India vs New Zealand (1st T20I) – Match Preview, Playing XI, and Key Battles

January 17, 2026

The India vs New Zealand 1st T20I on January 21, 2026, at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur sparks excitement among fans and bettors alike. This clash kicks off a five-match series, drawing searches for India vs New Zealand live score and match prediction. Bettors eye it for live cricket betting opportunities on platforms like cricket betting apps.

Match Overview

India hosts New Zealand in the series opener on Wednesday, January 21 at 7:00 PM IST. The VCA Stadium in Nagpur sets the stage for high-scoring T20 action. Recent ODI series between them adds context, with India showing strong home form.

Fans search for India vs New Zealand today match updates as teams prepare post-ODIs. Bettors watch for toss updates, as dew could favor chasing. This match tests India’s depth ahead of global T20 events.

Why bettors focus here: Home advantage and player form make markets like top batter volatile in online cricket betting sites.

Head-to-Head Record

India and New Zealand have played 25 T20Is, with India winning 12 and New Zealand 10, plus 3 no-results. India’s highest score is 234, New Zealand’s 219.

Stat	India	New Zealand
Matches	25	25
Wins	12	10
No Results	3	3
Highest Score	234	219
Lowest Score	67	61

Recent clashes show tight contests, like India’s 168-run win in 2023. Kiwis upset with a 21-run victory in Ranchi that year. Check India vs New Zealand head to head record for betting edges on trends.

In Nagpur, New Zealand won by 47 runs in 2016, a key stat for pitch bets.

Match Prediction

India holds the edge on home soil, predicting a 6-wicket win if batting second. Pitch offers good bounce early, spinners grip later, with dew aiding chases.

Nagpur’s surface favors batsmen first up, but totals around 170-180 win often. India vs New Zealand pitch report highlights chasing success. New Zealand’s pace could trouble, but India’s spin depth counters.

Story time: In a past Nagpur T20, spinners turned the game mid-innings, much like expected here. India vs New Zealand win prediction leans hosts at 60% odds.

Betting Tips & Odds

Focus on match-winner: India favorites at 1.50-1.60 on cricket betting exchange. Top batter markets suit Suryakumar or Williamson.

Safe bet: Over 160.5 runs first innings, given pitch. Risky: New Zealand top bowler at 4.00+. Odds shift fast in live cricket betting via cricket satta app.

Example: Last home T20, India chased 180 easily—back similar here on bet online cricket. Use best cricket betting app for india vs new zealand toss update and in-play markets.

Over/under runs: 340 total likely. Always bet responsibly on cricket market.

Key Players to Watch

Suryakumar Yadav (India): Explosive middle-order, recent form key for fantasy. Impacts top scorer bets.
Kane Williamson (NZ): Anchor role, steady chases affect session odds.
Jasprit Bumrah (India): Death specialist, wicket markets gold. Recent hauls boost value.
Glenn Phillips (NZ): Finisher, high strike rate swings games and player props.
Ravindra Jadeja (India): All-rounder, economy in middle overs influences over/under.

These stars drive India vs New Zealand fantasy team picks. Their moments shift live betting on cricket exchange live.

Team News & Lineups

India: Tilak Varma out injured, Shreyas Iyer in; Washington Sundar sidelined, Ravi Bishnoi replaces.

Probable India vs New Zealand playing 11:

India: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill/Sai Sudharsan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

New Zealand: Devon Conway/Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Kane Williamson (c), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Tim Seifert (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Trent Boult, Ish Sodhi.

No major NZ injuries reported. Expect India vs New Zealand probable playing 11 tweaks post-toss.