If you’re scrambling to find the exact india vs new zealand match time because your cricket-obsessed brain forgot to set an alarm, you aren't alone. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and we are currently in the thick of a high-stakes series decider. The third and final ODI at the Holkar Stadium in Indore is the big talk of the town. Honestly, the timing is everything here, especially with the series locked at 1-1.
You need to know that the official india vs new zealand match time for today's 3rd ODI is 1:30 PM IST. The toss already took place at 1:00 PM IST, and Shubman Gill—who is leading the ODI side—has decided to bowl first. If you’re reading this right now, the first ball is likely either about to be bowled or the opening powerplay is already getting spicy.
Why 1:30 PM is the Magic Hour for ODIs
Most people assume all matches in India start at the same time. Not quite. For the current ODI series against the Kiwis, the BCCI has stuck to the traditional day-night slot.
Starting at 1:30 PM IST allows the match to finish around 9:30 PM or 10:00 PM. This is prime time for Indian television viewers and, more importantly, it helps the players avoid the heaviest dew that often settles later in the winter nights. In Indore, where the boundaries are notoriously short (we’re talking 62-63 meters on the square), a slightly earlier start keeps the ball from becoming a "soap bar" for the spinners too early in the evening.
📖 Related: Jake Paul Mike Tyson Tattoo: What Most People Get Wrong
Quick Schedule of Remaining Tour Games
Once today's ODI wraps up, the focus shifts immediately to the T20 format. You’ll want to mark your calendars because the india vs new zealand match time changes significantly for the shortest format of the game.
- January 21 (Wednesday): 1st T20I in Nagpur. Kickoff at 7:00 PM IST.
- January 23 (Friday): 2nd T20I in Raipur. Kickoff at 7:00 PM IST.
- January 25 (Sunday): 3rd T20I in Guwahati. Kickoff at 7:00 PM IST.
- January 28 (Wednesday): 4th T20I in Visakhapatnam. Kickoff at 7:00 PM IST.
- January 31 (Saturday): 5th T20I in Thiruvananthapuram. Kickoff at 7:00 PM IST.
Basically, for the T20s, you get to sleep in. The 7:00 PM start is perfect for the after-work crowd.
The Indore Factor and the Toss
Why does the 1:30 PM start matter so much at the Holkar Stadium? Well, history. This is the same ground where Virender Sehwag famously smashed 219. The pitch is rock hard. It's a "belter," as the commentators love to say.
👉 See also: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
Since the match starts in the afternoon, the pitch stays dry and hard for the first few hours. This gives the batters a massive advantage. However, as the sun dips and the lights come on, there’s usually a bit of "zip" for the seamers. Shubman Gill winning the toss and choosing to bowl today is a calculated risk. He's banking on the fact that while the afternoon might be tough, chasing under the lights at Holkar is historically easier because the dew makes the ball skid onto the bat.
Where to Catch the Action
If you're looking for the live stream or broadcast, Star Sports Network has the rights for the TV side of things. If you're on the move, you'll find the stream on the JioHotstar app.
It’s worth noting that New Zealand has never won an ODI series on Indian soil. They are desperate. India, missing some key players like Washington Sundar due to a rib injury, has brought in fresh blood like Ayush Badoni. This isn't just another game; it's a test of squad depth before the T20 World Cup later this year.
✨ Don't miss: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
Practical Steps for Fans
If you're planning to watch the T20 series starting next week, remember that the 7:00 PM IST start time is consistent across all five venues.
- Verify Your DTH Subscription: Since the rights are with Star Sports, make sure your package hasn't expired mid-series.
- Check the Weather: Nagpur and Raipur can get surprisingly chilly in late January, but rain is rarely an issue this time of year.
- Set Alarms for 6:30 PM: For T20s, the toss happens 30 minutes before the first ball. If you want to see the final playing XI and the pitch report, that’s your window.
The india vs new zealand match time for today's decider is your immediate priority—get to a screen now if you want to see the opening overs of the New Zealand innings.
Actionable Insight: For the most accurate real-time updates and any last-minute delays due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, follow the official BCCI Twitter (X) handle or the New Zealand Cricket (BlackCaps) feed. They typically post the official "Toss Update" exactly 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. For the upcoming T20Is, ensure your streaming apps are updated to the latest version to avoid lag during the high-traffic 7:00 PM IST slots.