India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Match Prediction 2026: Odds, Preview, and Expert Analysis (January 11, Vadodara) 

India vs New Zealand Match Prediction 2026: Receiving their season-opening ODI assignments, New Zealand and India will meet in Vadodara on January 11, 2026, for their first ODI. Both teams are likely to focus on preparing their ODI-specific tactical lineups, thanks to their evenly matched compositions. India’s batting is deep, providing them an advantage, as will the skilled bowlers, including Bumrah, on India’s home soil. Kohli and Sharma are among the players expected to contribute significantly to India’s ODIs.

New Zealand’s Bracewell, Conway, and Boult are all world-class contributors in ODIs. Boult will give a pacer option that is otherwise absent, as will Bracewell and Boult, providing them some truly first-rate all-around flexibility. New Zealand will look to clinch the win, as India is not a stranger to getting tested and pushed to the limit in ODI matches.

The first ODI promises to be exciting as both teams look to gain an advantage in the early part of the series. There will be fierce competition and lots of exciting individual contests as both teams look to gain the upper hand. The match will be a great learning opportunity for both teams as they look to take on more games in the series.  

India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026: Match Overview

India will begin the One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand on January 11, 2026, at BCA Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, Gujarat. This will be the first of three ODIs, and the game will begin at 1:30 PM IST. Both teams will be looking to fine-tune their strategies for the ICC World Cup 2026 and will be critical in determining their rankings.

The outcome of the first India and New Zealand ODI of 2026 will be consequential for both teams and the World Cup. It will be crucial for both teams to put together a strong performance heading into the World Cup. New Zealand’s record has been somewhat inconsistent as of late, while India has been quite dominant. Because India is the host country for this series, they will be expecting a solid performance from their elite ball and bat handlers. Conversely, New Zealand has proven to be mentally strong and will likely put tremendous pressure on India.

Date	January 11, 2026
Time	1:30 PM IST
Venue	BCA Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara
Series Format	3 ODIs
Teams	India vs New Zealand
Broadcast	Major sports networks, streaming platforms
Match Duration	7-8 hours

The first ICC ODI for both teams is sure to be highly competitive. Historically, both teams have proven to be fiercely competitive and always manage to put on a good show for the fans. New Zealand has always been able to prove they can win even the most difficult of matches, but India has always managed to claim Jacob Javitz in Road 6 to the ICC Double Header.

It will be interesting to see which team the toss ends up favoring; it is likely to have a substantial impact on the match as always, particularly with respect to the Kotambi pitch. Although a flat pitch usually means the batsmen will be favored, the weather conditions and the dew may play in favor of the bowlers. The match should be around 7 to 8 hours long, as each team will have its turn to play 50 overs.

STREAMING SERVICES will provide the ODI, 1st LIVE streaming, i.e., India and New Zealand, on January 11, 2026.

BCA Kotambi Stadium, situated in Vadodara, will present the ODI on January 11, 2026.

The beginning of the series is about to undergo a nail-biting experience as it deals with some remarkable elements. The actions that will take place on a global scale will surely satisfy the craving of each and every cricket supporter.

India vs New Zealand Match Prediction 1st ODI 2026: Team Squads and Probable Playing XI

India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 gives us a chance to see two up-and-coming teams showcase their talent in the first of three matches in the series. Both teams have finalized their squads, and in the following, we will look at the selected squad for each team and their possible XI, taking into account their current form and injuries.

India ODI Squad (2026)

India has an exciting mix of youth and experience with their current squad. They have selected a balanced team with powerful batsmen, several all-rounders, and a strong bowling attack to take on New Zealand.

