the road to 2026 T20 World Cup enters its final extension as India host New Zealand in a 5-match T20I series. For the Men in Blue, this streak is more than a two-way contest; This is a chance for redemption for the Black Caps after their maiden home ODI series defeat earlier this month. As both teams converge at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur, the story is divided between tactical practice and individual phases.
All eyes are on it Suryakumar Yadavis set to claim his 100th T20I cap tomorrow. Paradoxically, the milestone comes at a time when Project Surya is under intense scrutiny. The captain’s recent form has been uncharacteristically lean with an average of just 17.26 in the last 14 overs. With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, he will be desperate to find the 360-degree rhythm that has made him the world’s highest-rated player.
New Zealand takes the tactical lead Mitchell Santnercomes in high spirits. After a historic 2-1 ODI series win, they are aiming to become the first side to win a bilateral T20I series in India – a feat that has eluded them in 11 previous attempts on Indian soil.
IND vs NZ, 1st T20I: Match details
- Date and Time: January 21 (Wednesday); 19:00 IST / 1:30 GMT
- Location: VCA Stadium, Nagpur
IND vs NZ, Head to Head Record (T20I):
Matches played: 25 | India won by: 14 | New Zealand won: 10 | No Results/Closed: 1
VCA Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur is traditionally known for being a tactical, bowler-friendly surface. Unlike typical high-scoring T20 pitches, this track is slow and low, offering significant help to spinners and those using change-of-pace. Historically, creating a stroke is difficult early on because the ball tends to catch and stay on the surface, making it difficult for hitters to find a rhythm. However, with heavy dew expected during the second innings, the ball may slide more easily into the bat later in the game. Consequently, teams that win the toss will bat first to take advantage of easier chasing conditions.
Groups
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit RanaArshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Bishnoi
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Christian Clarke (first three games), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravinson, Ishi Robhi
Also READ: IND vs NZ: New Zealand includes ‘bounce sensation’ in revamped T20I squad for India series
IND vs NZ, 1st T20I: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- India win the toss first
- New Zealand powerplay score: 45-55
- New Zealand total score: 160-170
Case 2:
- New Zealand go first in the toss
- India powerplay score: 55-65
- India total score: 200-210
Match result: India won the competition
Also READ: Rohit Sharma’s lean run has sparked controversy after the series-deciding ODI loss
