Fans will witness exciting action as New Zealand will oppose India in the first T20I match at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur on 21st January at 7:00 PM IST.
Get the best IND vs NZ Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI, and match insights for the 1st T20I match of the New Zealand Tour of India 2026. Expert analysis and more.
IND vs NZ Match Preview:
India and New Zealand will begin their five-match T20I series on 21st January 2026 at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur as both teams shift focus from the recently concluded ODI series to the shortest format. India will aim for a strong start at home while New Zealand will look to challenge the hosts early in the T20s.
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India will head into the first T20I under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, and key players such as Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, and Rinku Singh will be crucial with bat and ball. Meanwhile, New Zealand will counter with Mitchell Santner as captain, and players like Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, and Lockie Ferguson will look to make an impact for the visitors.
Historically, India and New Zealand have faced each other in 25 T20 Internationals, where India have won 14 matches, New Zealand have won 10, and 1 match was tied. Therefore, India hold a slight edge in past T20 meetings, but recent contests have been competitive.
Thus, a thrilling first T20I is expected as India seek to build momentum and New Zealand aim to start strongly in this important series.
Also Read: Mitchell Santner admits India still terrify New Zealand despite historic Test-ODI series wins
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Record:
|
Teams |
Matches Won |
|
India |
14 |
|
New Zealand |
10 |
IND vs NZ Weather & Pitch Report:
|
Temperature |
14°C |
|
Weather Forecast |
Clear Sky |
|
Pitch Behaviour |
Balanced |
|
Best Suited To |
Pace |
|
Average 1st innings score |
151 |
Record of chasing teams:
IND vs NZ Playing 11s (Predicted):
India Playing 11:
1) Sanju Samson (wk)
2) Abhishek Sharma
3) Ishan Kishan
4) Suryakumar Yadav ©
5) Axar Patel
6) Hardik Pandya
7) Rinku Singh
8) Shivam Dube
9) Jasprit Bumrah
10) Arshdeep Singh
11) Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand Playing 11:
1) Finn Allen
2) Devon Conway (wk)
3) Glenn Phillips
4) Daryl Mitchell
5) Mark Chapman
6) Mitchell Santner ©
7) Rachin Ravindra
8) James Neesham
9) Lockie Ferguson
10) Matt Henry
11) Ish Sodhi
Hot Picks for IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction and Fantasy Cricket Tips:
Captaincy Picks:
|
Abhishek Sharma – A left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler from India, he is recognized as a dynamic top-order aggressor with the ability to accelerate quickly and contribute with controlled spin. Across 33 T20Is, he has compiled 1,115 runs and collected 6 wickets, highlighting his versatility in the shortest format. |
|
Hardik Pandya – A right-handed batter and right-arm medium-fast bowler from India, he is regarded as one of the premier all-rounders in T20I cricket, known for his finishing prowess and impactful death-over bowling. Across 124 matches, he has amassed 2,002 runs and taken 101 wickets, reflecting his significant contributions with both bat and ball. |
Top Picks:
|
Daryl Mitchell – A right-handed batter and right-arm medium bowler from New Zealand, he has developed into a versatile middle-order powerhouse with the added ability to contribute with the ball. Across 90 T20Is, he has scored 1,674 runs and taken 9 wickets, underscoring his dependable all-round effectiveness in the format. |
|
Mitchell Santner – A left-handed batter and slow left-arm orthodox bowler from New Zealand, he has established himself as a strategic leader and elite spin specialist. Over 122 T20Is, he has scored 848 runs and taken 130 wickets, underscoring his all-round excellence in the format. |
Budget Picks:
|
Suryakumar Yadav – Captaining India with confidence, he is tasked with controlling the middle order and driving the innings through his inventive stroke play and tactical awareness. |
|
Rachin Ravindra – A left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox spinner from New Zealand, he brings valuable all-round depth through dynamic stroke play and disciplined spin. |
IND vs NZ New Zealand Tour of India 2026 Captain and Vice-captain Choices:
|
Captain |
Abhishek Sharma & Hardik Pandya |
|
Vice-Captain |
Daryl Mitchell & Mitchell Santner |
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Sanju Samson, Devon Conway
- Batters – Daryl Mitchell (vc), Abhishek Sharma (c)
- All-rounders – Axar Patel, Mitchell Santner, Hardik Pandya, Glenn Phillips
- Bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Kyle Jamieson, Varun Chakaravarthy
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keepers – Devon Conway
- Batters – Suryakumar Yadav, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Abhishek Sharma
- All-rounders – Mitchell Santner (vc), Hardik Pandya (c), Glenn Phillips
- Bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Kyle Jamieson, Varun Chakaravarthy
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st T20I New Zealand Tour of India 2026 Players to Avoid:
|
Players |
Dream11 Credits |
Dream11 Points (Last match) |
|
Ravi Bishnoi |
7.5 credits |
NA |
|
Bevan Jacobs |
7.0 credits |
NA |
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st T20I New Zealand Tour of India 2026 Expert Advice:
|
SL Captaincy Choice |
Abhishek Sharma |
|
GL Captaincy Choice |
Hardik Pandya |
|
Punt Picks |
Suryakumar Yadav and Rachin Ravindra |
|
Dream11 Combination |
2-2-4-3 |
IND vs NZ Match Winner Prediction:
Given the superior squad resources, India is anticipated to be the team most likely to win this match.