• Shubman Gill (C) – Captain, in exceptional form, and one of the young stars of India.
• Rohit Sharma – Senior opener and one of the pillars of the batting order.
• Virat Kohli – A Veteran in the middle order, and is known for his big-match temperament.
• KL Rahul (WK) – Wicketkeeper, and an excellent batsman with good versatility and middle-order consolidation.
• Shreyas Iyer (VC) – Deputy Captain, a middle-order mainstay with great poise and an excellent performance record in challenging situations.
• Washington Sundar: All-rounder, capable of performing with the bat and ball, particularly effective in spinning conditions.  
• Ravindra Jadeja: Veteran all-rounder, essential for his left-arm orthodox spin and lower-order batting.  
• Mohammad Siraj: Lead pace bowler in the Indian attack, instrumental in all three formats.  
• Harshit Rana: Emerging quick bowler, eager to establish his presence.  
• Prasidh Krishna: Medium-pace bowler, noted for his wicket-taking ability in the middle overs.  
• Kuldeep Yadav: Left-arm wrist spin bowler, adds variation to India’s bowling.  
• Rishabh Pant (WK): Explosive middle-order batter as well as wicketkeeper, expected to offer good lower-order batting.  
• Nitish Kumar Reddy: Promising young batter who is in the spotlight.  
• Arshdeep Singh: Left-arm seamer with the ability to swing the ball.  
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: Young and talented aggressive opener, an asset to his team.  

New Zealand ODI Squad (2026)

New Zealand has named a balanced squad combining youth and experience, which will present a significant challenge to India.

• Michael Bracewell (C): Captain and all-rounder, important for his batting and bowling.
• Adi Ashok: Up-and-coming all-rounder wanting to break into the international stage.
• Kristian Clarke – A likely new middle-order player.
• Josh Clarkson – New Zealand’s additional all-rounder, who adds to their depth.
• Devon Conway – New Zealand’s regular, classy left-handed opening batsman.
• Zak Foulkes – A batsman and wicketkeeper, valuable to the lineup.
• Mitch Hay – A young batsman with the potential to be aggressive.
• Kyle Jamieson – A fast bowler of excellent height who is always a danger due to his pace and bounce.
• Nick Kelly – A steady opening batsman.
• Jayden Lennox – A promising young fast bowler, a potential in the New Zealand bowling lineup.
• Daryl Mitchell – An all-rounder, key to the middle overs of the bowling with his batting and bowling.
• Henry Nicholls – A middle-order batsman who is good to have in a deep batting lineup with his ability to bat long.
• Glenn Phillips – A middle-order batsman who is good to have as his batting is explosive, and he is perfect in the field.
• Michael Rae – An all-rounder who adds to the bowling depth.
• Will Young – A consistent top-order batsman.

Probable Playing XIs

Considering the depth in both squads, we will now examine the probable playing XIs for the two sides, factoring in player form and conditions at Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara.

Position	India Probable XI	New Zealand Probable XI
Openers	Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill	Devon Conway, Finn Allen
Middle Order	Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk)	Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips
All-rounders	Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar	Michael Bracewell (c), James Neesham
Bowlers	Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd Siraj, Arshdeep Singh	Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson

Analysis of Probable Playing XIs

Openers:

India: The most experienced opening pair for India consists of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. Rohit plays a vital role in both the offensive and defensive areas, and Shubman Gill is in tremendous shape and is a strong candidate for the opening spot. 

New Zealand: Devon Conway and Finn Allen will set the attacking stage for New Zealand. Conway has a reputation for his stability, and Allen has the ability to bowl aggressively from the start, which gives him a competitive advantage in the first half. 

Middle Order:

India: The Indian middle-order trio of Kohli, Iyer, and Rahul will all be a part of the Indian cricket team. Iyer will be the middle-order punch and is a strong candidate for flexing and anchoring. Iyer is recognized for his ability to control the tempo. Partnering him with Kohli injects a healthy influence into the team. The depth in Rahul is certainly taken into consideration, and the flexibility factor is with him as well.

New Zealand: Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips are expected to provide the much-needed middle-order strength. Both have the ability to accelerate the scoring rate in the middle overs.  

All-rounders:

India: Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are vital all-rounders for India. Jadeja’s spin bowling will be crucial, while Sundar’s ability to control the middle overs will provide balance to the attack.  

New Zealand: Michael Bracewell (captain) and James Neesham are New Zealand’s all-rounders. Both can turn the game with bat and ball, providing balance to the New Zealand lineup.  

Bowlers:  

India: The pace trio of Mohammad Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav is expected to lead India’s attack. While Siraj and Arshdeep will focus on early breakthroughs, Kuldeep will be key in controlling the middle overs.  

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, and Lockie Ferguson form the core of New Zealand’s bowling. Santner’s spin and the pace of Southee and Ferguson will challenge the Indian batsmen, especially in the middle and death overs.

