India vs New Zealand 1st T20: Nagpur pitch report, key stadium stats

New Zealand and India appear to be reading the Nagpur surface very differently ahead of the first T20 International of the five-match series, with conditions at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium expected to play a decisive role.  Check India vs New Zealand 1st T20I live score, match updates and full scorecard here

 

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner suggested his side believes the pitch could favour batters, hinting at a high-scoring contest. However, with the surface having been relaid only last year, former cricketers and commentators Deep Dasgupta and Simon Doull cautioned against relying too heavily on historical data from the venue.

 

 

Relayed surface adds uncertainty

 

Nagpur is India’s most-used T20 International venue, but this match marks the first appearance of the format here since the square was relaid in 2024. Dasgupta and Doull, speaking during the pitch inspection, noted that the ground dimensions remain fairly standard — 66 metres square and 76 metres straight — but the nature of the surface introduces fresh variables.

 

According to the duo, the pitch has been left with around three to four millimetres of grass, and while the overall covering looks healthy, there are visible cracks across the surface. “It’s still a little soft underneath,” Dasgupta observed, suggesting the pitch may not play as firm or as true as typical T20 tracks.

 

Spin likely to shape the contest

 

While the outfield is quick and runs should be available, Dasgupta and Doull both felt batting would not be straightforward. The surface is expected to be medium to slow, making timing less reliable, especially in the early stages. Seamers are unlikely to extract much assistance beyond disciplined lines and lengths.

 

Spin, however, could come into play — particularly if there is early tackiness or moisture. Wider cracks on the pitch could cause uneven bounce or subtle deviation, adding an element of unpredictability. Although significant turn is not expected, even minor assistance could bring New Zealand’s spinners into the game against India’s strong batting line-up.

 

Dew factor to test bowlers later

 

As the match progresses, dew could further complicate matters. If it settles in during the second innings, bowlers such as Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel may have to contend with a slippery ball, potentially shifting the balance back towards the batters.

 

Despite New Zealand’s optimism, Dasgupta and Doull were clear in their assessment that a run-fest is unlikely. Totals in the region of 220 to 230 were ruled out, with the pitch expected to demand adaptability and smart shot selection rather than pure power-hitting.

 

With the surface offering questions rather than answers, the Nagpur pitch could set the tone for a closely fought series opener.

India vs New Zealand: Head-to-head stats in T20s in Nagpur

India and New Zealand have played just one T20 match against each other at the Vidarbha Cricket Association in Nagpur, back in 2016. New Zealand beat India by 47 runs in that match.

India T20 record at Vidarbha Cricket Association in Nagpur

India has so far played five T20I matches at this venue, out of which they have won four and lost one. Their only loss came agiants New Zealand in 2016.

New Zealand T20 record at Vidarbha Cricket Association in Nagpur

New Zealand have played just one T20I match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association in Nagpur. The match was against India, and they emerged victorious by 47 runs.

Most recent T20 match in Nagpur

The last T20 match at the Vidarbha Cricket Association in Nagpur was played in September 2023 between India and Australia. It was a rain-curtailed match reduced to eight overs a side. Batting first, Australia posted 90 runs for the loss of five wickets. In reply, India chased down the target with six wickets and four balls to spare.

Key T20 stats of Nagpur Stadium

Category	Stats
Total Matches	12
Matches won batting first	8
Matches won bowling first	4
Average 1st innings Score	146
Average 2nd innings Score	125
Highest total recorded	215/5 (20 Ovs) — SL vs IND
Lowest total recorded	79/10 (18.1 Ovs) — IND vs NZ
Highest score chased	123/7 (19.4 Ovs) — WI vs RSA
Lowest score defended	123/7 (20 Ovs) — AFG vs WI