New Zealand will face India in the opening match of a five-match T20I series starting October 22, 2026. The first encounter takes place at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, where Mitchell Santner’s squad will look to make a strong start in the series.

Mitchell Santner captains a 16-member New Zealand squad featuring seven fast bowlers. The squad has undergone changes ahead of the series, with Rachin Ravindra ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Michael Bracewell returns after injury kept him out of the T20 World Cup, while Adam Milne also returns to the New Zealand cricket team.

Here is the New Zealand predicted playing XI for 1st T20I vs India:

Top Order: Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Devon Conway

Tim Seifert will keep wickets for New Zealand, bringing 2279 T20I runs to the role. Finn Allen, with 1663 T20I runs, and Devon Conway, who has accumulated 1839 T20I runs, form the opening partnership options. Both players bring experience to the top order as the team seeks early momentum against India’s bowling attack.

Middle Order: DJ Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Nathan Smith, Mitchell Santner (Ct)

Daryl Mitchell, with 1879 T20I runs, anchors the middle order with his consistent performances in the format. Glenn Phillips adds further batting depth with 2285 T20I runs to his name, making him one of the squad’s most prolific batters. Michael Bracewell, returning from injury, brings both batting experience with 434 T20I runs and bowling capability with 34 T20I wickets, offering valuable all-round options in the middle order. Mitchell Santner leads the bowling attack with 142 T20I wickets alongside 1108 T20I runs as a batter. Nathan Smith, with 2 T20I appearances, provides additional bowling options to support the established pace attack.

Lower Order/Bowlers: MJ Henry, LH Ferguson, JA Duffy

Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, and Jacob Duffy form the pace bowling core, with Henry taking 53 T20I wickets, Ferguson claiming 76 T20I wickets, and Duffy capturing 62 T20I wickets. These pacers will look to eradicate the India’s powerful batting lineup and restrict them to meagre runs.

New Zealand predicted playing XI for the 1st T20I against India:

Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith