The highly anticipated five-match T20 International series between cricketing giants India and New Zealand is all set to get underway today, Thursday, October 22, 2026. The 1st T20I will see the two formidable sides clash at the scenic Hagley Oval in Christchurch, New Zealand, commencing at 8:00 PM local time (NZDT), which translates to 12:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
India, led by captain Shreyas Iyer, arrives in New Zealand fresh off a hard-fought 2-2 T20I series draw against the West Indies at home. The Men in Blue will also be brimming with confidence, having clinched the 2026 T20 World Cup title earlier this year by defeating New Zealand in the final. On the other hand, the Blackcaps, under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, return to international T20 action after drawing their last series 1-1 against Bangladesh in April-May.
India and New Zealand Squads
India’s squad for the series sees Shreyas Iyer at the helm, with Tilak Varma named his deputy. Young talent Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, aged 15, is also part of the setup, alongside the returning veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been rested for the series.
New Zealand will miss the services of Rachin Ravindra, who is sidelined due to a dislocated shoulder. However, the team welcomes back pacer Adam Milne and spin-bowling all-rounder Michael Bracewell from injury.
Head-to-Head Record
In T20 Internationals, India holds a slight edge over New Zealand:
| Teams | Matches Played | India Won | New Zealand Won | Tied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India vs NZ | 31 | 17 | 11 | 3 |
Recent Form (T20I Series)
| Team | Last Series | Result | Next Series |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | vs West Indies (home) | 2-2 Draw | vs New Zealand (away) |
| New Zealand | vs Bangladesh (away) | 1-1 Draw | vs India (home) |
Live Streaming and Telecast Details
Fans across various regions can catch all the action live:
| Region | TV Channels | Streaming Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| India | Sony Sports Network | SonyLIV |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports 1 | N/A |
| United States | Willow TV | Sling TV |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Sport Now |
As the two nations prepare for an intense contest, both teams will be keen to start the five-match series on a winning note. The conditions at Hagley Oval are expected to favour pace, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.