Published on: Jan 10, 2026 1:30 pm IST | Updated on: Jan 9, 2026 11:54 am IST
New Zealand is all set to tour India for a 3-match ODI series followed by a 5-match T20I series. The series kicks off with the 3 ODIs, with the first game to take place in Vadodara, followed by matches in Rajkot and Indore. The two teams are gearing up for the 1st ODI on January 11, and both would be eyeing a win to get going in the series. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st ODI Match, IND vs NZ at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara.
India and New Zealand have locked horns many times in the past. In recent times, Team India has dominated the Blackcaps, and playing at home, they will start as the favorites. For New Zealand to perform well, they will have to do so out of the box with an inexperienced side. For now, the win probability meter should favor Team India, the host. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st ODI Match, IND vs NZ at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara.
IND: 62% win chance NZ: 38% win chance
The Indian legend is fresh off a fabulous series against South Africa where he scored 2 fifties and a ton in three matches. Expect him to continue his rich vein of form.
The Indian ODI vice-captain will be returning from an injury. He played two Vijay Hazare Trophy games recently and did well. Expect Iyer to have a good run in this series.
The Blackcaps all-rounder has amassed 497 runs in his last 8 ODI games. He will be a key figure in the middle order.
The New Zealand opener will be a key figure for the visitors in their inexperienced batting lineup. He will be leading the way at the top.
Check out our prediction for the IND vs NZ 1st ODI match at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara.
Team India will begin the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand as firm favorites, especially with home advantage on their side. Led by young captain Shubman Gill, India boasts a formidable lineup that blends experience with youthful energy. The batting unit looks particularly strong, with stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma expected to anchor the innings, while Shreyas Iyer adds solidity in the middle order. Their ability to dominate in familiar conditions makes India a tough side to beat.
On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav’s guile and variations will be crucial in breaking partnerships, while Arshdeep Singh’s left-arm pace provides a fresh dimension with the new ball. Together, they form a balanced attack capable of troubling New Zealand’s batting lineup.
The series begins in Vadodara on January 11, followed by matches in Rajkot and Indore, venues where India traditionally performs well. While New Zealand are known for their fighting spirit, India’s depth and adaptability across formats give them the upper hand. A strong start in the first ODI would set the tone for the rest of the tour, and the hosts will be keen to assert their dominance early.
New Zealand will face a stern challenge as they embark on their limited-overs tour of India, beginning with the three-match ODI series. Led by Michael Bracewell, the visitors arrive with a relatively inexperienced squad that will be tested against India’s formidable lineup in home conditions. While Devon Conway, Will Young, and Henry Nicholls provide stability in the batting order, they will need to adapt quickly to spin-friendly tracks and the relentless pressure of India’s bowlers.
On the bowling front, Kyle Jamieson’s pace and bounce will be crucial, but the likes of Zakary Foulkes and Michael Rae, still finding their feet at the international level, must rise to the occasion. India’s batting depth and familiarity with conditions make them overwhelming favorites, leaving New Zealand with little margin for error.
For the Black Caps, this series is about resilience and learning. If their batters can withstand India’s spin attack and the bowlers strike early, they may push the hosts. However, the uphill task is evident, and New Zealand will need collective brilliance to challenge India on their own turf. This tour could prove a defining test for their younger players. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 120 NZ won: 50 IND won: 62 No Result: 7 Tied: 1 RECENT form INDIA: L W W L W RECENT form SOUTH AFRICA: W W W W W
120 matches have been played between New Zealand and India in ODI cricket. Team India has dominated in this battle, winning 62 games, whereas New Zealand has 50 wins to their name. 7 matches ended without a result, whereas 1 resulted in a tie.
How will the two teams, i.e., India and South Africa, fare in the first ODI? Let’s take a look.
Devon Conway (WK), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (C), Josh Clarkson, Kyle Jamieson, Zak Foulkes, Adithya Ashok/Kristian Clarke, Michael Rae
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st ODI between India and South Africa at the BCA Stadium, Kotambi, Vadodara:
At the BCA Stadium in Vadodara, the toss will be vital. With the pitch expected to favor batting early and spinners later, the captain winning the toss is likely to choose batting first. Setting a strong total could be decisive, as chasing under lights may prove tricky.
The online live streaming of the 1st ODI match of the New Zealand tour of India will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Star Sports 1 and 3 channels.
Team India has been quite good at home in recent times in 50-over cricket. Playing against an inexperienced Blackcaps outfit, the hosts should start as the favorites. India has a better head-to-head record against this opposition and have won the last 5 matches against them. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Team India, is expected to win the IND vs NZ 1st ODI match.
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