The latest New Zealand vs India match scorecard comes from the first T20I of the 2026 series held in Nagpur on January 21, 2026, where India defeated New Zealand by 48 runs. India posted a massive total of 238/7 in their 20 overs, fueled by a brilliant 84 off 35 balls from Abhishek Sharma and a late cameo of 44* by Rinku Singh. In response, New Zealand was restricted to 190/7, despite a fighting 78 from Glenn Phillips and 39 from Mark Chapman.
This match follows a historic January 2026 ODI series where New Zealand achieved their first-ever ODI series win on Indian soil with a 2-1 victory. While the Blackcaps dominated the 50-over format and previously secured a 3-0 Test whitewash in late 2024, India’s T20I squad under Suryakumar Yadav has re-established dominance in the shortest format. This comprehensive guide provides the complete breakdown of scorecards, historical head-to-head records, and the tactical shifts defining this intense rivalry in 2026.
1st T20I Scorecard: Nagpur, January 21, 2026
The opening match of the 5-match T20I series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium saw India set a new benchmark for aggression. Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking innings dismantled the Kiwi pace attack, while the Indian bowlers utilized the dew factor effectively to stifle the chase.
India Innings: 238/7 (20 Overs)
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Abhishek Sharma | c Phillips b Sodhi | 84 | 35 | 5 | 8 | 240.00 |
| Sanju Samson | c Robinson b Duffy | 10 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 142.85 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | c Chapman b Jamieson | 32 | 22 | 3 | 1 | 145.45 |
| Rinku Singh | Not Out | 44 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 220.00 |
| Hardik Pandya | c Mitchell b Duffy | 23 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 287.50 |
New Zealand Bowling Highlights:
- Jacob Duffy: 4-0-27-2
- Kyle Jamieson: 4-0-42-1
- Ish Sodhi: 4-0-38-1
New Zealand Innings: 190/7 (20 Overs)
| Batsman | Dismissal | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR |
| Devon Conway | b Arshdeep | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Tim Robinson | c Samson b Pandya | 21 | 13 | 2 | 1 | 161.53 |
| Glenn Phillips | c Bishnoi b Chakravarthy | 78 | 40 | 5 | 6 | 195.00 |
| Mark Chapman | c Rinku b Chakravarthy | 39 | 24 | 3 | 2 | 162.50 |
| Daryl Mitchell | c Bishnoi b Dube | 26 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 173.33 |
India Bowling Highlights:
- Varun Chakravarthy: 4-0-37-2
- Shivam Dube: 3-0-28-2
- Arshdeep Singh: 4-0-31-1
2026 ODI Series Results: Historic Kiwi Victory
In a landmark moment for New Zealand cricket, the Blackcaps clinched their first-ever ODI series win in India in January 2026. After losing the first match in Vadodara, New Zealand rallied back with consecutive victories in Rajkot and Indore.
1st ODI: Vadodara (India won by 4 Wickets)
India successfully chased down 301 at the Kotambi Stadium. Virat Kohli’s masterful 93 and KL Rahul’s finishing touch (29*) neutralized Daryl Mitchell’s counter-attacking 84. The match was notable for being the first international at the venue and Rohit Sharma reaching 650 international sixes.
2nd ODI: Rajkot (New Zealand won by 7 Wickets)
New Zealand leveled the series with a clinical performance. Batting first, India managed 284/7, with KL Rahul scoring an unbeaten 112. However, Daryl Mitchell responded with a magnificent 131* off 117 balls to guide the visitors home with 15 balls to spare.
3rd ODI: Indore (New Zealand won by 41 Runs)
The series decider at Holkar Stadium saw New Zealand post a daunting 337/8. Daryl Mitchell continued his “purple patch” with a century (137), supported by Kris Clarke’s 3-wicket haul on debut. Despite Virat Kohli’s 124, India’s middle order collapsed for 296, handing New Zealand a historic 2-1 series win.
2024 Test Series Recap: The 3-0 Whitewash
To understand the current intensity between these teams, one must look back at the late 2024 Test series. New Zealand achieved the unthinkable by whitewashing India 3-0 on their home soil, the first time India suffered such a defeat in a three-match home series.
