India vs New Zealand Prediction: Who Will Win IND vs NZ 1st T20 Match on 21st January 2026?
The India vs New Zealand prediction for the opening T20I of the five-match series strongly favours the hosts, considering their outstanding recent record in the shortest format. The match will be played on Wednesday, 21st January 2026, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. India enter this contest brimming with confidence after an unbeaten Asia Cup campaign, a 2-1 series win in Australia, and a dominant 3-1 home series victory against South Africa. Such consistency has reaffirmed India’s status as one of the most formidable T20 sides in the world.
New Zealand, however, are no pushovers. Fresh from a convincing 3-1 series win over West Indies, they arrive with a balanced squad capable of challenging India, even in subcontinental conditions. Their recent success against India in the ODI format will further boost belief. That said, adapting quickly to Indian pitches, crowd pressure, and India’s varied bowling attack will be critical in shaping this India vs New Zealand prediction.
Nagpur traditionally offers a good batting surface with even bounce, but spinners often come into play as the game progresses. A total in the range of 170–180 is usually competitive here. India’s strength lies in their explosive top order and a bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by quality spin options. New Zealand’s hopes will rest heavily on experienced campaigners like Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner delivering impactful performances.
With depth in both batting and bowling, India appear better equipped to handle pressure moments. While New Zealand have the firepower to challenge, overall balance, home advantage, and recent form tilt the India vs New Zealand prediction in India’s favour for the first T20I.
- India come into the series after an unbeaten Asia Cup and strong bilateral wins
- New Zealand recently defeated West Indies 3-1 in T20Is
- Nagpur pitch favours batters early, spinners later
- India start as favourites, but New Zealand can pose a tough challenge
Match Details
| Match | IND vs NZ, 1st T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, 21 January 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur |
| Series | India vs New Zealand T20I Series 2026 |
Team Preview
India Preview
India national cricket team have been exceptional in T20 cricket over the past year. Their unbeaten Asia Cup run showcased dominance across conditions, followed by a clinical series win in Australia and a commanding performance against South Africa at home. Playing at Nagpur further enhances their advantage, as they are familiar with the conditions and crowd support.
Abhishek Sharma has emerged as a genuine powerplay weapon. His fearless approach often gives India rapid starts, forcing bowlers onto the defensive early. Partnering him is Sanju Samson, who has matured into a reliable T20 batter capable of both anchoring and accelerating.
The middle order revolves around Suryakumar Yadav, whose unorthodox stroke play can dismantle bowling attacks when in form. Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube add muscle and flexibility, while Axar Patel provides composure and finishing ability. India’s batting depth ensures they can recover even if early wickets fall.
Bowling remains India’s biggest strength. Jasprit Bumrah leads the attack with unmatched control at the death. Arshdeep Singh complements him well with swing and left-arm variation. Spin options like Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy are capable of choking runs and picking wickets in the middle overs, particularly on Nagpur’s surface. Overall, India look well-balanced and prepared.
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand national cricket team come into this series with confidence after defeating West Indies 3-1 at home. Known for their calm approach and tactical discipline, New Zealand possess a squad capable of competing strongly against India.
Devon Conway and Tim Robinson are expected to provide stability at the top. Both can adapt to conditions and ensure New Zealand do not lose early momentum. Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman add solidity through the middle overs, while Daryl Mitchell remains the backbone of the batting lineup, especially given his recent success against India.
The lower middle order, featuring James Neesham and Michael Bracewell, provides power and depth. Mitchell Santner’s leadership and all-round skills will be crucial, particularly with spin expected to play a role in Nagpur.
Bowling-wise, New Zealand rely on variety. Kyle Jamieson offers bounce and seam, while Jacob Duffy can exploit any early movement. Ish Sodhi and Santner form a potent spin combination that could trouble India’s middle order. For New Zealand to win, disciplined bowling and at least one big batting performance will be essential.