Bench Strength and Key Factors Along with Other Aspects:

India’s Bench Strength: India has a reliable bench with players like Harshit Rana, Prasidh Krishna, and Rishabh Pant, who can enter the playing eleven due to form or injury. This squad’s flexibility allows India to make tactical changes.

New Zealand’s Bench Strength: New Zealand has options with both batting and bowling with Kyle Jamieson and Henry Nicholls. New Zealand has players like Zak Foulkes and Josh Clarkson who can be exciting options.

New Zealand Captain Michael Bracewell and India’s Captain Shubman Gill both possess the necessary captaincy experience and will play a pivotal role for both teams.

India vs New Zealand Venue and Pitch Report: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

The Kotambi Stadium will host the much-anticipated India vs New Zealand ODI on the 11th of January, 2026. This will be India’s and New Zealand’s first ODI at Kotambi Stadium. The stadium is one of the newest to be added to the list of International Cricket venues. Kotambi has hosted several International matches and has a reputation for thrilling matches.  This ODI will be another addition to its reputation.

Stadium History

Up to this point, Kotambi Stadium has successfully organized three ODIs, and it has been operating for a short period of time in terms of international cricket. However, the international cricket stages have been fair, providing a solid foundation for batting and bowling. Generally, the Kotambi pitch supports batsmen, but it does provide initial support for fast bowlers. In the early stages of the pitch, fast bowlers will get support, and throughout the course of the game, the support will noticeably turn in favor of the spinners. 

Pitch Traits

The Kotambi Stadium pitch is highly regarded for its true bounce and batting-friendly conditions, as it enables both teams to achieve competitive totals. In the initial phases of an innings, the surface favors pace bowlers. However, as the game continues, the pitch will eventually offer spinners more support, allowing them to take control of the end of the match. 

• Batting Friendly: Batsmen appreciate the surface of the pitch as it makes shot-making easier. The early spells of fast bowling will challenge batsmen, but as the game progresses, they will be able to establish and accumulate significant runs.
• True Bounce: The ball comes onto the bat really nicely and makes it easier for batsmen to time their shots. This aids aggressive players and also players who like to take their time and build their innings. 
• Favors Pace Early/ Spin Later: Fast bowlers can take advantage of the new ball during the early stages of the game. However, as the innings continue, the surface tends to slow down, allowing for spinners to take a bigger role in the middle and later overs.

Key Stats of Kotambi Stadium (ODI)

Historical data for matches at Kotambi Stadium helps understand pitch behaviour in different 

Metric	Value
Total Matches	3
Matches Won Batting First	2
Matches Won Bowling First	1
Average 1st Innings Score	278
Average 2nd Innings Score	171
Highest Total Recorded	358/5 (50 Ovs) By INDW vs WIW
Lowest Total Recorded	103/10 (26.2 Ovs) By WIW vs INDW
Highest Score Chased	167/5 (28.2 Ovs) By INDW vs WIW
Lowest Score Defended	358/5 (50 Ovs) By INDW vs WIW

The data shows that on average, first innings scores are 278, which means the pitch and conditions are optimum for batting:

• With a 2nd innings average score of 171, that suggests that chasing might be difficult due to factors like the dew and the slowing of the pitch.
• The highest total recorded at the stadium is 358/5, achieved by the Indian women’s team versus the West Indies women, affirming that high scores are possible here.
• The West Indies women versus India recorded the lowest total of 103/10, demonstrating that conditions can be unfavorable and that batting teams might suffer a collapse if they do not adapt to the pitch.

Dew Factor

Dew will likely play a key role in the 2nd innings. In the second half of the evening, the dew will create a wet outfield, which will affect the bowlers’ grip, particularly in the death overs. This will make batting conditions easier in the 2nd innings, particularly for teams that are batting second. Once dew sets in, spinners’ control of the ball will be affected, and fast bowlers will need to alter their plans.

Boundary Dimensions

At Kotambi Stadium, the boundary dimensions are neither too large nor too small. In addition, the boundaries are not overly advantageous to either the batsmen or the bowlers. It is large enough that batsmen have to have enough power to hit the ball to the boundary, while not so large that hitting the ball over the boundary is impossible. The dimensions of the stadium mean that exciting cricket is possible, where the power hitters can hit sixes, while also requiring that batters are smart and play the ball to gaps.

