India vs New Zealand, 1st ODI

The upcoming 1st ODI between India and New Zealand at BCA Stadium, Kotambi marks the beginning of an exciting New Zealand tour of India in 2026. India, playing on familiar home turf, carry momentum from a string of strong performances in recent ODIs, showcasing depth in both batting and bowling departments. Their recent squad features a healthy mix of experience and youth, with dynamic batsmen and disciplined bowlers adapting well to subcontinental conditions. New Zealand arrives confident, having demonstrated notable resilience in overseas games, emphasizing their tactical approach and exploitation of helpful conditions. Historically, New Zealand has been competitive in India, although victories have been challenging to secure. Leading players such as their seasoned batsmen and all-rounders will be crucial in countering India's home advantage. Strategically, India might look to leverage their spin attack and power-hitting in the middle overs, while New Zealand will focus on extracting early wickets with pace and using their lower-order depth. Both sides are expected to field well and exhibit tactical acumen, indicating a closely contested match. Considering recent form, home advantage, and player availability, India holds a slight edge in this clash but New Zealand poses a significant threat with their adaptability and disciplined unit.

AI suggested match winner

India: 57%, New Zealand: 43%

If India bat first, they are likely to post a formidable total around 320-340 runs, leveraging their strong batting lineup and familiarity with subcontinental pitches. The BCA Stadium's characteristics favor batting once the initial overs settle down, allowing aggressive stroke play. Conversely, if New Zealand bat first, their total may range between 280-300 runs. Their robust top order can capitalize early, but adapting to the Indian conditions can restrict their scoring in the latter stages, particularly against quality spin bowling. The pitch's gradual slowdown may impact the chase if targets exceed 300.

The BCA Stadium, Kotambi, offers a balanced wicket that starts with some assistance for fast bowlers in the initial overs due to pitch moisture and overhead conditions. As the innings progress, the surface tends to slow down slightly, favoring spinners in the middle overs. Historically, the average first-innings score here is around 310 runs, indicating a fairly high-scoring ground. Chasing teams have a success rate of about 52%, showing that both batting first or second can be fruitful depending on conditions. Best bowler at this venue among these teams: Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi with best figures of 5/40, New Zealand's pacer Trent Boult with 4/35. Best batsman: Virat Kohli from India has scored multiple centuries here, including a best of 133*. New Zealand’s Tom Latham holds the highest score for his side at this ground with 105. Weather forecast predicts clear skies with temperature around 28°C, humidity moderate; conducive for a full 50-over contest.

Matches Played	India Wins	New Zealand Wins	Draw/No Result
45	25	18	2

Team Recent Performance

Team	Last 5 ODIs Record
India	W W L W W
New Zealand	L W W L W

Virat Kohli - Recently in excellent touch, Kohli boasts consistent run-scoring and ability to anchor innings, especially on home soil.

Shubman Gill - Emerging as a reliable opener, Gill has shown flair and resilience against quality bowling in recent series.

Ravi Bishnoi - India's premier spinner with critical breakthroughs in middle overs, effective in controlling run flow.

Tom Latham - Experienced New Zealand opener, influential for steady starts and anchoring NZ innings under pressure.

James Neesham - The all-rounder brings versatility with the bat and ball, recently contributing valuable lower-order runs and crucial wickets.

Trent Boult - Renowned for his swing bowling, especially deadly in early overs; key to New Zealand's new-ball attack.