India is set to kick off its final preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 when Suryakumar Yadav’s team faces New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, in a five-match T20 International series starting on Wednesday, January 21. This series presents the last chance for both teams to refine their strategies before the global tournament. Captain Suryakumar will be eager to regain his batting form ahead of leading the team in their World Cup title defense, which commences on February 7. From powerplays to super overs, every run, wicket, and turning point is captured in real-time. Fans can track current scores, run rates, and projected targets, along with detailed head-to-head comparisons and previous encounter highlights.

• Captain Suryakumar will be eager to regain his batting form ahead of leading the team in their World Cup title defense, which commences on February 7.
• The team is scheduled to play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will also serve as a final preparation for the T20 World Cup beginning on February 7.
• With both teams looking to fine-tune their combinations, the battle between India’s formidable batting lineup and the Black Caps’ disciplined bowling unit will be a treat for cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
• ODI action unfolds on January 11, 14 and 18, with fixtures set in Vadodara, Rajkot and Indore.
• This series presents the last chance for both teams to refine their strategies before the global tournament.

Notably, it was India’s first home ODI defeat after winning the toss since October 2022 and New Zealand’s first-ever bilateral ODI series win in India. After taking a 1-0 lead, India failed to close out the series, allowing the Kiwis to bounce back strongly and win the next two matches. To keep up to date with all the developments that can affect the outcome of a cricket match, keep in mind the latest updates. The five-match T20I series between India and New cricket schedule Zealand will get underway on January 21. Finally, West Indies finish their season in New Zealand with a three‑Test series (Dec 2–18) in Christchurch, Wellington, and Mount Maunganui, bringing a thrilling end to the year. South Africa then tour England with three ODIs (Aug 31–Sep 7) and three T20Is (Sep 10–14).

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Both teams have great history in the competition, having won two and one titles, respectively. Zimbabwe host South Africa in a two‑Test series from July 6, followed by a T20I tri‑series involving New Zealand and South Africa in Harare from July 14–26. Pakistan tour Bangladesh for a three‑T20I series starting July 20, while Australia and the West Indies simultaneously clash in a five-match T20I series from July 21–29. Later in the year, India will host the West Indies for another white-ball series, followed by a possible away ODI series against New Zealand in October-November. India’s ODI calendar for 2026 is expected to conclude with a three-match home series against Sri Lanka in December. In total, India is scheduled to play up to six bilateral ODI series in 2026, amounting to a possible 18 ODIs.

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With India hosting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will kick off on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the series gains added significance as a key build-up phase. New Zealand will aim to sharpen adaptability and combinations, while both sides field squads blending experienced campaigners with emerging talent ahead of the global tournament. The India men’s team will begin its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a packed group-stage schedule spread across multiple venues. Here is India’s complete match list, including dates, venues, group details and key fixtures, from the opening game to the knockouts.

Injuries to key players Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar have impacted India’s lineup. Consequently, Shreyas Iyer and Ravi Bishnoi have been brought back into the T20 squad after a significant absence. However, Iyer is only available for the first three matches, with Tilak still in the running and not yet ruled out for the rest of the series. After the Afghanistan series, India will tour England in July for a three-match ODI series, starting July 14 at Edgbaston. India’s three-match ODI series against New Zealand concluded on January 18 in Indore with a 41-run defeat in the decider.