Fans will be treated to exciting action as New Zealand takes on India in the first T20I on January 21 at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.scheduled tribe January 7:00 PM IST.
Get the best IND vs NZ Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, probable playing XI and match information for the 1st T20I. India tour of new zealand 2026 match. Expert analysis and more.
India vs New Zealand Match Preview:
The five-match T20 series between India and New Zealand will start on 21st.scheduled tribe Both teams are focusing on the shortest format from the recently concluded ODI series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur in January 2026. India will aim to make a strong start at home while New Zealand will want to challenge the hosts in the T20 opener.
India will go into the first T20 match under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and key players like Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Rinku Singh will be important with bat and ball. Meanwhile, New Zealand will compete 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 won 14 matches, New Zealand won 10 and 1 match was tied. So, India has a slight edge in the previous T20 matches, but the recent matches have been competitive.
Thus, the first T20I is expected to be an exciting one as India look to build momentum and New Zealand aim to make a strong start in this important series.
Also read: Mitchell Santner admits India are still intimidated by New Zealand despite historic Test-ODI series win
India vs New Zealand head-to-head record:
|
teams |
win the match |
|
India |
14 |
|
new zealand |
10 |
India vs New Zealand Weather and Pitch Report:
|
temperature |
14°C |
|
weather forecast |
clear sky |
|
pitch behavior |
balanced |
|
Best suited for |
motion |
|
Average score of first innings |
151 |
Records of chasing teams:
India vs New Zealand Playing 11 (Expected):
India’s playing 11:
1) Sanju Samson (Wicketkeeper)
2) Abhishek Sharma
3) Ishan Kishan
4) Suryakumar Yadav ©
5) Akshar Patel
6) Hardik Pandya
7) Rinku Singh
8) Shivam Dubey
9)Jasprit Bumrah
10) Arshdeep Singh
11) Varun Chakraborty
new zealand playing 11: :
1) Finn Allen
2) Devon Conway (Wicketkeeper)
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 Choice:
|
Abhishek Sharma – A left-handed batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler from India, he is recognized as a dynamic top-order batsman with the ability to contribute with fast pace and controlled spin. In 33 T20Is, he scored 1,115 runs and took 6 wickets, highlighting his versatility in the shortest format. |
|
Hardik Pandya – A right-handed batsman and right-arm medium pacer from India, he is considered one of the premier all-rounders in T20I cricket, known for his finishing ability and impressive death over bowling. In 124 matches, he has scored 2,002 runs and taken 101 wickets, which shows his significant contributions with both bat and ball. |
Raises up:
|
Daryl Mitchell – New Zealand right-handed batsman and right-arm medium bowler, he has developed into a versatile middle-order powerhouse with the added ability to contribute with the ball. In 90 T20Is, he has scored 1,674 runs and taken 9 wickets, underscoring his dependable all-round effectiveness in the format. |
|
Mitchell Santner – New Zealand left-handed batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, he has established himself as a strategic leader and elite spin specialist. In 122 T20Is, he has scored 848 runs and taken 130 wickets, underscoring his all-round excellence in this format. |
Budget Selection:
|
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 – New Zealand left-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox spinner, he brings valuable all-round depth through dynamic stroke play and disciplined spin. |
IND vs NZ New Zealand India Tour 2026 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:
|
captain |
Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya |
|
vice captain |
Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner |
India vs New Zealand Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Keepers – Sanju Samson, Devon Conway
- Batsmen – Daryl Mitchell (Vice Captain), Abhishek Sharma (Captain)
- All-rounders – Axar Patel, Mitchell Santner, Hardik Pandya, Glenn Phillips
- Bowlers-Jasprit Bumrah, Kyle Jamieson, Varun Chakraborty
India vs New Zealand Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Keepers – Devon Conway
- Batsmen- Suryakumar Yadav, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Abhishek Sharma
- All-rounders – Mitchell Santner (Vice Captain), Hardik Pandya (Captain), Glenn Phillips
- Bowlers-Jasprit Bumrah, Kyle Jamieson, Varun Chakraborty
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st T20I New Zealand Tour of India 2026 Players to Avoid:
|
player |
dream11 credit |
Dream11 Points (Last Match) |
|
Ravi Bishnoi |
7.5 credits |
No |
|
bevan jacobs |
7.0 credit |
No |
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st T20I India Tour of New Zealand 2026 Expert Advice:
|
sl captaincy option |
Abhishek Sharma |
|
gl captaincy option |
hardik pandya |
|
choice of punt |
Suryakumar Yadav and Rachin Ravindra |
|
dream11 combination |
2-2-4-3 |
India vs New Zealand Match Winner Prediction:
Given the superior team resources, India is expected to be the most likely team to win this match.