Past High-Scoring Games

The Kotambi Stadium has seen many high-scoring matches, including the Women’s India match versus the West Indies Women, where the total runs scored in the match were the highest at 358 runs, and five wickets were lost, demonstrating the ability of the pitch to support batting when the conditions are optimal. Conversely, it is also the case that the pitch can be tough to battle when batting conditions are poor; the lowest total at the Kotambi Stadium is 103 runs and 10 wickets lost.  

The highest score that was successfully chased and is also the highest score that was achieved in the match is 167 runs, and five wickets were lost. This achievement was accomplished by the Women of India versus the West Indies Women. This score also indicates it is possible to chase scores successfully, but it is not always simple. The 2nd innings are difficult due to the conditions and the dew that results in the slowing of the pitch.

India vs New Zealand Weather Forecast for January 11, 2026 – Vadodara

The weather on January 11, 2026, in Vadodara should be perfect for cricket, with clear skies. The temperature will range from a high of 30°C during the day to a low of 17°C at night, which will provide a pleasant atmosphere for both players and spectators. 

• RealFeel® Temperature: 30°C
• RealFeel® Shade Temperature: 28°C
• Wind: North-East at 9 km/h
• UV Index: 5.0 (Moderate)

There is no chance of rain, meaning the weather will not be a factor in the match. This weather is great for batting as there will be nothing to hinder the game. The UV Index will be lower, meaning it won’t be too hot, and the wind from the north-east will cool the temperature. 

Impact Analysis

No Interruptions: This dry and sunny weather is great for batting, as there will be nothing weather-related to disrupt the game. The match will be devoid of rain and low cloud, which gives players loads of time to implement their game plan.

Aids Chasing: The optimal weather conditions for the team batting second could be a hallmark of the second innings. The pitch is expected to be constant and uninterrupted throughout the match, as chasing a target ought to be straightforward.

Comparison to Past Vadodara Winters

Historically, the winter months of Vadodara have produced a consistent range of temperatures, extending from a low of 15°c to a high of 28°c, coupled with the afternoon timings of winter. The fall of this winter is moderately warmer than the previous one.

India vs New Zealand Match Prediction: Head-to-Head Records and Stats (ODIs)

The One-Day Internationals rivalry between India and New Zealand has grown into a strong rivalry on a raw canvas. Below is a breakdown of statistics of the previous 120 innings in terms of runs, wickets, and averages. The key statistics have been divided in terms of wins, losses, and other performance metrics.

Overall Record:

• Matches Played: 120
• India Wins: 62
• New Zealand Wins: 50
• No Results: 7
• Tied: 1

Overall, India has 62 more wins than New Zealand and has been in the lead of this rivalry.

Venue-Specific Trends:

• Home Matches (India):

India has more success playing home games, winning 31 compared to New Zealand winning 26 games, showing home advantage at its finest, although New Zealand remains competitive in Indian conditions.  

• Away Matches (New Zealand):

When playing New Zealand, India gains more wins again. Out of 22 matches, India has 14 wins, New Zealand 8. Home team wins again, which is usually the case in an ODI series. At home, New Zealand tends to lose more to India than India to New Zealand. 

• Neutral Venues:

Games at neutral grounds show a more balanced nature of TV; India also has more wins. 16 New Zealand, 17 India, shows more of the balanced nature of the games, more than India having an advantage.

1st ODI Specifics:

The specifics of the 1st ODI of each series are usually very important and set the mood for the rest of the series. India and New Zealand have a history of wins and losses in opening matches. The matches played by both teams showcase the runs and wickets gained by the performers in the games. The performers from both teams are known to step up in these games.

Top Run-Scorers and Wicket-Takers:

• Top Run-Scorers: Players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma from India, and Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor from New Zealand have almost always managed to score the most runs in the games they played. They have also had a lot of successful head-to-head matches in these games throughout history.  
• Top Wicket-Takers: From the bowling side of the contest, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj from India have made the most headway in the contest. On the New Zealand side, Trent Boult and Tim Southee have always been a cause of concern. The top performers in these games have almost always managed to change the result ultimately.

