<p>White ball cricket has already produced a number of significant betting opportunities in terms of value for punters, with the Kiwis eventually winning the 50-over series 2-1.</p> <p>Now, we'll look ahead to what the 20-over format of the game can potentially provide to bettors at Sportsbet who enjoy <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket">cricket betting</a>.</p> <p>So, let's preview what could happen when the two teams meet at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Jamtha on Thursday, January 22, at 00:30 AEDT, as we attempt to make top India vs New Zealand betting predictions…</p> <h2>India v New Zealand 1st T20I Cricket Betting Preview</h2> <p>When predicting what might happen between two teams, it's always a good idea to consider historical context, as well as recent form.</p> <p>India and New Zealand have played 25 T20Is so far, with India leading 14–10 (one tie). Of these, 11 completed T20Is have been played in India, with India winning seven and New Zealand four. Since 2021, there have been six matches, with India winning five.</p> <p>Results have been as follows:</p> <ul> <li>17 Nov 2021, Jaipur - India won by 5 wickets.</li> <li>19 Nov 2021, Ranchi - India won by 7 wickets.</li> <li>21 Nov 2021, Kolkata - India won by 73 runs.</li> <li>27 Jan 2023, Ranchi - NZ won by 21 runs.</li> <li>29 Jan 2023, Lucknow - India won by 6 wickets.</li> <li>1 Feb 2023, Ahmedabad - India won by 168 runs.</li> </ul> <p>Indeed, with India ranked #1 in the world in this format, it's no surprise they've dominated past meetings. Still, NZ isn't a bad side, having been ranked #4 in the current world rankings.</p> <h2>India v New Zealand 1st T20I Cricket Betting Predictions</h2> <p>Given their world rankings, it's no surprise that there will be plenty of betting value available to find across the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/international-twenty20-matches/india-v-new-zealand-10059941">India v New Zealand 1st T20I betting odds</a> available at Sportsbet.</p> <p>India are considered favourites to win this contest. With the head-to-head record and their ranking, we are also inclined to think<strong> India will win.</strong></p> <p><strong>Abhishek Sharma</strong> is a player who could provide additional betting value in this match in the<strong> 'Top India Runscorer (20 Overs)'</strong> market. He played all 21 T20Is in 2025, scoring 859 runs, including one 100 and five 50s. This included a score of 135 off just 54 balls against England. With these totals in mind, we think there is significant value in the<strong> 'Abhishek Sharma to Reach 50+ Runs (20 Overs)'</strong> market for the<strong> 'Yes' </strong>outcome.</p> <p><strong>Tilak Varma</strong> could also offer some outside betting value based on his performances in this format last year. He played a key middle‑order role for his country, scoring 567 runs across 20 matches, scoring four 50s. Both players have been among the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/biggest-ipl-contracts">highest paid IPL players</a> in recent seasons, reflecting their growing stature in the T20 game.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/top-ten-richest-cricketers-in-the-world">The cricketers who've turned bat and ball into serious bank balances</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/odi-cricket-explained-rules-format-and-how-one-day-internationals-work">ODI cricket explained: everything you need to know about the 50-over format</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/cricket-scoring-explained">Overs, wickets, and runs — how cricket scoring actually works</a></li> </ul>