Team Squads
India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Probable Playing XI
India: 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: Devon Conway (wk), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
India vs New Zealand Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| WK | Sanju Samson |
| BAT | Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Devon Conway |
| AR | Hardik Pandya, Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell |
| BOWL | Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh |
This fantasy XI balances form, role clarity, and conditions. Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav offer explosive batting potential, while Sanju Samson adds wicket-keeping points. Hardik Pandya and Daryl Mitchell contribute across disciplines, increasing scoring avenues. Bumrah remains a must-pick for his death-over wickets, while Kuldeep and Varun can exploit Nagpur’s assistance for spin.
Captain Options: Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya
Vice-Captain Options: Jasprit Bumrah, Daryl Mitchell
Players to Avoid: Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team Today (Why)
India are the clear favourites in today’s contest due to their exceptional recent form, squad depth, and home advantage. Over the past year, India have dominated T20 cricket, going unbeaten in the Asia Cup, winning a series in Australia, and defeating South Africa convincingly at home. Their batting lineup offers both explosiveness and stability, with players capable of changing the game in a few overs. More importantly, India possess a world-class bowling attack led by Jasprit Bumrah, supported by quality spin options that suit Indian conditions perfectly.
New Zealand are a competitive side, but playing in India against a settled and confident Indian unit is always a difficult task. India’s familiarity with the pitch, crowd support, and superior bench strength give them a decisive edge. Unless New Zealand produce multiple standout individual performances, India are better placed to control key moments and secure a win.
India T20 History
| Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 263 | 181 | 73 | 8 | 1 |
India boast one of the strongest T20 records globally, with a high win percentage driven by consistent performances across conditions and depth in both batting and bowling.
New Zealand T20 History
| Matches Played | Won | Lost | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 246 | 128 | 106 | 11 | 1 |
New Zealand are a competitive T20 side known for discipline and adaptability, though their win percentage is lower compared to top-ranked teams like India.
Head-to-Head Stats (India vs New Zealand)
| Matches | India Won | New Zealand Won | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 14 | 10 | 1 |
India hold a narrow edge in T20 head-to-head encounters. While New Zealand have won several close contests, India have generally performed better, especially in home conditions.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur, is generally a good batting surface with even bounce and value for shots early in the innings. Batters who apply themselves can score freely, particularly in the powerplay. As the match progresses, spinners come into play, with the surface offering some grip and turn. Fast bowlers who use cutters and variations are effective at the death. A first-innings total in the range of 170–180 is considered competitive, and teams must manage the middle overs carefully to avoid losing momentum.
Weather Report
Clear skies are expected in Nagpur with pleasant evening temperatures. There is no forecast of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play throughout the match.
Broadcast Details
The India vs New Zealand 1st T20I will be streamed live on FanCode, providing digital coverage with live scores, commentary, and highlights.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first, considering dew in evening games and the advantage of chasing under lights at Nagpur.
Probable Batsman & Bowler
For India, Abhishek Sharma is the most probable top scorer due to his aggressive approach in the powerplay, which can quickly put the opposition under pressure. Suryakumar Yadav remains another key batter, capable of dominating spin and accelerating in the middle overs.
For New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell is the most reliable batting option. His ability to handle both pace and spin makes him crucial, especially in challenging conditions.
In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah is expected to be India’s leading wicket-taker, particularly in the death overs where his accuracy and variations are unmatched. For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner is likely to be the most effective bowler, using his control and experience to restrict runs and pick up key wickets in the middle overs.
Match Prediction
Considering current form, squad balance, and home advantage, India enter this match as favourites. New Zealand have the quality to challenge, but India’s superior bowling attack and deeper batting lineup give them the edge. Final Prediction: India are expected to win the 1st T20 match.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – IND vs NZ 1st T20
When is the India vs New Zealand 1st T20 match?
The match will be played on Wednesday, 21st January 2026.
Where is the match being held?
The match will take place at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.
Who is favourite to win today’s match?
India are favourites due to better form and home conditions.
What is a good score at Nagpur in T20s?
A total of around 170–180 is considered competitive.
Which players are key for India?
Abhishek Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Suryakumar Yadav are key players.
Which players are key for New Zealand?
Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, and Devon Conway are crucial.
Does the toss matter in this match?
Yes, chasing can be slightly easier due to dew in evening matches.
Who has the better head-to-head record in T20s?
India lead the head-to-head record against New Zealand in T20Is.
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