NZ vs IND: Top 3 batters to watch out for in 1st T20I

India and New Zealand are set to open their five-match T20I series on October 22, 2026, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The full tour also includes five ODIs and two Test matches.

India arrive having drawn their previous T20I series 2-2 against the West Indies at home. In T20I head-to-head meetings, New Zealand lead 17-11 across 31 fixtures, with 3 no-results, making this series a significant opportunity for Shreyas Iyer’s side to shift the balance.

1. Abhishek Sharma

Abhishek Sharma is expected to open the batting in the first T20I at Hagley Oval. Over his last nine T20Is, he has accumulated 321 runs at an average of 35.66 and a strike rate of 219.86, placing him among the most aggressive openers in the format at present.

His ability to attack from the first ball can put New Zealand’s new-ball bowlers under immediate pressure during the powerplay. Handling the swing and extra bounce that New Zealand pitches typically offer will be a key test for him in Christchurch. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is expected to remain on the bench, meaning Sharma retains his place at the top of the order for the series opener.