IND vs NZ Today Match Prediction 2026: Match Preview, Analysis, Playing XI & Winning Chances

India vs New Zealand 4th T20I Context

The India vs New Zealand 4th T20I comes at a fascinating stage of the series. With India already leading 3-0, the hosts have secured the series, but the contest in Visakhapatnam is far from meaningless. For India, it’s a chance to test bench strength and fine-tune combinations ahead of global tournaments. For New Zealand, it’s about pride, momentum, and avoiding a whitewash.

The ind vs nz today match prediction strongly favors India based on form, depth, and home conditions. However, T20 cricket is unpredictable, and New Zealand will be desperate to produce a fightback performance.

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Match Details: Date, Time, Venue & Live Streaming

Match	India vs New Zealand, 4th T20I
Date	January 28, 2026
Time	7:00 PM IST (Toss: 6:30 PM)
Venue	ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Live Telecast	Star Sports Network
Live Streaming	JioCinema, Disney+ Hotstar

The coastal venue of Visakhapatnam often brings dew into play, which becomes a key factor in the ind vs nz 4th t20i prediction.

Series Overview: How India Sealed the Series

India’s dominance in this T20I series has been comprehensive:

• Explosive top-order batting
• Consistent middle-order finishing
• Disciplined bowling across all phases

New Zealand, on the other hand, has struggled with early collapses and inconsistent bowling at the death.

Series Scoreline –

• India: 3 wins
• New Zealand: 0 wins

This context heavily influences the ind vs nz today match prediction, as India enters with confidence and momentum.

Team Form Guide: India vs New Zealand

India – Current Form Snapshot

Aspect	Performance
Batting Strike Rate	11.2 RPO
Bowling Economy	8.4
Fielding	Exceptional
Home Record (Last 10 T20Is)	9 Wins

India’s depth allows rotation without weakening the squad—an important element in the ind vs nz 4th t20i prediction.

New Zealand – Current Form Snapshot

Aspect	Performance
Batting Avg	24.3
Powerplay Wickets Lost	High
Bowling Economy	11.4
Dependence	Glenn Phillips

New Zealand’s form suggests they need a near-perfect game to challenge India.

Head-to-Head Comparison in T20Is:

Category	India	New Zealand
Matches Played	28	28
Wins	17	11
Win %	60.7%	39.3%
Matches in India	8 Wins	3 Wins

Recent Encounters (Last 5 T20Is):

1. 3rd T20I 2026: India won by 8 wickets
2. 2nd T20I 2026: India won by 34 runs
3. 1st T20I 2026: India won by 5 wickets
4. T20 World Cup 2021: India won by 8 wickets
5. T20I 2020: New Zealand won by 4 wickets

Performance Trends Analysis:

India scores at 11.2 RPO vs New Zealand’s 8.9 RPO in current series

India has won last 4 consecutive T20Is against New Zealand

Average margin of victory in current series: 7 wickets/47 runs

Pitch Report & Weather Forecast – Visakhapatnam

Pitch Analysis:
The ACA-VDCA Stadium typically offers a balanced surface with something for both batters and bowlers. Historically:

• Early assistance for pace bowlers with new ball
• Becomes better for batting as innings progresses
• Slower bowlers effective in middle overs due to holding surface
• Dew factor significant in second innings (affects 70% of night games)

Weather Forecast for January 28, 2026:

• Temperature: 22°C to 26°C
• Humidity: 65% to 80%
• Dew: Expected after 8:30 PM
• Rain Probability: Less than 10%
• Wind: 8-12 km/h from Northeast

Impact on Match Conditions:

1. Dew Factor: May influence toss decision – teams prefer chasing
2. Humidity: Could assist swing bowling initially
3. Temperature: Pleasant for players and spectators

Innings	Average Score
1st Innings	127
2nd Innings	117

The conditions favor chasing, influencing the ind vs nz 4th t20i prediction.

Probable Playing XI & Team News

Probable India XI –

1. Abhishek Sharma
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal / Sanju Samson
3. Ishan Kishan (WK)
4. Suryakumar Yadav (C)
5. Hardik Pandya
6. Rinku Singh
7. Shivam Dube
8. Axar Patel / Kuldeep Yadav
9. Arshdeep Singh
10. Varun Chakaravarthy
11. Harshit Rana / Jasprit Bumrah

Probable New Zealand XI –

1. Tim Seifert
2. Devon Conway
3. Rachin Ravindra
4. Glenn Phillips
5. Daryl Mitchell
6. Mark Chapman
7. Mitchell Santner (C)
8. Kyle Jamieson
9. Matt Henry
10. Ish Sodhi
11. Jacob Duffy

Team combinations will play a crucial role in the ind vs nz today match prediction.