Match-by-Match Breakdown
- Bengaluru (1st Test): India was famously bundled out for 46 in the first innings. Despite a Sarfaraz Khan 150, New Zealand chased 107 with 8 wickets in hand.
- Pune (2nd Test): Mitchell Santner’s 13-wicket haul decimated India. New Zealand won by 113 runs, securing the series.
- Mumbai (3rd Test): Ajaz Patel’s 11-wicket haul at Wankhede led to a 25-run victory. This match was the final Test on home soil for legends Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and R. Ashwin.
Head-to-Head Records (As of Jan 2026)
The rivalry has become increasingly balanced over the last two years. While India historically leads the overall counts, New Zealand has been the dominant force in multi-format series since 2024.
| Format | Matches | India Wins | NZ Wins | Tied/Draw/NR |
| Test | 65 | 22 | 16 | 27 |
| ODI | 123 | 63 | 52 | 8 |
| T20I | 25 | 13 | 10 | 2 |
India’s Edge: Dominance in T20Is and historically high win percentage in ODIs.- NZ’s Edge: Success in ICC tournaments and recent dominance in the Test format.
Key Performers to Watch in 2026
Abhishek Sharma (India)
The young opener has revolutionized India’s T20 approach. In 2025, he averaged 43 with a strike rate of 193.47. His 84 in Nagpur confirmed his status as India’s premier T20 weapon ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Daryl Mitchell (New Zealand)
Mitchell has become India’s primary nemesis. His back-to-back centuries in the 2026 ODI series (131* and 137) showcased an elite understanding of Indian spin-friendly conditions.
Jacob Duffy (New Zealand)
Ranked No. 3 in the ICC T20I bowling rankings as of early 2026, Duffy has filled the void left by senior pacers. His ability to swing the ball at pace has troubled India’s top order throughout the current tour.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans planning to attend the remaining T20I matches in 2026, here is the essential logistical information.
- Upcoming Venues: Raipur (Jan 23), Guwahati (Jan 25), Visakhapatnam (Jan 28), and Thiruvananthapuram (Jan 31).
- Ticket Prices: Standard gallery seats start from ₹750, with VIP hospitality ranging up to ₹15,000.
- Broadcasting: Star Sports Network (TV) and JioHotstar (Digital) in India.
- Match Timings: T20Is begin at 7:00 PM IST (Local).
- Visitor Tips: Stadiums in India enforce strict “no bags” policies. Carry only essentials and your digital/physical ticket. Arrive 2 hours early to avoid gate congestion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the most recent India vs New Zealand match?
India won the most recent match, the 1st T20I in Nagpur on January 21, 2026, by 48 runs.
Did Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli play the 2026 T20Is?
No, both legends have transitioned away from the T20I format to focus on ODIs and the recently concluded 2024 Test cycle.
Which bowler has the most wickets in India vs NZ T20Is?
Ish Sodhi holds the record for New Zealand with 25 wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah leads for India with 12.
Where can I find the live scorecard for the next match?
Live scorecards are available on the official BCCI.tv website, ESPNcricinfo, and the JioHotstar app.
What is the venue for the 2nd T20I on Jan 23, 2026?
The 2nd T20I will be played at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Raipur.
Has New Zealand ever won a Test series in India?
Yes, New Zealand won their first-ever Test series in India in 2024 with a historic 3-0 sweep.
Who was the Player of the Match in the Nagpur T20I?
Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match for his 35-ball 84.
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand national cricket team vs India national cricket team match scorecard from January 21, 2026, cements India’s status as a T20 powerhouse while highlighting New Zealand’s persistent competitive edge. India’s emphatic 48-run victory in Nagpur, powered by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 84, serves as a vital psychological boost following their historic ODI series loss just days prior. For the Blackcaps, the standout performance of Glenn Phillips (78) confirms that while they may have lost the opener, their middle-order remains one of the most dangerous in world cricket heading into the 2026 T20 World Cup.
As the series shifts to Raipur, Guwahati, and beyond, the scorecard reflects a broader tactical evolution: India is successfully transitioning to a younger, high-strike-rate batting unit, while New Zealand continues to master the art of disciplined bowling and aggressive chasing in subcontinental conditions. This rivalry, once dominated by historical statistics, has now transformed into a balanced, high-stakes battle across all formats, ensuring that every upcoming fixture is a potential classic.
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