Get the best IND vs NZ Dream11 prediction, fantasy cricket tips, likely playing XI and match insights for the 1st T20I New Zealand Tour of India 2026 race. Expert analysis and more.
IND vs NZ match preview:
India and New Zealand begin their five-match T20I series on 21st January 2026 at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur as both teams shift focus from the recently concluded ODI series to the shortest format. India will be looking to get off to a strong home start while New Zealand will look to challenge the home side early in the 20s.
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India will go into the first T20I under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, and key players like Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah and Rinku Singh will be crucial with bat and ball. Meanwhile, New Zealand will counter with Mitchell Santner as captain, and the likes of Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips and Lockie Ferguson will look to impress the visitors.
Historically, India and New Zealand have faced each other in 25 T20 Internationals, with India winning 14 matches, New Zealand 10 and drawing 1 match. Therefore, India has had a slight edge in the recent T20 meetings, but the recent matches have been competitive.
So, an exciting first T20I is expected as India look to build momentum and New Zealand look to make a strong start in this important series.
Also read: Mitchell Santner admits India still scares New Zealand despite historic Test ODI series wins
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head record:
Teams | Matches won |
India | 14 |
New Zealand | 10 |
IND versus NZ Weather and location report:
Temperature | 14°C |
Weather forecast | Clear sky |
Pitch behavior | Balanced |
Best suited for | Pace |
Average score in the first innings | 151 |
Record of chasing teams:
IND vs NZ play 11s (predicted):
India plays 11:
1) Sanju Samson (week)
2) Abhishek Sharma
3) Ishan Kishan
4) Suryakumar Yadav ©
5) Axar Patel
6) Hardik Pandya
7) Rinku Singh
8) Shivam Dubey
9) Jasprit Bumrah
10) Arshdeep Singh
11) Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand Plays 11:
1) Find Allen
2) Devon Conway (week)
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
Popular picks for IND vs NZ Dream11 prediction and fantasy cricket tips:
Captaincy Choices:
Abhishek Sharma – A left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler from India. He is recognized as a dynamic aggressor of the highest order with the ability to accelerate quickly and contribute with controlled spin. Across 33 T20Is, he has amassed 1,115 runs and picked up 6 wickets, highlighting his versatility in the shortest format. |
Hardik Pandya – A right-handed batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler from India. He is regarded as one of the best all-rounders in T20I cricket, known for his finishing skills and impactful death-over bowling. In 124 matches, he has amassed 2,002 runs and taken 101 wickets, reflecting his significant contributions with both bat and ball. |
Top Picks:
Daryl Mitchell – A right-handed batsman and right-arm medium bowler from New Zealand. He has developed into a versatile mid-range powerhouse with the added ability to contribute with the ball. Across 90 T20Is, he has scored 1,674 runs and taken 9 wickets, underscoring his reliable all-round effectiveness in the format. |
Mitchell Santner – A left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler from New Zealand. He has established himself as a strategic leader and elite spin specialist. Across 122 T20Is, he has scored 848 runs and taken 130 wickets, underscoring his all-round excellence in the format. |
Budget choices:
Suryakumar Yadav – He leads India with confidence and is tasked with controlling the middle order and driving the innings thanks to his inventive strokeplay and tactical acumen. |
Rachin Ravindra – A left-handed batsman and left-arm orthodox spinner from New Zealand. He brings valuable all-round depth through dynamic stroke play and disciplined spin. |
IND vs NZ New Zealand Tour of India 2026 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:
Captain | Abhishek Sharma and Hardik Pandya |
Vice Captain | Daryl Mitchell and Mitchell Santner |
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Team 1:
- Goalkeepers – Sanju Samson, Devon Conway
- Batters – Daryl Mitchell (vc), Abhishek Sharma (c)
- All-rounders – Axar Patel, Mitchell Santner, Hardik Pandya, Glenn Phillips
- Bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Kyle Jamieson, Varun Chakaravarthy
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Team 2:
- Goalkeepers – Devon Conway
- Batters – Suryakumar Yadav, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Abhishek Sharma
- All-rounders – Mitchell Santner (vc), Hardik Pandya (c), Glenn Phillips
- Bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Kyle Jamieson, Varun Chakaravarthy
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st T20I New Zealand Tour of India 2026 Players to Avoid:
Players | Dream11 credits | Dream11 Points (Last match) |
Ravi Bishnoi | 7.5 credits | THAT |
Bevan Jacobs | 7.0 credits | THAT |
IND vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Today Match 1st T20I New Zealand Tour of India 2026 Expert Advice:
SL Captaincy Choice | Abhishek Sharma |
GL Captaincy Choice | Hardik Pandya |
Point picks | Suryakumar Yadav and Rachin Ravindra |
Dream11 Combination | 2-2-4-3 |
IND vs NZ match winner prediction:
Given the squad’s superior resources, India is expected to be the team most likely to win this match.
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