Series Trends:

India and New Zealand have engaged in several series tussles over the years. India, however, has a strong head-to-head record in the series played at home. Rivalries in any sport evoke strong emotions, and this series is no different. 

• India’s Home Advantage: In bilateral series, India’s better record at home is not surprising. In these series, India has always looked comfortable and at home in the foreign conditions presented. 
• New Zealand’s Resilience: India has had the upper hand in these series; however, New Zealand has, more often than not, delivered strong positive performances, particularly in neutral conditions or when set to chase.

Key Takeaways:

• India leads with 62 wins in their head-to-head record, with New Zealand at 50 wins.
• India has home records in the series played at home; however, New Zealand continues to be competitive on foreign soil.
• The rivalry is very close. India has two more wins in home conditions, with a very close record in neutral venues.
• Prominent players from the participating teams have surpassed their counterparts in these series to emerge as the leading run scorers and wicket takers in this celebrated post-colonial ODI rivalry. 
• New Zealand and India, as head-to-head stats claim, have the closest relationship on any facet of competitive series. Every cricket match is played with utmost zeal and is looked forward to by fans worldwide. 

Key Players to Watch: India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Match Prediction 2026

Both teams have capable players to win the India versus New Zealand 1st ODI 2026. Players have been reviewed in detail, including their current form, fantasy cricket potential, previous record against the opponent, and former performance. 

India’s Key Players to Watch

1. Virat Kohli

• Recent ODI performance has been spectacular in the last few by scoring a few centuries, including in India’s home series. He has been scoring runs in various overseas series and closing it down at the top of the order. 
• Record versus New Zealand: Kohli has scored 1,656 runs and has a 57 average. He has been a thorn to New Zealand, having hit 100s and 50s against them in prior games.  
• Fantasy Value: He is a fantasy cricket draft must-have. He can score runs at a slow pace and then pick up the scoring. New Zealand hasn’t been able to get him out, and history has looked down on them against Kohli’s record.

2. Rohit Sharma  

• Recent Form: As of late, Rohit Sharma has had a very successful stint as India’s captain, especially in limited-overs cricket. He has shown great consistency, scoring plenty of runs in ODIs, including a match-winning hundred in India’s most recent ODI series.  
• Record vs New Zealand: Rohit has scored in excess of 1300 runs against New Zealand in ODIs, with several centuries as well. He has been a key player in most of India’s wins against New Zealand and has been a thorn in their side.  
• Fantasy Value: Rohit is one of the most valuable players when it comes to fantasy cricket due to his explosive batting, especially in the 1st 15 overs. He is considered a high-risk (high-reward) player.  

3. Shreyas Iyer  

• Recent Form: Iyer has been one of the players to perform a stabilising force in India’s middle order. He plays a big role in India’s victories, and his spin and fast bowling players are quite pivotal in India’s wins over New Zealand.  
• Record vs New Zealand: Iyer has been steady against New Zealand in the past and has several match-winning performances; his split scoring makes him a good player.
• Fantasy Value: Iyer’s ability as a middle-order batsman who can accelerate is a great fantasy asset. He possesses great strike rotation and is a tremendous finisher. These qualities make him a fantasy asset.

4. Jasprit Bumrah 

• Recent Form: Bumrah has been the go-to bowler to get the breakthrough in the middle and at the death overs in the ODI format. His pace and yorkers under pressure make him one of the ODI greats.
• Record vs New Zealand: Bumrah has been very successful against New Zealand and has taken a lot of wickets in the death overs. He is very good in pressure situations and is a great asset for the New Zealand match.
• Fantasy Value: Bumrah is one of the first players to select for fantasy cricket because of his wickets in the middle and death overs. He is economical and is a great wicket-taker. He is one of the best priorities.

5. Ravindra Jadeja

• Recent Form: Jadeja has been in excellent form. He is a match-winner with the ball, especially in the conditions where it spins. He continues to be a great asset as a middle-order batsman.
• Record vs New Zealand: Jadeja’s ability in containing New Zealand’s batting in the middle overs is well documented. He has been breaking partnerships with his economical spells that have been crucial in setting India on winning ways.
• Fantasy Value: As an all-rounder, like Jadeja, there is immense potential in the fantasy leagues, as he can contribute to his batting and bowling. He is an excellent pick because he can grab a wicket or two, and he can score some handy runs at the back end.

