India vs New Zealand Prediction, 1st ODI – Who will win today’s match between IND vs NZ?

India vs New Zealand 2026: Excitement Builds for First ODI

The cricket world is buzzing with excitement as India (IND) and New Zealand (NZ) gear up to kick off their 2026 campaign with the first ODI of the upcoming series at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara on Sunday, January 11.

Anticipation for a Thrilling Encounter

This match marks the first time the two teams will face each other in the ODI format since the Champions Trophy 2025 final, where India emerged victorious. India had a spectacular year in one-day cricket in 2025, winning 11 out of 14 matches and securing an ICC trophy under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. However, this year, Shubman Gill is expected to take on the captaincy role and lead the team to new heights.

New Zealand, on the other hand, had an outstanding record in One-Day Internationals in 2025, winning 17 out of 20 matches. Despite their success, they were unable to defeat India in both encounters during the previous year. Led by Michael Bracewell, New Zealand will be eager to turn their fortunes around against India and start the year on a positive note.

Match Details and Pitch Report

The Baroda Cricket Association Stadium will host its first Men’s ODI on Sunday. The pitch at this newly constructed venue has proven to be favorable for the team batting first in the three Women’s ODIs played here, with two wins for the side setting the target. The wickets at this stadium are batsman-friendly, but the pitch tends to slow down in the latter part of the match, influencing the toss-winning team’s decision to set a competitive total.

Predicted Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj

New Zealand: Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell (captain), Glenn Phillips, Zak Foulkes, Kyle Jamieson, Adithya Ashok, Michael Rae, Jayden Lennox

Key Players to Watch

Probable Best Batter: Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli, India’s star batsman, is in top form and is expected to continue his run-scoring spree in the upcoming match. With 651 runs in 2025, including three centuries and four fifties, Kohli will look to dominate the New Zealand bowlers once again. The Delhi cricketer is inching closer to surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs against New Zealand and is set to enthral fans in the 1st ODI.

Probable Best Bowler: Kyle Jamieson

New Zealand’s tall pacer, Kyle Jamieson, is known for his ability to extract bounce and pace from any pitch. His knack for taking early wickets and putting pressure on the opposition batsmen could be a game-changer for New Zealand in Vadodara. Jamieson’s performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.

Match Prediction

With the pitch favoring the team batting first, the upcoming ODI between India and New Zealand promises to be a thrilling contest. Both sides will look to start the series on a winning note and set the tone for an exciting year of cricket ahead.

Excitement Surrounding the Series

The upcoming ODI series between India and New Zealand has generated significant buzz among cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between two powerhouse teams known for their competitive spirit and skill on the field. The rivalry between India and New Zealand has grown over the years, with each match adding to the intensity and drama of their encounters.

Both teams have a rich cricketing history and a strong lineup of talented players who have the ability to change the course of a match single-handedly. The series presents an opportunity for players on both sides to showcase their skills, compete at the highest level, and contribute to their team’s success.

Factors Influencing the Match

Several key factors could influence the outcome of the first ODI between India and New Zealand. The form of individual players, team strategies, and adaptability to the playing conditions will play a crucial role in determining the winner. The pressure of the series opener, the significance of setting the right momentum, and the desire to make a statement will add an extra layer of excitement to the match.

Additionally, the head-to-head record between the two teams, recent performances, and the dynamics of the players’ matchups will also shape the narrative of the game. Each player will be looking to make a mark, contribute to their team’s success, and leave a lasting impact on the series.

Expectations from Captains

As Shubman Gill takes on the captaincy role for India in the absence of Rohit Sharma, all eyes will be on his leadership style, decision-making abilities, and strategic acumen. Gill, known for his composure and batting prowess, will look to inspire his team to a winning start and set a positive tone for the series.

On the other hand, Michael Bracewell will lead New Zealand with the aim of turning the tables on India and leading his team to victory. Bracewell’s experience, tactical nous, and ability to rally his troops will be vital in guiding New Zealand to a competitive showing in the series opener.

Impact of Home Advantage

Playing at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium in Vadodara will give India a slight advantage due to the familiarity with the conditions and the support of the home crowd. The Indian team will look to leverage this advantage and use the pitch conditions to their benefit, aiming to put up a formidable performance in front of their fans.

However, New Zealand, known for their adaptability and resilience, will be unfazed by the challenge of playing away from home. The Kiwi players will be keen to showcase their skills in unfamiliar conditions and demonstrate their ability to compete against a formidable opponent like India.

Conclusion

The stage is set for an enthralling contest between India and New Zealand in the first ODI of the series. With both teams boasting a strong lineup of players, a history of intense battles, and a hunger for victory, fans can expect a fiercely competitive match filled with twists and turns. The clash between these cricketing giants promises to be a spectacle that will captivate audiences and set the tone for an exciting series ahead.