IND vs NZ Match Analysis
The opening ODI at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, sets the tone for the New Zealand tour of India. An afternoon start under clear skies adds tactical intrigue, where toss, dew, and match-ups will shape early-series momentum.
India arrive with a confident but pragmatic mindset after a commanding nine-wicket win over South Africa in Visakhapatnam. With Shubman Gill captaining a balanced squad, recent form (L W W L W) suggests controlled aggression. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s match-winning century and Virat Kohli’s series dominance underline a batting unit built to dictate tempo rather than chase it.
New Zealand, in contrast, bring ruthless efficiency and five consecutive wins. Their four-wicket victory over West Indies at Hamilton showcased composure under pressure, led by Matt Henry’s incisive spell and Kyle Jamieson’s series impact. With Daryl Mitchell anchoring the middle and a pace core capable of exploiting early movement, NZ appear tactically equipped for Indian conditions.
India vs New Zealand Match Details
Match | India vs New Zealand | 1st ODI | New Zealand tour of India 2026 |
Date | 11/01/2026 (Sunday) |
Time | BDT 2:00 PM / PKT 1:00 PM / INR 1:30 PM |
Format | ODI |
Venue | Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara |
Recent performance | India – L W W L W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara Pitch Report
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
Kotambi Stadium traditionally offers a batting-friendly surface, encouraging fluent stroke-play and competitive totals. However, the wicket tends to slow as the match progresses, bringing spinners into play through grip and variable bounce. Powerplay overs reward timing rather than brute force, while the middle overs can demand rotation. Historically, dew in the latter half often tilts advantage toward the chasing side.
Weather Report
Clear and pleasant conditions are forecast, ideal for uninterrupted cricket. Afternoon temperatures are expected between 27°C and 29°C, dropping to 13°C–15°C by evening. The cooling trend heightens the likelihood of dew, potentially reducing spin effectiveness later and favoring teams that time their chase. Captains must therefore weigh batting first against scoreboard pressure versus the tactical edge of chasing under lights.
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Records
Matches Played | 120 |
GG Won | 62 |
ADKR Won | 50 |
Tied | 1 |
No Result | 7 |
First-ever Fixture | February 14, 1981 |
Most-recent Fixture | March 9, 2025 |
India vs New Zealand Team Preview & Squads
India
Shubman Gill’s captaincy signals a forward-looking approach,calm, methodical, and anchored in modern ODI risk management. His leadership emphasizes tempo control: accelerate when match-ups present, consolidate when conditions demand. With a deep batting order and multiple bowling options, India can pivot strategies without overcommitting early.
From a batting-structure perspective, the core is both experienced and adaptable. Virat Kohli remains the reference point for stability, capable of absorbing pressure while converting starts into decisive innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal provides top-order dynamism, while the presence of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant ensures middle-order flexibility, one to manage the innings, the other to disrupt it. This blend allows India to build methodically toward 300-plus ambitions.
Bowling and all-round depth further strengthen the template. Harshit Rana is positioned as the strike option, tasked with extracting early breakthroughs and closing overs. Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar offer contrasting spin profiles for middle-overs control, while Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna provide pace through different phases. Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round value, control with the ball, assurance with the bat, cements India’s ability to adapt to pitch behavior as it evolves.
India Squads
India Squads
Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Rishabh Pant, Prasidh Krishna, KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Washington Sundar
New Zealand
Michael Bracewell’s captaincy is built on pragmatism and match-up awareness. His leadership style favors flexible roles, allowing bowlers to attack specific batters and adjusting fields aggressively when momentum swings. In Indian conditions, that tactical elasticity—rather than rigid plans, could be decisive.
Batting-wise, New Zealand lean on structure and situational clarity. Daryl Mitchell is the fulcrum, capable of anchoring or accelerating depending on match context. Devon Conway and Will Young bring composure at the top, while Glenn Phillips adds late-overs impetus. The approach is not about relentless power but about sequencing partnerships and capitalizing when bowlers miss their lengths.
The bowling unit is the defining strength. Kyle Jamieson’s bounce and movement provide early incisiveness, while Matt Henry’s ability to strike and control makes him a prime match-winner. Zak Foulkes contributes all-round balance, offering seam options and lower-order runs. With pace as the spearhead and smart rotation through the middle, New Zealand possess the tools to counter India’s batting depth, particularly if they can exploit any early assistance.
New Zealand Squads
New Zealand Squads
Michael Bracewell, Adithya Ashok, Kristian Clarke, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway, Zak Foulkes, Mitchell Hay, Kyle Jamieson, Nick Kelly, Jayden Lennox, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Michael Rae, Will Young
IND vs NZ Prediction
Event | India | New Zealand |
Toss Winner | India | – |
Player of the Match | Virat Kohli | – |
Top Run Scorer | Virat Kohli | Daryl Mitchell |
Top Wicket Taker | Harshit Rana | Matt Henry |
Most Sixes | Virat Kohli | Daryl Mitchell |
Predicted Score | 310+ | 290+ |
Win Probability | 52% | 48% |
According to cricket analysts India have a 52% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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