Key Player Battles to Watch:

1. Abhishek Sharma vs New Zealand Powerplay Bowling

• Sharma’s strike rate: 271.43 in series
• New Zealand’s powerplay economy: 9.8
• Advantage: Heavily favors Sharma

2. Glenn Phillips vs Indian Spin Trio

• Phillips vs spin in series: 78 runs at 165 SR
• Indian spinners’ economy: 8.2
• Battle to watch: Phillips’ aggression against Chakaravarthy’s variations

3. Jasprit Bumrah vs New Zealand Middle Order

• Bumrah’s economy: 5.8 in series
• Death overs performance: 3 wickets at 6.2 economy
• Critical phase: Overs 16-20 where Bumrah dominates

4. Mitchell Santner vs Indian Left-Handers

• Santner’s strength: Economical against left-handers
• India’s lefties: Sharma, Kishan, Rinku
• Tactical duel: Santner’s bowling changes based on matchups

Tactical Comparison: India vs New Zealand

Area	India	New Zealand
Powerplay Batting	Aggressive	Cautious
Middle Overs	Dominant	Inconsistent
Death Bowling	Strong	Leaky
Bench Strength	Excellent	Limited

India clearly holds the edge tactically.

Match Scenarios & Score Predictions:

If India Bat First –

• Expected Score: 190–210

If New Zealand Bat First –

• Expected Score: 160–175

A score below 180 may not be enough against India, as per the ind vs nz today match prediction.

Player of the Match Contenders

Top Candidates:

1. Abhishek Sharma: Explosive opening potential
2. Suryakumar Yadav: Consistent match-winner
3. Glenn Phillips: New Zealand’s best batter
4. Jasprit Bumrah: Can dismantle any batting order
5. Mitchell Santner: All-round contribution possible

Ind vs NZ Today Match Prediction – Who Has the Edge?

Win Probability Analysis –

Result	Probability
India Win	77%
New Zealand Win	20%
No Result	3%

India’s form, depth, and home advantage clearly dominate the ind vs nz today match prediction.

Ind vs NZ 4th T20I Prediction – Final Verdict

Final Prediction:
👉 India to win by 5–7 wickets or 25–35 runs

Why India Are Favorites

• Explosive batting lineup
• Better bowling variety
• Strong chasing record
• Psychological advantage

New Zealand’s only chance lies in early wickets and a 180+ total, as per the ind vs nz 4th t20i prediction.

Fantasy Cricket Tips & Captain Picks:

Best Captain Choices –

• Suryakumar Yadav
• Abhishek Sharma

Differential Picks –

• Glenn Phillips
• Hardik Pandya

Fantasy strategies should align closely with the ind vs nz today match prediction.

FAQs About the Match:

Q1: What time does the India vs New Zealand 4th T20I start?
A: The match begins at 7:00 PM IST on January 28, 2026, with toss at 6:30 PM IST.

Q2: Where can I watch the match live?
A: The match will be telecast on Star Sports Network and streamed on JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.

Q3: What is the head-to-head record between India and New Zealand in T20Is?
A: India leads 17-11 in 28 completed T20Is, with a 60.7% win rate.

Q4: Who are the key players to watch in this match?
A: For India: Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. For New Zealand: Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner.

Q5: What is the expected weather during the match?
A: Clear skies with temperatures between 22-26°C, humidity around 70%, and significant dew expected in second innings.

Q6: Will India make changes to their winning combination?
A: Likely yes, with potential rotation to test bench strength as series is already won.

Q7: What is a competitive total at Visakhapatnam’s ACA-VDCA Stadium?
A: Historically 160+ is competitive, but current form suggests 180+ may be needed.

Q8: Who is likely to win according to statistical models?
A: Statistical models give India a 77.5% chance of victory based on current form and conditions.

Q9: How important is the toss at this venue?
A: Quite important due to dew factor – chasing team has won 60% of night games here.

Q10: What impact does the series situation have on this match?
A: India may experiment while New Zealand plays for pride, which could level the playing field slightly.

Conclusion:

The ind vs nz today match prediction overwhelmingly favors India continuing their dominant run in the series. With a 3-0 lead, the hosts have the luxury of potentially testing their bench strength while maintaining competitive intensity. The ind vs nz 4th t20i prediction must account for possible changes, but India’s depth makes them favorites regardless of personnel.

New Zealand faces a significant challenge to overcome both the conditions and the psychological barrier of three consecutive defeats. Their best chance lies in winning the toss, posting a substantial total, and applying early pressure with the new ball. However, India’s current form, especially the explosive batting of Sharma and Yadav, makes them difficult to contain.

Final Prediction: India to win by 5 wickets or 25-35 runs (depending on who bats first).

Key to India’s Victory: Continue aggressive batting approach and disciplined bowling in powerplay.

Key to New Zealand’s Upset Chance: Early wickets and 180+ total if batting first.

India vs New Zealand 4th T20I 2026: Live Updates, Pitch Report And Preview

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