The ind vs nz 1st T20I Dream11 prediction today match on 21 jan 2026 focuses on the series opener at VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
India begin their final World Cup preparation against a confident New Zealand side that recently swept Test and ODI series on Indian soil.
This IND vs NZ 1st T20I Dream11 Prediction covers pitch conditions, team news, and top fantasy picks.
Nagpur’s spin-friendly surface and bigger boundaries will influence team selection and player performance. The match kicks off at 7:00 PM IST.
Fantasy managers should note India’s 8-series winning streak under Suryakumar Yadav and New Zealand’s struggle in bilateral T20I series on Indian soil.
Both teams enter with key injury concerns that impact Dream11 selection strategy.
IND vs NZ 1st T20I Dream11 Prediction Today Match
India vs New Zealand 1st T20I Preview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I |
| Date | 21 January 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST (Toss: 6:30 PM IST) |
| Venue | VCA Stadium, Jamtha, Nagpur |
| Series | IDFC First Bank T20I Trophy (5-match series) |
This marks the first bilateral T20I between these teams at VCA Stadium since the 2016 T20 World Cup encounter.
Pitch Report
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | Dry, grippy surface favors spinners |
| Average Score | 150-165 runs in T20Is |
| Spin Support | Second-best spin bowling average (20.82) among Indian T20I venues |
| Pace Support | Limited assistance, reverse swing possible |
| Boundary Dimensions | Square: 68-69m, Straight: 75m |
| Fantasy Impact | Prioritize spinners – economy rate of 6.7 runs/over at this venue |
Weather Report
| Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 20-22°C (evening) |
| Humidity | ~51% |
| Wind | Light breeze |
| Rain Probability | 0% – Clear sky with periodic clouds |
| Match Impact | Ideal conditions, dew minimal |
Pleasant evening conditions are expected with no weather interruptions forecasted for the IND vs NZ 1st T20I Dream11 Prediction Today Match fixture.
Toss Prediction
Teams traditionally prefer chasing at Nagpur under lights, but the spin-friendly nature changes calculations.
Batting first allows teams to set targets on a surface that grips more as the match progresses.
India’s recent preference has been to chase, while New Zealand may consider batting first to counter India’s strong spin attack under lights. The toss winner faces a tactical dilemma.
For fantasy purposes, spinners gain value regardless of the toss outcome.
Dew is not expected to be a major factor given current weather forecasts.
Team Updates & Injury Updates
India:
- Tilak Varma ruled out (surgery) – returns for last two T20Is
- Washington Sundar out (side strain) – Ravi Bishnoi replaces him
- Shreyas Iyer replaces Tilak in the middle order
- Ishan Kishan moves to the No.3 position
- Jasprit Bumrah returns fresh after rest
New Zealand:
- Michael Bracewell doubtful (calf strain)
- Adam Milne is being assessed (hamstring issue)
- Kristian Clarke added as cover
- Mitchell Santner returns as captain
- Spin-heavy XI expected
IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Records
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is | 25 |
| India Wins | 14 |
| New Zealand Wins | 10 |
| Tied | 1 |
Key Insights:
- New Zealand has never won a bilateral T20I series in India (0-2 record in series played on Indian soil)
- India won both 2017 and 2023 home series 2-1, with deciders going to the final match
Last Five T20I Meetings
- India won by 168 runs – 01 Feb 2023
- India won by 6 wickets – 29 Jan 2023
- New Zealand won by 21 runs – 27 Jan 2023
- Match tied (DLS) – 22 Nov 2022
- India won by 65 runs – 20 Nov 2022
Top Picks For The Match
| Player | Team | Role | Fantasy Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Varun Chakravarthy | India | Bowler | No.1 T20I bowler – 17 wickets in 8 matches, thrives on Nagpur pitch |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | Bowler | 9 wickets in 7 T20Is, economy 6.99, returning fresh |
| Sanju Samson | India | WK-Batter | Explosive form at top order, key with captain SKY struggling |
| Hardik Pandya | India | All-rounder | Fresh after rest, provides balance with bat and ball |
| Jacob Duffy | New Zealand | Bowler | 15 wickets in 9 T20Is, premier pace option |
Conclusion:
The ind vs nz 1st T20I Dream11 prediction today match on 21 Jan 2026 favors spin-heavy fantasy teams, given Nagpur’s pitch characteristics.
Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav are must-picks for India, while New Zealand’s spin options also gain value.
Fantasy Takeaways:
- Pick a minimum of 3-4 spinners across both teams
- Prioritize Bumrah and Duffy as pace options
- Samson and Pandya are essential for Indian batting depth
- Captain/Vice-captain: Chakravarthy, Bumrah, or Samson
Remaining Series Schedule:
- 2nd T20I: 23 January – Raipur
- 3rd T20I: 25 January – Guwahati
- 4th T20I: 28 January – Visakhapatnam
- 5th T20I: 31 January – Thiruvananthapuram
This IND vs NZ 1st T20I Dream11 Predictions guide recommends balanced teams with spin dominance for optimal fantasy points.
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