Africa. Pandya’s power-hitting and ability to chip in with vital wickets make him a genuine match-winner.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand): Ravindra enjoys batting in Indian conditions and will be tasked with giving New Zealand quick starts at the top. His ability to score freely in the powerplay could shape the tone of the T20I series.
India vs. New Zealand odds: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, India enter the first T20I as favourites priced at 1.40 compared to New Zealand’s 2.95.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
India | 1.40 |
New Zealand | 2.95 |
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- India to win the match: Home conditions and a stronger bowling attack give India a clear edge.
- Varun Chakravarthy to be India’s top wicket-taker: His control and variations should trouble New Zealand’s middle order.
- Rachin Ravindra to score 30+ runs: Expect him to make an impact at the top against India’s pace and spin mix.
IND vs. NZ live scorecard: 1st T20I
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 T20I in India
- Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Jamtha, Nagpur
- Date & Time (IST): January 21, Wednesday, 7:00 p.m
- Live Telecast & Streaming Details: Star Sports Network / JioHotstar
RELATED LINKS:
- How to bet online on cricket in India and most trusted sites
- Where to watch India vs. New Zealand free
- Have New Zealand ever won a T20I series in India?
- All the latest cricket news