India vs New Zealand 1st Test Match Prediction: Who will win today’s match between IND and NZ?

Team India and New Zealand will face off in the first Test of their three-match series from October 16 to 20 in Bengaluru. The series is part of the ongoing 2023-25 WTC cycle and substantial for the Indian team considering their WTC Final qualification.

India, who just defeated Bangladesh in a one-sided affair in the home test series, will be more cautious regarding the “fight till the last”, attitude of the New Zealand team. Senior batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as well as experienced all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, will once again be the key “cog in the wheel” for the Indian team to beat the Blackcaps. 

In contrast, the New Zealand cricket team has lost successive Test series against Sri Lanka (away) and Australia (at home) by similar 0-2 margins over the last seven months. Currently in sixth place on the WTC points table, the 2021 WTC winners will be searching for late wins as the current cycle comes to a finish. If New Zealand is seeking redemption in the subcontinent after getting humiliated by Sri Lanka then experienced campaigners like Kane Williamson, Tim Southee, and spin-bowling all-rounders Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips will be key players who need to deliver for the Kiwis. 

Match Information: IND vs NZ 1st Test, Bengaluru 

India vs New Zealand Head to Head in Test

Pitch Report, Bengaluru: IND vs NZ 1st Test

The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is known for its batsman-friendly conditions. But in the longer format of the game, the pitch at this venue aids spinners. The surface here generally slows down as the match develops, allowing spinners to influence the outcome of the match. Due to spin-friendly conditions, batting in the fourth innings is like belling the cat in a test match at Chinnaswamy. Hence, the captain who wins the toss will most likely choose to bat first here. 

India Probable Playing XI: IND vs NZ 1st Test, Bengaluru

Rohit Sharma (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep

New Zealand Probable Playing XI: IND vs NZ 1st Test, Bengaluru

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, William O’Rourke

Today’s Match Prediction: IND vs NZ 1st Test, Bengaluru

Given the recent performances & form and the track record of New Zealand in India, India is the firm favorite to win the first test in Bengaluru. The Indian spin attack that consists of spin-bowling legends like Jadeja & Ashwin will make life hell for Kiwi batters on the 3rd and 4th-day track of Chinnaswamy. In short, India is the strong contender to win this match. The same opinion is of Google Win Predictor, which forecasted  28% for India to win this game while New Zealand has just a 5% chance of winning this match. 

India and New Zealand Squads for Test Series 2024