New Zealand and India begin their ODI series with the opening match at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, November 4. With both sides featuring experienced international players and a strong mix of batting and bowling options, the contest offers an important early test in the five-match series.
India will be led by Shubman Gill in the opening three ODIs, while Mitchell Santner captains the New Zealand side. The home team will look to make the most of familiar conditions, particularly with its pace attack, while India will rely on their experienced batting order and varied bowling resources.
Match Details
Match Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Match | New Zealand vs India, 1st ODI |
Series | |
Date | Wednesday, November 4, 2026 |
Time | 7:30 AM IST |
Local Time | 3:00 PM NZDT |
Venue | Eden Park |
City | Auckland, New Zealand |
Format | One Day International |
Match Number | 1st ODI of 5 |
Live Streaming in India | SonyLIV |
Television in India | Sony Sports Network |
Live Streaming and Broadcasting Details
The match is expected to be available through the following broadcasters and streaming services, subject to regional rights and subscription availability.
Country / Region | Television Broadcast | Digital Streaming |
|---|---|---|
India | Sony Sports Network | |
New Zealand | Sky Sport | Sky Sport digital services |
United Kingdom | TNT Sports | Discovery+ |
Australia | Fox Sports | Kayo Sports |
United States | Willow TV | Willow digital platforms |
Pakistan | Not confirmed | Tapmad |
Other territories | Not confirmed | Not confirmed |
Broadcast arrangements can vary by territory. Viewers should check their local broadcaster's schedule for confirmation before the match.
Eden Park, Auckland – Pitch Report
Eden Park presents a distinctive challenge for both batters and bowlers. Its relatively short straight boundaries offer scoring opportunities, but the ground's dimensions require batters to adjust their shot selection and understand where the longer boundaries are located.
The surface generally provides good bounce and carry, allowing batters to play their shots once they settle. However, the new ball can offer assistance to seamers, particularly when atmospheric conditions and wind favour movement.
Batting Conditions
Batters who find their timing early can score freely, especially through the straight boundaries. The challenge is to maintain a balance between attacking and protecting wickets. Building partnerships during the middle overs will be important before accelerating towards the end of the innings.
Fast Bowling and New-Ball Movement
New Zealand's fast bowlers will look to exploit the conditions with the new ball. Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson bring different angles and lengths, while India's Mohammed Siraj and Arshdeep Singh offer pace and variation.
Early movement could make the opening overs particularly important. Bowlers who maintain disciplined lines and lengths should be able to create scoring pressure.
Spin Bowling
Although Eden Park is not traditionally known as a specialist spin-friendly venue, spinners can play an important role during the middle overs. Changes in pace, flight and trajectory will be crucial.
Kuldeep Yadav's wrist spin gives India an attacking option, while Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell provide New Zealand with control and variation.
Boundary Dimensions and Scoring Opportunities
Eden Park is known for its short straight boundaries, estimated at approximately 50–55 metres, while the square boundaries are comparatively longer. This creates opportunities for batters to target straight hits but also gives bowlers a chance to adjust their field placements and lengths.
Historical ODI Scoring Record at Eden Park
The following figures represent the historical statistical dataset available through January 2025. They should be considered separately from projected scores for this match.
Statistical Category | Batting First | Batting Second |
|---|---|---|
Average score | 246.4 | 201.7 |
Highest relevant total | 340/5 | 340 |
Highest successful chase | — | 340 |
General scoring guide | 240–280 | 220–270 |
The historical averages are calculated from 22 completed innings in the referenced dataset. The scoring ranges are estimates for this match, not historical averages or guaranteed targets.
Toss Factor
The toss could influence the match strategy, particularly if the weather offers assistance to the seamers. Captains will need to assess the surface, wind and cloud cover before deciding whether to bat or bowl first.
The historical record suggests that chasing sides have enjoyed success at Eden Park. However, the decision will ultimately depend on the conditions on match day and the nature of the pitch.
New Zealand vs India – ODI Head-to-Head
India hold the overall advantage in the ODI rivalry, although New Zealand have traditionally been competitive on home soil.
Head-to-Head Record | Statistics |
|---|---|
Total ODIs played | 123 |
India won | 63 |
New Zealand won | 52 |
Tied matches | 1 |
No results | 7 |
Recent ODI Series Result
New Zealand won the three-match ODI series in India in January 2026 by a 2–1 margin.
