India and New Zealand begin another high-profile chapter in their white-ball rivalry as they meet in the opening match of the New Zealand tour of India 2026 at Guwahati. With both teams testing combinations ahead of major tournaments, this contest offers a strong balance of experimentation and competitiveness.
Match Details
Match: India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I
Series: New Zealand tour of India, 2026
Date: Sunday, 25 January 2026
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Start Time: 7:00 pm IST, 6:30 pm PST, 1:30 pm GMT
Match Overview
India enter the series as favorites on home conditions, while New Zealand look to challenge them with a well-rounded squad built around all-round depth and disciplined bowling. Guwahati has emerged as a reliable T20 venue in recent years, often producing high-scoring encounters, especially under lights when dew becomes a factor.
India Team Preview
India are expected to field an aggressive batting lineup led by Suryakumar Yadav, who captains the side for this series. The Indian setup focuses on power through the middle overs and flexibility in the top order. Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma are likely to open, offering attacking intent from the first over. Abhishek’s recent form adds confidence to India’s powerplay plans.
Ishan Kishan provides stability at number three and will also handle wicketkeeping duties. The middle order looks strong with Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, and Rinku Singh, a combination that blends power hitting with finishing ability. India’s bowling attack balances pace and spin, with Arshdeep Singh expected to lead the pace unit alongside Harshit Rana, while Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy handle spin responsibilities.
New Zealand Team Preview
New Zealand arrive with a settled core and Mitchell Santner leading the side. Their top order features Devon Conway and Tim Seifert, both capable of adapting to Indian conditions. Rachin Ravindra plays a key role at number three, offering composure with the bat and spin options if required.
The middle order carries significant firepower through Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell, while Mark Chapman adds depth. Santner’s all-round role becomes vital on slower surfaces, especially in controlling the middle overs. New Zealand’s bowling attack includes Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy with the new ball, supported by Ish Sodhi’s leg spin, which could be effective against India’s right-hand heavy lineup.
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
The Barsapara Cricket Stadium pitch in Guwahati traditionally favors batters, with true bounce and value for shots. Fast bowlers may find some movement early, but conditions generally ease as the match progresses. Dew often plays a major role in the second innings, making chasing slightly easier. The average first-innings score stands around 161, with totals above 180 considered competitive.
Weather conditions look ideal for cricket, with clear skies expected. The temperature should hover around 23°C, humidity around 35%, and no rain interruptions forecast, ensuring a full contest.
Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have faced each other 27 times in T20 internationals. India hold the edge with 16 wins, while New Zealand have won 10 matches. One match ended without a result. On Indian soil, India have historically dominated, using spin effectively in the middle overs.
Probable Playing XIs
India: Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (captain), Matt Henry, Zak Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
Broadcast and Live Streaming Information
The India vs New Zealand T20I will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India. Live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers in Pakistan can follow the match through official regional sports broadcasters and digital platforms carrying the international feed. In the United Kingdom, the match will be available on licensed cricket broadcasters and streaming services. Australian and global viewers can access the game through official international cricket broadcasters and approved digital apps.
Match Prediction
India start the match with a clear advantage due to home conditions, stronger spin resources, and deeper batting options suited to high-scoring venues. New Zealand’s chances depend on early breakthroughs and disciplined bowling during the powerplay. If dew becomes significant, the toss could influence strategy, but over the full contest, India appear better placed to control key phases and secure a win.
