The stage is set for an exciting T20I series opener between India and New Zealand as the two teams gear up to face off at the JSCA International Cricket Stadium on 27th Jan at 7:00 PM IST. This will be the first of a three-match series and both teams will be looking to make a strong start. So, let’s dive straight into the preview to look at all the relevant stats and fantasy picks for the upcoming match.
Team Preview
India
India’s recent victory in the ODI series will give them a psychological edge heading into this T20 series. India will be led by the dynamic H. Pandya, who has been in excellent form in recent times. He will be looking to continue his good form and lead his team to victory. The Indian team will be looking to continue their winning momentum and will be the favourites to win another series at home.
New Zealand
New Zealand will be led by Mitchell Santner, who will be looking to turn things around for his team after a 3-0 defeat in the ODI series. T20s are a different ball game and the Kiwis will be looking to make a fresh start and pull off an upset against a young Indian team.
Date & Timings
The 1st T20 match is scheduled to start on 27th January at 7:00 PM IST. The lineups of the match will be available at 6:30 PM on the MyTeam11 app.
Venue & Pitch Report
Opened in 2013, the 50,000-seater JSCA International Stadium Complex has hosted 10 international cricket matches including 3 T20Is. Kiwis have already faced India once at this venue in 2021.
JSCA Stadium is known for its conducive conditions for spin bowlers. The pitch offers ample grip and turn for spin bowlers, making it an ideal ground for them to showcase their skills. Both teams can play with 3 spinners and Indian fans might witness the pairing of ‘KulCha’ once again.
ODI Stats at JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi:
Total Matches: 3
Matches won Batting first: 1
Matches won Bowling first: 2
Average 1st innings score: 187
Average 2nd innings score: 110
Highest 1st innings score: 196/6, IND vs SL
Highest 2nd innings score: 153/6, NZ vs IND
Players To Watch Out For
S. Yadav: Yadav is considered one of the best T20 batsmen in the world and he’s been in great form recently. He even scored a century in the last T20 series against Sri Lanka. If the New Zealand team wants to win the first T20 match, they’ll need to figure out a way to get him out early.
M. Bracewell: Although Kiwis suffered a 3-0 defeat in the ODI series, Bracewell had a series to remember. The all-rounder scored 188 runs in 3 ODIs including a blistering knock of 140 in the opening match. He will be one to watch out for in the opening match.
Head-to-Head T20 Stats
| Category | India | New Zealand |
| Wins | 10 | 9 |
| Highest Totals: | 208/6, 2019 | 219/6, 2019 |
| Lowest Totals: | 79/10, 2016 | 111/10, 2021 |
Probable XI
Here are the probable XIs for the 1st T20I between India and New Zealand.
India: I. Kishan (wk), S. Gill, S. Yadav, R. Tripathi, H. Pandya (c), W. Sundar, S. Mavi, K. Yadav, Y. Chahal, A. Singh, U. Malik
New Zealand: F. Allen, D. Conway, D. Mitchell, M. Chapman, G. Phillips (wk), M. Bracewell, M. Santner (c), I. Sodhi, L. Ferguson, B. Tickner, J. Duffy
India vs New Zealand Suggested Fantasy Teams
It’s time to join in on the thrilling cricket action on MyTeam11. Create your fantasy teams for the 1st T20I between India and New Zealand and win big cash prizes. You can also take advantage of the Refer & Earn campaign on the MyTeam11 app to earn rewards such as iPhone 14, iPad and Samsung Smart Watch.