Match | Result |
|---|---|
1st ODI, Vadodara | India won by 4 wickets |
2nd ODI, Rajkot | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
3rd ODI, Indore | New Zealand won by 41 runs |
The series victory gives New Zealand confidence ahead of the opening match. India, meanwhile, will be keen to respond with a strong performance and begin the tour on a positive note.
Predicted Playing XI
The following combinations are predicted based on the squad information and expected team balance. These are not confirmed playing XIs. Both teams will announce their final line-ups at the toss.
New Zealand Predicted XI
No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
1 | Tim Seifert (WK) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
2 | Will Young | Top-order batter |
3 | Daryl Mitchell | Middle-order batter |
4 | Tom Latham | Wicketkeeper-batter |
5 | Glenn Phillips | Batting all-rounder |
6 | Michael Bracewell | Batting all-rounder |
7 | Mitchell Santner (C) | Spin-bowling all-rounder |
8 | Nathan Smith | Seam-bowling all-rounder |
9 | Kyle Jamieson | Fast bowler |
10 | Jacob Duffy | Fast bowler |
11 | Matt Henry | Fast bowler |
Team News: Devon Conway is unavailable for the opening ODI following a training-ground collision with Matt Henry. Tim Seifert is expected to take his place. Mark Chapman and Rachin Ravindra are also unavailable for the ODI series.
India Predicted XI
No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
1 | Rohit Sharma | Opening batter |
2 | Shubman Gill (C) | Opening batter |
3 | Top-order batter | |
4 | Shreyas Iyer | Middle-order batter |
5 | KL Rahul (WK) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
6 | Nitish Kumar Reddy | Batting all-rounder |
7 | Axar Patel | Spin-bowling all-rounder |
8 | Kuldeep Yadav | Wrist spinner |
9 | Mohammed Siraj | Fast bowler |
10 | Arshdeep Singh | Left-arm fast bowler |
11 | Auqib Nabi | Fast bowler |
Team News:Shubman Gill will captain India in the first three ODIs, with Shreyas Iyer serving as vice-captain. Auqib Nabi has been included in place of Prasidh Krishna for the opening three matches following injury concerns. India's final bowling combination will be determined at the toss.
Players to Watch
India
Rohit Sharma – Opening Batter
Rohit Sharma's experience at the top of the order makes him an important player for India. His ability to handle the new ball before taking advantage of Eden Park's shorter straight boundaries could shape the team's start.
Virat Kohli – Top-order Batter
Kohli remains a key figure in India's ODI batting line-up. His ability to build partnerships, rotate the strike and accelerate when required will be important against New Zealand's pace attack.
Shubman Gill – Captain and Opening Batter
Gill will have two responsibilities in Auckland: leading the side and providing a strong start with the bat. His timing and ability to play confidently against pace make him one of India's most important players.
Kuldeep Yadav – Wrist Spinner
Kuldeep offers India an attacking option in the middle overs. His variations and ability to challenge batters on both sides of the wicket could make him particularly influential against New Zealand's middle order.
Mohammed Siraj – Fast Bowler
Siraj's new-ball ability and consistency make him an important part of India's bowling plans. His opening spell could be crucial in containing New Zealand's top order and creating early breakthroughs.
New Zealand
Daryl Mitchell – Middle-order Batter
Mitchell's ability to handle both pace and spin makes him a major part of New Zealand's batting plans. His experience in building innings and accelerating against the older ball could prove valuable.
Will Young – Top-order Batter
Young will be expected to provide stability at the top of the order. His ability to play the new ball carefully and build a partnership with Tim Seifert will be important against India's seamers.
Glenn Phillips – Batting All-rounder
Phillips gives New Zealand an aggressive middle-order option. His power-hitting ability and confidence against spin make him a player capable of changing the momentum of an innings.
Mitchell Santner – Captain and Spin-bowling All-rounder
Santner's control with the ball will be valuable during the middle overs. His left-arm spin can restrict scoring, while his batting adds depth to New Zealand's line-up.
Matt Henry – Fast Bowler
Henry will be one of New Zealand's key bowling options with the new ball. His ability to generate movement and challenge the outside edge makes him a significant threat to India's experienced top order.
