A pair of Cricketers from England and India

A pair of Cricketers from England and India

India vs New Zealand Is Back with Eight Big Matches

India vs New Zealand is more than just a cricket series. That’s because New Zealand is usually a side that makes India earn every run and every win, making it tough for the Men in Blue. This tour has three ODIs and five T20Is, and it is coming at a time when every performance gets judged twice. Because this is the big build-up to the next big tournament ahead - the T20I World Cup.

If you’re in the U.S., this cricketing series will become your morning routine, one that will make you watch it LIVE on Willow HD with Sling.

Why This Matchup Always Feels Tight

New Zealand is the kind of team that’s disciplined, led by icons, and they’re happy to keep games close until pressure does the work for them. That’s why this series is fun in a different way. The game is going to go till the very last bowl.

Two Formats, Same Stakes

The ODIs matter because they show who can build an innings when the game slows down. They also show who can bowl smart in long spells, especially when plans need to change mid-innings. The T20Is matter because they’re closer to the kind of pressure you actually get at a World Cup. You don’t get many overs to “find your rhythm.” If you’re off for ten balls, the match can be gone. So yes, the series is split across formats. But the purpose is the same: sharpen the game, settle combinations, and walk away with momentum.

Big Names, Big Stars

Once again, the ODI series has serious star power. India’s ODI squad includes Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are in their prime form right now, and that changes the feel of the series right away. It is not about experimenting anymore. It’s about results, control, and setting standards at the top of the order. It also marks a big moment for Shubman Gill, who has returned as ODI captain after missing out because of injury. That’s a storyline on its own, because it puts responsibility and spotlight in the same place. And then when you add New Zealand in this mix, you get a team that tends to punish lapses. It becomes the kind of series that you’re going to remember for a long time.

Match Schedule and U.S. Timings

Here are the match dates and start times.

ODI Series

Match
Date
Time
1st ODI
Sun, Jan 11, 2026
3:00 AM ET
2nd ODI
Wed, Jan 14, 2026
3:00 AM ET
3rd ODI
Sun, Jan 18, 2026
3:00 AM ET


T20I Series

Match
Date
Time
1st T20I
Wed, Jan 21, 2026
8:30 AM ET
2nd T20I
Fri, Jan 23, 2026
8:30 AM ET
3rd T20I
Sun, Sun Jan 25, 2026
8:30 AM ET
4th T20I
Wed, Jan 28, 2026
8:30 AM ET
5th T20I
Sat, Jan 31, 2026
8:30 AM ET


How to Watch on Sling?
With Sling, it’s simple.

Watching From the U.S. is Easy

The time difference is real. That’s exactly why convenience matters.

With Sling, you're not tied to cable or one screen.

You can stream live, switch devices as your day moves, and stay connected to the series even when the match starts before sunrise. For a tour that spans eight games, that kind of flexibility makes all the difference.

Grab your snacks, call the crew, and stream the biggest cricket showdown of the season.

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