India vs New Zealand Prediction & Match Preview – 1st T20I at Nagpur

India open their T20I series against New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur as the reigning world champions in the format. Their recent record is formidable: unbeaten through the Asia Cup, followed by a 2-1 series win in Australia and a 3-1 home win over South Africa. Playing in familiar conditions adds to the challenge facing the visitors.

Abhishek Sharma is expected to set the tone in the powerplay, having regularly raced to 30 or 40 at strike rates above 200, with Sanju Samson alongside him. Suryakumar Yadav has been short of his best and will want to rediscover form before the World Cup, while Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel can add quick runs late. The bowling is led by Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, with Kuldeep Yadav, Axar and Varun Chakaravarthy offering spin variety.

New Zealand arrive after a 3-1 home win over the West Indies. Devon Conway and Tim Robinson will open, both having batted well in that series, with Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman and Daryl Mitchell in the middle and Michael Bracewell, James Neesham and Mitchell Santner providing late hitting. Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson lead the seam options, and Santner’s spin has caused Indian batters problems before. They will need to be at their best in every department.

Probable playing XI

Pitch report

Nagpur normally offers an even contest. Batters get good pace and bounce at the start and can play their shots once settled, but the surface dries and slows as the game goes on, which brings spinners and bowlers with variations into the contest. The large boundaries mean timing and placement matter as much as power.

Weather

Around 7:00 pm local time on 21 January, Nagpur should be warm and dry at about 24–26°C with clear to partly cloudy skies. Winds are likely to be light to moderate, temperatures will ease through the night and the chance of rain is minimal.

Expected scores

• 1st innings: 155–170
• 2nd innings: 150–165