The New Zealand tour of India 2026 kicks off with an opening ODI at the newly inaugurated BCA Stadium in Vadodara. This marks the first-ever men’s international match at this venue, setting a prestigious stage for two of the world’s most consistent ODI sides. India, led by Shubman Gill, enters the series with a reinforced squad featuring the return of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. New Zealand, led by Michael Bracewell, will be eager to break their recent winless streak against the Men in Blue in this format.
IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Match Details
- Date and Time: January 11 (Sunday); 1:30 pm IST / 8:00 am GMT / 9:00 pm NZDT
- Venue: BCA Stadium (Kotambi), Vadodara
Head-to-Head Record (ODIs):
Matches played: 120 | India won: 62 | New Zealand won: 50 | No result/Tied: 8
BCA Stadium, Vadodara Pitch Report
As this is the debut men’s international match at the BCA Stadium, the pitch remains somewhat of a mystery, though early indicators from domestic matches suggest it is a batting-friendly surface with a fast outfield. The track is expected to offer a true bounce, favoring stroke-makers like Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Historically, fresh surfaces in Gujarat have provided some initial movement for the seamers, but as the match progresses, spinners are likely to find grip. With the match being a Day/Night affair, dew is expected to be a significant factor in the second innings, making the toss crucial. The captain winning the toss will likely elect to bowl first to capitalize on easier chasing conditions under the lights.
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India vs New Zealand: Team dynamics and key players
India: The hosts boast a star-studded lineup with Shubman Gill leading the side. The return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli provides immense stability at the top, while Shreyas Iyer, returning from injury as vice-captain, adds depth to the middle order. The bowling attack is a blend of experience and youth, with Mohammed Siraj leading the pace battery in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence. The spin department looks formidable with Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja, both of whom are expected to thrive on the Vadodara surface.
New Zealand: The BlackCaps arrive with a balanced squad known for their tactical discipline. Captain Michael Bracewell and Devon Conway will anchor the batting, while the explosive Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips provide the finishing fire. Their pace attack, featuring the Kyle Jamieson and the express pace of Zak Foulkes, will look to exploit any early moisture. New Zealand’s success will hinge on how well their spinners, particularly Adithya Ashok, can contain the Indian middle order during the crucial middle-overs phase.
IND vs NZ, 1st ODI: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- India wins the toss and bowls first
- New Zealand powerplay score: 45-55 (10 overs)
- New Zealand total score: 265-280
Case 2:
- New Zealand wins the toss and bowls first
- India powerplay score: 55-65 (10 overs)
- India total score: 300-320
Match result: India to win the contest
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