New Zealand’s Key Players to Watch

1. Devon Conway

• Recent Form: Conway has been an excellent batsman for New Zealand in ODI formats. He has shown a lot of positive signs and has been performing well, in opening, where he can bat with the spin and the pace, and adjust to varying conditions.
• Record vs India: Conway has many not-out match-winning performances, able to score runs through the middle in the ODI format, being a calm player for New Zealand. He has performed well at critical moments in his past efforts against India, with New Zealand and against India being able to bat under solid pressure.
• Fantasy Value: For the opening slot, Conway is a good selection in the fantasy leagues. He can score the base runs in the front, and in the end, he is capable of anchoring the innings, which is really a good selection, especially in conditions where the ball is hard and comes onto the bat well.

2. Kane Williamson

• Recent Form: Williamson is New Zealand’s captain and a top-order ODI run scorer. His ability to play long innings and New Zealand’s success continue to rely on his technique. Although he hasn’t been as dominant recently, his ability to perform in crucial moments is what makes him a threat.   
• Record vs India: Williamson is successful and has built solid partnerships in many ODIs against India. He scores well under pressure and is a top contributor in all his matches against India.   
• Fantasy Value: Williamson certainly is a fantasy pick 🙂 He’s got the batting techniques and ability to anchor the innings, and he dawdles at times, so he is a safe pick and a fantasy cricket top batting value.   

3. Trent Boult   

• Recent Form: ODI bowlers, and good swing and pace, remain a Boult. He has been in great form recently, with the new ball and at the wickets, picking up crucial death overs.   
• Record vs India: Boult has often troubled India’s top order with swing. He has a strong record against Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, and his ability is to take wickets early for New Zealand’s chances.
• Fantasy Value: With numerous early wicket-taking opportunities and middle-over breakthroughs, Boult should be a mainstay in fantasy leagues. He is a wicket-taking voracity and remains a top pick in fantasy leagues.

4. Glenn Phillips

• Recent Form: Phillips is hailed as one of the top all-rounders of New Zealand. He has been a match-winner with the bat and ball, and has an ability to score big in the middle overs with a big hitting that has been of major advantage to New Zealand.
• Record vs India: Phillips has been successful against India and has played some good middle-order runs. He is a good player of extremes and will be required to play against the spinners as well.
• Fantasy Value: Phillips is a superb all-around pick for fantasy teams with the ability to bat and bowl. His aggressive nature is an added advantage, especially in neutral venues.

5. Mitchell Santner

• Recent Form: New Zealand’s Santner is of key importance as one of the key spinners. He adds the required control during the middle overs. Santner Spin has been of great help for New Zealand in slowing down the game and breaking partnerships.
• Record vs India: Santner has been good against India as well. In the middle overs, he has been effective, picking crucial wickets for a controlled wicket.
• Fantasy Value: Santner’s middle over spin and control are one of the reasons he is valuable for fantasy picks, especially in spin-friendly conditions. His wicket-taking ability and economy rate make him quite the steal. 

Player Battles to Watch

1. Virat Kohli vs. Mitchell Santner

Kohli is in phenomenal form, and Santner’s left-arm spin will be key in the middle overs. Kohli’s ability to play spin is challenged, and Santner will try to keep him under control and capture the valuable wicket. 

2. Rohit Sharma vs. Trent Boult

This will also be a key battle with swing and Rohit’s attacking strokes. Rohit has been troubled by Boult with a new ball in the past, so to set the pace for India’s innings, Rohit will need to defend against Boult’s new ball movement. 

3. Shreyas Iyer vs. James Neesham 

Iyer against Neesham will be a valuable battle in the middle overs, with Iyer’s composure and Neesham’s all-around skills. Iyer will face pressure against Neesham with composure and will be challenged to construct the innings with a rotating strike.

These important player battles will majorly influence the match’s result and provide a great spectacle for the audience.

Betting Odds and Markets for India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026

The odds and markets for the match reveal the numerous betting opportunities for the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 as stakeholders try to evaluate the match’s prospects. Betting agencies suggest India will open as the odds-on favourites due to India’s recent form and the strength of the outfit. Being the host will also add to the advantage for India. New Zealand will be the underdog, but not by much as they have been a formidable opponent for any side around the world. As Reddy Anna book on cricket strategies highlights, understanding the nuances of team strengths and weaknesses can significantly impact betting decisions, providing a deeper insight into match outcomes.

