New Zealand vs India Match Prediction: 1st ODI Odds & Tips

The Black Caps will be looking to bounce back after a 2-3 series loss in the T20Is. While that was a series loss, they should come into this game with some confidence after winning their last two T20Is against India, and a lot of the same players line up again here.

The T20I series was a bit of a topsy-turvy one, and the Black Caps ended up winning the last two matches relatively comfortably, especially Game 4. But now, the format has been switched up, and we’re into the ODI series. Before all the action begins, make sure you check out our free cricket betting tips!

Odds thanks to Bankonbet (accurate at time of publication).

New Zealand

Expect the Black Caps to come into this game with some confidence after taking out the last two T20Is against India. The home side is traditionally strong in the ODI format, especially at home, but the Indian side certainly aren’t pushovers. Plus, injuries to key players put a damper on their chances.

Just like in the T20I series, Daryl Mitchell will be one of New Zealand’s key players with the bat. He also boasts an impressive record against India in ODIs. Another player to look for with the bat is, of course, Glenn Phillips, who was impressive throughout the T20Is. 

As we switch from T20Is to ODIs, New Zealand will need to adjust their mindset and focus more on building partnerships. The short boundaries at Eden Park can reward aggression at times, but the Black Caps will have to pick their balls to play carefully.

India

The visitors will be looking for a bounce-back performance after losing back-to-back T20Is against the Black Caps. While some of the same players remain for the ODI series, we will see stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the lineup, which makes them a difficult side to beat.

With more experienced ODI players in their lineup, they’ll have a lot of confidence coming into this game. Expect captain Shubman Gill to lead from the front, and the likes of KL Rahul to provide stability in the middle order if required. Kuldeep Yadav is a bowler to watch, especially if he can get the ball turning.

While it was aggression all the way in the T20Is, India will likely look for a slightly more measured approach. Building a strong foundation will be essential; then they can look to be aggressive in the closing stages of the match. New Zealand’s bowling attack isn’t at its strongest as well.

India have a 3-2 record over New Zealand in the last five ODIs played, dating back to March 2025. Two of those games were played in Dubai, while the last three were played in India (and New Zealand won the last two of them). Looking specifically at New Zealand’s recent ODI record now, they have won three and lost two, which all came against the West Indies. For India, they have a 2-3 record, with losses to the West Indies and England in that span.

The most vital trends that you should be aware of leading into this match: 

• The team batting first at Eden Park have won three of the last four ODIs, suggesting there’s a real recent advantage of setting the target.
• In the last four ODIs at Eden Park, the average first-innings score is 286, which is a lot higher than the historical 222 average.
• New Zealand are ranked second in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings. The team ranked first? That would be India!

The first game of a new series is always an interesting one. After combing through this game, the BettingTop10 team is siding with the visitors. India gets players like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the lineup. Meanwhile, New Zealand have been ravaged by injury.

Expect a high-scoring affair as well, as both teams are stacked with high-quality batters looking to take advantage of the short Eden Park boundaries. So, you could take your pick with either India or a betting market related to total points. However, we are still leaning towards India to win Game 1.

Take India to win @ $1.67.

So, it’s time to strap yourselves in as a new series against New Zealand and India awaits! Plenty is on the line, and these are the best two teams in the ODI format, so it should be a fun game to watch. While the Black Caps have a strong record at home, are they good enough to overcome the plethora of injuries that have plagued them?