The India vs New Zealand T20 series 2026 is currently underway in India and serves as a crucial build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
As the series reaches its final stage, India leads 3–1, having already secured the series with one match remaining.
Series Overview
- Series: New Zealand tour of India, 2026
- Format: 5-Match T20I Series
- Dates: January 21 – January 31, 2026
- Hosts: India
- Purpose: Preparation ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
1st T20I – Nagpur
India makes a dominant start to the series with a 48-run victory. Batting first, India posts a massive total led by Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 84. New Zealand struggles during the chase and falls well short of the target.
Result: India won by 48 runs
2nd T20I – Raipur
India continues its strong form, chasing down a challenging total with ease. Suryakumar Yadav (82)* and Ishan Kishan (76) play match-winning knocks as India seals the game comfortably.
Result: India won by 7 wickets
3rd T20I – Guwahati
India secures the series by winning the third match convincingly. The bowlers restrict New Zealand to a modest score, which the Indian batters chase without pressure, winning with plenty of overs to spare.
Result: India won by 8 wickets
4th T20I – Visakhapatnam
New Zealand stages a comeback with a commanding performance. A strong batting display followed by disciplined bowling sees India collapse during the chase. The visitors register their first win of the series.
Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs
5th T20I – Thiruvananthapuram
The final T20I is scheduled for January 31, 2026. With India already leading 3–1, both teams are expected to experiment with combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Status: Match yet to be played
Key Performers So Far
India
- Abhishek Sharma: Consistent explosive starts at the top
- Suryakumar Yadav: Anchors the middle order with confidence
- Ishan Kishan: Aggressive batting in pressure chases
New Zealand
- Tim Seifert: Standout performance in the 4th T20I
- Mitchell Santner: Key all-round contribution
The IND vs NZ T20I series 2026 highlights India’s depth and aggressive approach ahead of the World Cup, while New Zealand shows resilience despite losing the series.