India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, will conclude their preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 with a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which is set to begin on January 21. The series opener will be played on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
The first T20I has generated strong interest, with both sides packed with quality players and known for producing close contests. India will look to use home conditions, while New Zealand aim to counter with discipline and balance.
This article will provide IND vs NZ match prediction, toss prediction, score prediction, best batter prediction, and best bowler prediction for the upcoming match.
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IND vs NZ Match Prediction: Who Will Win 1st T20I?
Match Details
Match: India vs New Zealand 1st T20I
Date: January 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association in Nagpur
Live streaming: Jio Hotstar
Live broadcast: Star Sports Network
IND vs NZ Match Prediction—Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have played 25 T20 Internationals against each other so far. The Men in Blue have won 14 matches, while New Zealand have won 10. One match ended in a tie.
India have been very strong at home, winning nine of the 12 T20Is played against New Zealand in India. This record gives India a clear advantage in home conditions.
New Zealand have performed better in their own conditions, winning five of the 10 matches played at home. The Black Caps also knocked India out of the 2021 T20 World Cup.
In the last five T20Is, India have won three matches, and New Zealand have won one. India also hold the highest team score in this rivalry, with 234/4 in 2023, where they secured victory by 168 runs.
Pitch Report & Conditions
The Nagpur pitch is expected to offer a fair contest between bat and ball. Batters should enjoy good bounce and carry early in the match, while bowlers who use variations can find success later. As the game progresses, spinners are also likely to come into play.
IND vs NZ Weather Report
Weather conditions in Nagpur look ideal for cricket. Clear skies and comfortable evening temperatures are expected, with no rain predicted. This should allow the match to be played in full without any interruptions.
IND vs NZ Match Prediction—Probable XIs
India Playing XI:
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand Playing XI:
Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Toss Impact
The toss could play an important role in the match. With dew expected later in the evening, teams may prefer to bowl first and take advantage of easier chasing conditions under lights.
Form and Fitness
New Zealand have some fitness concerns ahead of the match, with the team management closely monitoring Michael Bracewell and Adam Milne before finalising their plans.
Score Prediction
A first-innings score between 180 and 200 should be competitive at this venue. Teams will need to handle the middle overs carefully to maintain momentum and set up a strong total.
IND vs NZ: Players to Perform Prediction
India– Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
SYS – Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy
Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for India in the match?
Abhishek Sharma or Sanju Samson
Who will score the most runs for New Zealand in the match?
Devon Conway or Mark Chapman
Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for India in the match?
Varun Chakravarthy or Jasprit Bumrah
Who will pick the most wickets for New Zealand in the match?
Jacob Duffy or Mitchell Santer
Conclusion: Who will win the IND vs NZ 1st T20I?
India enter the match as favourites and are expected to have the advantage in home conditions.
