The 2025 ODI series between India and New Zealand kicks off with a compelling clash in Vadodara. The hosts, armed with formidable batting depth and spin resources tailored for home conditions, start as favourites. However, New Zealand’s reputation as a resilient touring side, boasting a potent pace attack and experienced middle order, promises a competitive contest, especially in the first half of the game.
India vs New Zealand Win Probability
*Favorites by form and leading run-scorer advantage.
IND vs NZ Batting Tips
India vs New Zealand 1st ODI Match Details
| Match | Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka 2026, 1st ODI |
| Date | Sunday, January 11, 2026 |
| Time | 01:30 PM (LOCAL) |
| Venue | Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
IND vs NZ Match Prediction & Analysis (Who Will Win?)
The prediction leans decisively towards an Indian victory, built on three core strengths: familiar home conditions, exceptional batting depth, and superior spin options for the Vadodara pitch. While New Zealand’s pace attack can exploit the new ball and their batters are skilled against spin, sustaining pressure for the full 100 overs in India is a stern challenge. India’s array of match-winners across all phases is expected to be the defining factor, likely taking control after a competitive initial 30-35 overs.
India vs New Zealand Head to Head (ODIs)
| Total Match Played | 120 |
| IND Won | 62 |
| NZ Won | 50 |
| Draw/NR/Tie | 08 |
IND vs NZ Teams Preview (Top Players to Watch)
India
India’s squad perfectly blends youth and experience. Their primary strength lies in a stable top order (Rohit, Gill, Kohli) and world-class middle-order control, backed by multiple spin options ideal for Vadodara’s slowing pitches. The pace attack also offers proven death-bowling prowess.
IND Probable Playing XI-
Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill (C), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj.
Top Player to Watch- Shubman Gill & Harshit Rana.
New Zealand
New Zealand brings a balanced squad with strong all-round depth. Their success hinges on early wickets from their experienced new-ball bowlers and how effectively their batters, featuring a solid left-right opening combo and powerful hitters, navigate India’s spin choke in the middle overs.
NZ Probable Playing XI-
Devon Conway (WK), Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell (C), Zak Foulkes, Josh Clarkson, Jayden Lennox, Kyle Jamieson, Aditya Ashok.
Top Player to Watch- Kyle Jamieson & Zak Foulkes.
IND vs NZ Weather & Pitch Report
The Kotambi Stadium pitch in Vadodara is known for true bounce and is generally batting-friendly. Fast bowlers get early assistance, but set batters can score freely. Critically, the surface slows down as the game progresses, bringing spinners into prominence during the middle overs. A first-innings score of 290+ is considered competitive.
Clear skies are forecast with no chance of rain. Day temperatures around 30°C will drop to 17°C at night. A light north-east breeze is expected, with a dew factor likely in the second innings, which may aid the chasing team.
IND vs NZ Toss Prediction
Based on venue history and pitch behaviour, the team winning the toss is likely to bat first. The strategy would be to maximise the best batting conditions early and leverage scoreboard pressure as the pitch slows down for their spinners.
India vs New Zealand Dream11 Team
- Wicket-keeper: KL Rahul
- Batters: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell
- All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Michael Bracewell
- Bowlers: Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Kyle Jamieson
Pro Tip: For fantasy contests, platforms like Dream11 offer free team creation for users outside India. Always finalize your team after the official playing XIs are announced, typically 30 minutes before the match start, to make necessary adjustments.
Disclaimer: This match prediction is based on analysis of team strengths, pitch conditions, and historical data. It is for entertainment purposes only. We do not endorse or engage in any illegal betting activities. Users, especially from India, must comply with all local laws, including regulations under the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
