Written by: Karthik Reddy
[read_meter]

India and New Zealand will face off in the 1st ODI of their upcoming series on 11th January 2026 at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. Fans can look forward to an exciting contest as both teams aim to start the year on a strong note.

Both sides have announced well-balanced squads, featuring star players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma for India, and Michael Bracewell leading New Zealand. The match promises thrilling contests between top batters and bowlers in the ODI format.

This article provides a detailed Dream11 prediction, match details, head-to-head records, and highlights key players for the opening ODI.

IND vs NZ 1st ODI – Match Preview

The BCA Stadium in Vadodara will host the first match of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand. It is scheduled to start at 1:30 PM IST. 

IND vs NZ 1st ODI
Source: IPL.com
MatchIndia vs New Zealand, 1st ODI
Date11 January 2026
Time01:30 PM IST
VenueBCA Stadium, Vadodara
SeriesNew Zealand Tour of India 2026

The venue is expected to welcome a large crowd of cricket fans eager to see high-quality white-ball action.

Pitch Report

AspectDetails
Pitch TypeBatting‑friendly surface with true bounce and stroke play. 
Average ScoreAverage score – 278
FavoursAdvantage to batting teams once settled. 
SurfaceFlat track early , becomes slower for spin.
Weather ImpactSunny and dry conditions expected.
Toss FactorTeams winning toss will prefer to bat first.

Weather Report

ConditionDetails
TemperatureAround 28–29°C.
HumidityModerate humidity of 35-45% during match hours.
Wind SpeedLight to mild winds around 7–14 km/h typical. 
Rain Chance0% rain expected, dry conditions likely.
OverallClear, sunny and dry weather ideal for a cricket match.

Toss Prediction

Winning the toss could be a key factor in this opening ODI at Vadodara. The pitch and conditions are expected to favor the team that bats first. The surface has provided an edge to teams that set a target early. 

Historically, this ground benefits batters at the start but tends to slow down later in the innings. Therefore, captains might prefer to bat first after winning the toss and aim to set a large total to defend.

Injury Updates

India: Shreyas Iyer has been declared match fit and will join the squad for the ODI series after recovering from a spleen injury. Hardik Pandya is rested to manage workload ahead of bigger tournaments.

New Zealand: No major injuries reported in the NZ ODI squad, but they’ve made selections indicating a refreshed lineup, suggesting some senior players might be rotated or rested for this series.

Dream11 Team For IND vs NZ

Dream 11 Team For IND vs NZ

IND vs NZ Head to Head Records

India and New Zealand have faced each other in 120 matches in One Day Internationals. 

Matches120
India win62
New Zealand win50
No result/Tied8

After winning 62 matches, India clearly dominate the ODI head-to-head against the Kiwis, with eight matches ending without a result.

Last Five Matches

  • India won by 4 wickets – 09 March 2025
  • India won by 44 runs – 02 March 2025
  • India won by 70 runs – 15 November 2025
  • India won by 4 wickets – 22 October 2023
  • India won by 90 runs – 24 January 2023

Suggested Reads:

Top Picks For The Match

PlayerReason
Virat Kohli (Captain)Experienced batter with excellent ability to anchor innings.
Rohit Sharma (Vice Captain)Explosive opener, can change the game quickly.
Glenn PhillipsPowerful middle-order batter and handy with his off spin.
Kuldeep YadavKey spinner who can control middle overs and take crucial wickets.
About the Author

As the editor of TheCricketPanda, Karthik Reddy combines his extensive knowledge of fantasy cricket with a deep passion for the sport to deliver precise predictions and strategic advice. With over 4 years of experience in analyzing IPL and international cricket matches, he has become a trusted name among fantasy sports enthusiasts. Karthik’s keen eye for detail, backed by data-driven insights and a thorough understanding of player performance and match dynamics, has helped fans make informed decisions in their fantasy leagues.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Stay updated about the offers and latest news

Email
The form has been submitted successfully!
The form has been submitted successfully!
Scroll to Top