Betting Markets Overview

Below is a list of upcoming 1st ODI odds, based on multiple top bookmakers:

Market	Selection	Odds	Bookmaker
Winner	India	1.65	Multiple
Top Batsman	Virat Kohli	+300	Multiple
Total Runs	Over 320	+125	Multiple
Player Wickets	Mohammed Siraj 2+	+200	Multiple
Top Batsman (NZ)	Kane Williamson	+350	Multiple
Top Bowler	Trent Boult	+400	Multiple
Player Runs	Shreyas Iyer 50+	+125	Multiple
Match 1st Innings 100+	Yes	+200	Multiple

Betting Insights and Top 5 Bets

• Match Winner: India

Given odds of 1.65, India is the strong match favourite. Consistent home wins, winning multiple series, and a deep player bench strengthen these odds. India’s win is the most probable option.

India winning is a safe bet, even though the odds aren’t that high. It is a low-risk investment that will almost guarantee to bring money back.

• Virat Kohli as Top Batsman (+300)

Market Explanation: A top batsman market pick is Kohli due to his magnificent ODI form and his impact ability in decisive scenarios. He has a record of above 1650 runs and an average of 57 versus New Zealand, which is highly regarded in the market, and therefore, a Kohli top batsman pick at +300 is justified. 

Betting Tip: Backing a Kohli top batsman is rewarding because of his odds. Kohli’s form and experience suggest this is a sensible pick. 

• Total Runs: Over 320 (125+)

Market Explanation: The bet at +125 for runs over 320 is justified considering there have been higher-than-average score bets at Kotambi in the past. There is evidence that India’s matches recently have had a higher score due to the presence of power hitters in the squad, like Rohit and Rahul, who would contribute to the score in Kotambi.

Betting tip: There is enough justification for this bet in an ODI. It is a high-scoring format and with more than enough power in both the batting line-ups to cause the score to tip over 320.

• Top  Wickets: Mohammed Siraj 2+ (200+)

Market Explanation: Siraj has demonstrated potential in picking up 2+ wickets, particularly breaking partnerships in crucial situations in tight games. He has particularly excelled in the death overs, and with movement in the pitch, this could play in his favour.

Betting Tip: Siraj potentially has the role to take the most wickets, and offers value in this prop bet, particularly as the main death overs bowler, assuming he bowls full overs.

• Top Batsman (New Zealand): Kane Williamson (+350)

Market Explanation: Williamson has succeeded against India in the past, as a veteran of international cricket, and with the odds at +350, with the ability to play the innings up and around, and to finish the game.

Betting Tip: He might also be a worthy bet as he can stand and withstand, and his contribution will be most ideal by coming in at the latter stages of the innings, which is a key reason to take this value bet.

Fantasy Value and Additional Insights

Fantasy cricket players can find multiple opportunities to select some of the top-performing players for the India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026.

• Virat Kohli is a good banker for the batsman slot. His form against New Zealand makes him one of the most secure choices to be a top-scorer for your fantasy team.
• Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj can be considered for the fantasy bowler slot, as they are most likely to pick wickets in the middle and death overs.
• For your fantasy side, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult can be considered for the captain and vice-captain options, given their ability to perform consistently against the big teams.

Toss Prediction and Match Strategy for India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026

Toss Prediction

From a historical perspective, the toss will have a significant impact on this particular match. Batting first, teams at Kotambi have a win rate of 67%. The pitch early on has shown to be a good batting pitch with true bounce and good pace, allowing the batting first to set good totals. As the match goes on, the pitch and batting may slow down, and the spinners will be able to have more of an impact. Because of this, a significant advantage goes to the team winning the toss to bat first.

India’s Match Strategy

Batting Deep: India’s strategy here will be to bank on building partnerships and batting deep. The first 30-40 overs of the match are crucial, and to set a good foundation here, India will use top-order players like Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, and Virat Kohli to win that first 30-40 overs. After that, the middle order will be in, so players like Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul will be expected to play more aggressively and go for big hits.

