Published on: Jan 20, 2026 7:00 pm IST | Updated on: Jan 21, 2026 1:18 pm IST
New Zealand has been India’s biggest nemesis at home in recent times. After blanking them 0-3 in the Test series in 2024, the Blackcaps have inflicted yet another pain on the Indians at home by winning their first-ever ODI series 1-2. It’s now for the shortest format of the game to take over with a 5-match T20I series slated to commence on January 21. The first of the five matches will be played in Nagpur, and both teams will be eyeing a winning start. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st T20I Match, IND vs NZ at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
The Indian side in T20Is is yet to lose a series under coach Gautam Gambhir (quite a rarity, especially when we look at what the team has done in the other two formats under the head coach). With this being the final T20I preparations ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, both teams will give their best and try all their possible combinations ahead of the mega event. Team India should start as the favorite, at least in the first game of the series. Expect the win probability meter to favor the host. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st T20I Match, IND vs NZ at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
IND: 61% win chance NZ: 39% win chance
Since his T20I debut, Abhishek has scored the most runs for Team India in this format. After a quiet series against SA, expect Abhishek to fire in this series.
The right-hand batter has scored 156 runs in his last 10 T20I knocks. The numbers may not be the greatest, but Robinson does pack a punch for the Blackcaps.
The stylish left-hand batter doesn't carry the reputation of being the most dominant T20I batter. However, in this lineup, Ravindra is one of the key batters.
The Indian wicket-keeper batter is expected to return to his favorite batting position, i.e., the opening slot, where he has scored three centuries. Expect Sanju to fire in this game.
Check out our prediction for the IND vs NZ 1st T20I match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
Bygones are bygones, and Team India must overcome the disappointment of the ODI series sooner rather than later. The Kiwis won the ODI series 2-1, but T20Is are a different ball game altogether, especially with Team India in red-hot form in the shortest format of the game.
Ever since the 2024 T20 World Cup, Team India hasn’t lost a bilateral T20I series, both home and away. Suyakumar Yadav has led the side with precision; however, his personal form has been a concern for sure. Ahead of the World Cup, Team India will be looking to tighten their screws and try to make a blueprint of players who are assured to feature more in the mega event.
Surya’s form with the bat will also be a talking point, as the Indian captain needs to perform and return to form ahead of the marquee event. Additionally, with New Zealand performing exceptionally well even with their second-string side in the ODIs, the Indians can’t take them lightly at all, especially with the Blackcaps returning with their full-strength squad.
New Zealand have etched their name in history books after succeeding in their last two tours of India. They first won the Test series 3-0 in 2024 and followed it up with a 2-1 ODI series victory. Both these series wins were New Zealand’s first-ever on Indian soil. With two formats done, it’s now time for the Blackcaps to reign supreme in the shortest format of the game as well, and what better occasion to do it right ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026?
New Zealand will be back with their full-strength squad for this series. Skipper Mitchell Santner will return along with the likes of Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, and Ish Sodhi. The team will be on the money to inflict yet another pain on the Indian team with momentum by their side after an emphatic win in the ODIs. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 25 NZ won: 10 IND won: 14 No Result: 0 Tied: 1 RECENT form INDIA: W L W A W RECENT form NEW ZEALAND: L W W NR W
In 25 meetings between these two sides, the Indian team leads the race with 14 wins to their name, whilst New Zealand has won 10. One match between the two ended as a tie.
How will the two teams, i.e., India and New Zealand, fare in the first T20I? Let’s take a look.
Devon Conway (WK), Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (C), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st T20I between India and New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur:
With the pitch favoring batters early and spinners later, the team winning the toss is likely to bat first, aiming for 170+ and then defending with spin. Expect captains to prioritize scoreboard pressure under clear evening conditions. However, the trend nowadays in T20Is is all about chasing. Therefore, if the toss-winning skipper chooses to bowl first, it shouldn’t be a surprise.
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.
India hold the edge at Nagpur with home advantage, Kohli’s form, and balanced spin options. Yet New Zealand’s fearless approach and disciplined bowling cannot be underestimated. Expect a close contest, but India’s familiarity with conditions and stronger batting depth should tilt the result in their favor this opener. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Team India, is expected to win the IND vs NZ 1st T20I match.
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