The five-match T20I series is part of India's full tour of New Zealand, which includes five ODIs and two Test matches as well. The last time these two teams met in a T20I match was in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final in March. India beat New Zealand by 98 runs in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final in March to win their second successive title.
India and New Zealand will look to test their young players and build a strong team for future tournaments in the upcoming T20I series. India have done well against New Zealand in T20Is, winning 17 of their 31 matches. Earlier in 2026, India defeated New Zealand 4-1 in a T20I series at home before beating them by 96 runs in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
On the other hand, New Zealand will depend on their experienced fast bowlers and powerful batters to challenge India. However, the hosts have suffered a massive setback as star all-rounder Rachin Ravindra dislocated his right shoulder during a promotional shoot and is expected to miss at least six weeks.
IND vs NZ Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where to Watch the 1st T20I?
Fans in India can watch the first IND vs NZ T20I match live on the Sony Sports Network. Fans who prefer to watch matches online can enjoy live streaming on the SonyLIV app and website.
Match Start Time: 12:30 PM IST / 8:00 PM Local Time
Fast bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Lockie Ferguson could get good swings, seam movement, and extra bounce with the new ball. However, once the ball gets older, batting could become easier because of the pitch's consistent bounce. Batters who manage to survive the early overs will have a good chance to score big at this venue.
Hagley Oval T20I Stats
Total Matches: 19 Won Batting First: 9 Won Bowling First: 10 Average 1st Innings Score: 159 Average 2nd Innings Score: 129 Highest Team Total: 236/4 (England vs New Zealand) Lowest Team Total: 32 (Bangladesh Women vs New Zealand Women) (Men's: 91 by New Zealand vs Pakistan) Highest Score Chased: 177/3 (Pakistan vs Bangladesh) Lowest Score Defended: 134/8 (Pakistan vs New Zealand) Best Batting in a T20I: Devon Conway – 99* off 59 balls (New Zealand vs Australia, 2021) Best Bowling in a T20I: Jacob Duffy – 4/14 (New Zealand vs Pakistan, 2025) Statistic Details Total Matches Played 31 Matches Won by India 17 Matches Won by New Zealand 11 Matches Tied / No Result 3 Last Encounter India won by 96 runs (T20 World Cup Final, March 2026) IND vs NZ Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch
The weather in Christchurch is expected to remain clear and pleasant on Thursday, October 22, when India take on New Zealand in the first T20I. The temperature could stay between 20°C and 22°C in the afternoon.
Experienced seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy have returned to the T20I setup. The Indian team management will have to decide whether to play extra spinners or include extra fast-bowling all-rounders to suit New Zealand conditions.
New Zealand
IND vs NZ Predicted Playing XI Today
India predicted playing XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Axar Patel, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy or Mayank Yadav
Sanju Samson’s explosive starts will be crucial for India, but New Zealand pacer Matt Henry could test him with his swing and seam movement. If Henry dismisses Samson early, India could struggle in the Powerplay.
Finn Allen vs Arshdeep Singh
Devon Conway will look to give New Zealand a steady start with his reliable batting technique. However, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing and accurate bowling could trouble the left-hander.
Abhishek Sharma vs Lockie Ferguson
Abhishek Sharma loves to attack from the first ball, but New Zealand could test him with Lockie Ferguson’s raw pace. The fast bowler can cross 145 km/h, and their battle could be exciting to watch.
Key Players to Watch
India: Abhishek Sharma, Arshdeep Singh, Shreyas Iyer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar New Zealand: Finn Allen, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Kyle JamiesonHence then, the article about ind vs nz playing 11 today live streaming pitch weather india tour of new zealand 1st t20i 2026 was published today ( ) and is available on cricketaddictor ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( IND vs NZ Playing 11 Today, Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather: India tour of New Zealand 1st T20I, 2026 )
Also on site :