What to watch
Our reading of the numbers · not betting adviceNew Zealand: mixed form. 2 wins from their last 5 matches and 9 from their last 20.
India: in form. 4 wins from their last 5 matches and 12 from their last 20.
New Zealand have been away for months. No T20 international since 2 May 2026. India come in with recent matches behind them.
India have had the upper hand. They won 4 of the last 5 meetings. All time it is IND 19 – 11 NZ.
India finish stronger. Over their last 20 matches, India score about 14 more runs than New Zealand in the last 10 overs.
India start faster. They average 65 in the powerplay against 57 for New Zealand (last 20 matches).
India's death bowling has leaked runs. 47 conceded in overs 17–20 over the last 5 matches, against 40 over the last 20.
Big totals at Hagley Oval lately. First innings have averaged 192 in the last 12 months, from 3 T20 internationals (England v New Zealand ×2, South Africa v New Zealand). The long-run average since 2019 is 161.
Batting first has paid off here. Batting first won 3 of the last 5 internationals, yet 80% of toss winners chose to bowl.
Watch the new ball. The powerplay average here is 43, well below what both teams usually score in the first six overs.
New ground for India. India have never played a T20 international at Hagley Oval.
What the domestic game says. In the Super Smash (New Zealand's own T20 league, like the IPL or Big Bash) first innings here averaged 173 over 6 matches in the last 12 months.
New Zealand missing 3 players. Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman and Zak Foulkes are all out of the series.
Fitness doubt for India. Arshdeep Singh is nursing an injury.
Tale of the tape
Last 20 T20 internationals eachAverage runs per innings. The stronger figure in each row is in bold.
Team news
Playing XIs are named at the toss, 30 minutes before the startNew Zealand
Captain: Mitchell SantnerSources: Khel Now 23 Sep · Outlook India 9 Oct
India
Captain: Shreyas Iyer (verify)Sources: Esquire India 7 Oct · India Cricket Schedule 7 Oct · Outlook India 17 Oct
Form
Men's T20 internationals · data to 14 Oct 2026New Zealand
Mixed formNo T20 international since 2 May 2026.
Can include players who are not in this squad.
India
In formNot yet in Cricsheet: 4th T20I v West Indies (lost, series 2–2 per news) and the rain-hit decider on 17 Oct (result pending).
Can include players who are not in this squad.
Last 5 matches
How each side has scored recentlyAverage runs per innings. The stronger figure in each row is in bold.
Last 20 matches
The longer viewAverage runs per innings. The stronger figure in each row is in bold.
Last 5 meetings
All time: IND 19 – 11 NZ · 31 played, super-over wins countedHagley Oval
Christchurch · men's matches onlyPitch report
Due at the tossThe official pitch report comes with the broadcast at the toss. It will appear here with its source and time.
T20 internationals
Like for like with this match. Last 12 months: England v New Zealand ×2, South Africa v New Zealand.| Avg 1st inns | Bat 1st–chase wins | Chose to bowl | Avg powerplay | Highest | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 12 months · 3 matches | 192 | 2–0 | 100% | 52 | 236 |
| Last 5 · 5 matches | 160 | 3–1 | 80% | 44 | 236 |
| Since 2019 · 15 matches | 161 | 6–8 | 73% | 43 | 236 |
Super Smash
New Zealand's own T20 league (like the IPL or Big Bash). Shown separately, never mixed with the internationals.| Avg 1st inns | Bat 1st–chase wins | Chose to bowl | Avg powerplay | Highest | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Last 12 months · 6 matches | 173 | 3–2 | 50% | 54 | 216 |
| Last 5 · 5 matches | 168 | 2–2 | 40% | 55 | 216 |
| Since 2017 · 44 matches | 165 | 21–18 | 52% | 47 | 222 |
Team & match news
Only stories about the two teams or this match, summarised in our own words.
Fan mood
Coming soonWhat fans on X are saying: mood per team, the big talking points and a few posts worth reading.
Clearly labelled as opinion. It never feeds our numbers.
Live analysis
When play starts this tab follows the match ball by ball. It compares our fair price with the bookmakers' odds and gives a clear signal, with the reasons behind it. During this series it runs in recording mode only.