Spin Attack: The pitch should start aiding spin as the game goes on, making India’s Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja pivotal. Jadeja will be instrumental in breaking the partnerships during the middle overs, whereas Kuldeep should be able to attack and dismiss New Zealand’s middle order with his wrist spin. India’s spin bowlers will be key in controlling the middle overs to build pressure on the New Zealand batters.

New Zealand’s Match Strategy

Pace Early: New Zealand will depend on the trio of Trent Boult, Lockie Ferguson, and Tim Southee to get early breakthroughs with the new ball. With the pitch likely to aid pacers early on, they will look to exploit early movement to bring India’s top order after a few balls. 

Countering Spin: New Zealand’s game plan with spin will be vital, particularly for Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips, as they will look to take the initiative against the Indian spinners in the middle overs. Hit boundaries off the spin to manage the required run rate.

India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 Match Prediction

India wins by 60-80 runs (India 340/5, NZ 260)

India vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 is a promising contest. However, India’s home advantage, as well as India’s batting depth and seasoned spin attack, provide India with the edge in the competition. Based on the forecast, India will set the 340 runs and New Zealand will settle for a 260 run chase. India is predicted to have a significant margin over New Zealand with a 60-80 run win. 

Session Breakdown and Key Milestones

1. First Session (Powerplay 1-10 overs): India’s Top Order vs New Zealand’s Pacers

The first 10 overs will set the tone for the match. India will look to get off to a solid start with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, who are both capable of quick scoring. 

Relying on the swing and early movement, New Zealand will have Boult and Ferguson. A score of 60-70 runs in the first 10 overs will be a good start for India, with the key aim of none of the wickets falling.

1. Second Session (Powerplay 2-20 overs)

Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer will be the anchors here, and they will try to keep the runs going. Partnerships will be vital. India will want to keep wickets in the first 15 overs to launch the last five overs to score around 140 runs, losing about 2-3 wickets. 

New Zealand will need to utilize their spinners, including Mitchell Santner, in the 5-15 over range, including Santner and New Zealand’s spin. India should be looking to finish around 140 runs, losing around 2-3 wickets, which should be their aim in the 20 overs.  

3. Third Session (Middle Overs 21-40)

India will start with Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya, to accelerate in the last 10 overs. India should be looking to capitalize, especially since the pitch will tend to favor spinners and slower bowlers. 

Final 5-7 over. In the last 10 overs, the score is expected to be around 340 runs. New Zealand will need to contain India to about 320-330 to keep the run rate in the chase. 

4. New Zealand’s Chase (Innings 1-20)

Devon Conway and Finn Allen will aim to get a solid attacking start to the chase with about 60-70 runs in the first 10 overs, to score around 70.

New Zealand’s opening pair will have a significant impact on how the chase will unfold. Losing even one wicket will greatly strengthen India’s odds of winning.

5. New Zealand’s Mid Overs (21-40): Counter Spin and Consolidate

Stabilizing the chase will depend on the contributions of Kane Williamson and Glenn Phillips. 

Although they will have to contend with India’s spinners, the pressure will be on to keep the New Zealand total at 170-180 runs at the 40-over mark, with 5-6 wickets in hand.

6. Final 10 Overs (41-50): India’s Spinners and Death Bowling

The last few overs will see Bumrah and Siraj take charge, with pressure coming from Kuldeep Yadav. New Zealand will be looking to settle in a little earlier and should finish around 260 runs. As wickets fell in the last few overs, the required rate could not be reached.

Key X-Factors

India’s Spinners: India’s Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja will be instrumental in the middle overs. It would be a big plus for India if they were able to cut down the New Zealand batsmen.

New Zealand’s dangerous bowlers will be Boult and Ferguson, and India will have to counter their swing and pace to set a solid foundation.

The size of India’s total will be determined by how Kohli, Rohit, and Shreyas Iyer accelerate and build partnerships in the middle overs.

New Zealand will need Williamson and Conway to anchor the innings and withstand India’s bowling while they chase down the required total.

Win Probability

India 75% India has a home advantage, a stronger batting lineup, and breadth in their spin attack, which means they signal to win the most, especially if they compromise a total of 340.

New Zealand 25% New Zealand has the advantage of the new ball, and will have to counter spin to be in the game defensively. Williamson and Conway need to be solid to foster a proper challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions