IND vs NZ Playing 11 Today, Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather: India tour of New Zealand 1st T20I, 2026

India faces New Zealand in the first match of a five-game T20I series on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The contest marks the beginning of India's multi-format tour of New Zealand, which also features five ODIs and two Test matches. The teams previously met in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final in March, where India secured victory by 96 runs.

New Zealand will be without all-rounder Rachin Ravindra, who is sidelined for at least six weeks after dislocating his right shoulder, while India welcomes back veteran seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and spinner Varun Chakaravarthy. The Christchurch pitch is expected to favor seam bowlers initially before easing for batting, with clear and dry weather forecast throughout the match.