The India A vs New Zealand A 2026 series begins on October 24, with three unofficial Tests set to test India’s red-ball skills in New Zealand conditions.
The matches will give India’s experienced players and emerging talents valuable opportunities to prepare for the challenges of overseas cricket.
Dhruv Jurel will lead India A, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul among the notable names in the squad. The four-day fixtures will take place in Lincoln and Christchurch.
Here is the complete guide to the India A vs New Zealand A 2026 series, covering the schedule, squads, venues, match timings and live streaming details.
India A vs New Zealand A 2026: Quick Key Takeaways
- Tour Dates: October 24–November 10, 2026
- Total Matches: Three unofficial Tests
- India A Captain: Dhruv Jurel
- New Zealand A Captain: Squad and captain details have not been announced.
- Venues: Lincoln and Christchurch, New Zealand
- Live Streaming and Broadcast in India: Broadcast – Sony Sports 1; Live Streaming – SonyLIV.
- Live Streaming and Broadcast in New Zealand: Broadcast – Sky Sport NZ; Live Streaming – Sky Go and Sky Sport Now.
India A vs New Zealand A 2026 Schedule
The India A vs New Zealand A unofficial Test series begins on October 24, 2026, with three four-day matches scheduled across Lincoln and Christchurch. Each match will give both sides four days of red-ball cricket in New Zealand conditions.
Here is the India A vs New Zealand A 2026 unofficial Test series schedule:
| Dates | Teams | Time (IST / GMT / Local) | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 24–27, 2026 | New Zealand A vs India A | 3:00 AM / 9:30 PM (previous day) / 10:30 AM | Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln | — |
| October 31–November 3, 2026 | New Zealand A vs India A | 3:00 AM / 9:30 PM (previous day) / 10:30 AM | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | — |
| November 7–10, 2026 | New Zealand A vs India A | 3:00 AM / 9:30 PM (previous day) / 10:30 AM | Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln | — |
India A vs New Zealand A 2026 Squads
India A have announced a 15-member squad for the unofficial Test series, with Dhruv Jurel as captain. New Zealand A have yet to announce their squad.
Here are the confirmed squad details for both teams ahead of the three-match series.
India A Squad
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, Smaran Ravichandran, Sai Sudharsan, Yash Rathod, Washington Sundar, Anshul Kamboj, Manav Suthar, KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel (Captain), Kumar Kushagra, Auqib Nabi, Akash Deep, Mukesh Choudhary, Mukesh Kumar.
New Zealand A Squad
New Zealand A’s squad details aren’t out yet. We will update this section once the team announcement is available.
India A vs New Zealand A 2026: Venues
The India A vs New Zealand A unofficial Test series will take place at two cricket grounds in New Zealand’s Canterbury region. Both venues offer different playing environments for the three four-day matches.
Bert Sutcliffe Oval and Pavilion at Lincoln University will host the First and 3rd Test. It lies in the township of Lincoln, approximately 25 kilometres southwest of Christchurch.
Attached to New Zealand Cricket’s High Performance Centre, the ground combines open green lawns and training facilities with a tranquil, community-focused atmosphere.
It accommodates around 5,000 spectators on grass banks and around its small pavilion. Its playing surface generally offers true bounce and rewards sound batting technique, although new-ball bowlers can find early movement.
The second unofficial test will be played at Hagley Oval, which sits at 57 Riccarton Avenue in central Christchurch, within historic Hagley Park. Surrounded by lush parklands, the ground features circular grass banks, a signature pavilion, and a classic white picket fence.
Its capacity ranges from approximately 12,000 to 18,000 spectators, depending on the seating arrangements.
The pitches use Kakanui and Waikari clay, offering even bounce and a fast outfield that supports orthodox stroke-play. Fast bowlers can also find lateral movement early in the innings or under lights.
India A vs New Zealand A: Head-to-Head Record in Tests
India A lead the head-to-head record against New Zealand A in unofficial Tests, winning five of their 17 meetings, while New Zealand A have won twice.
Here is the complete head-to-head record between the two teams in unofficial Tests:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 17 |
| India A Won | 5 |
| New Zealand A Won | 2 |
| Drawn | 10 |
How to Watch India A vs New Zealand A 2026 Live in India
You can watch the India A vs New Zealand A 2026 unofficial Test series live on Sony Sports 1 and stream all match days on the SonyLIV app and website.
Fans in other countries can also follow the four-day matches through their regional broadcasters and streaming platforms. Here is a look at the live telecast and streaming options in other countries.
| Country/Region | TV Channel | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Go, Sky Sport Now |
| USA and Canada | Willow TV | Willow by Cricbuzz |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports | Check local streaming availability |
| Australia | Fox Cricket | Kayo Sports |
Note: International broadcast details should be checked with regional providers, as coverage may vary by country.
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Conclusion
The India A vs New Zealand A series is a chance for players to gain valuable experience in overseas conditions. It will also help fans get a better idea of how India’s players handle the challenges of four-day cricket away from home.
The matches could bring some interesting performances and close contests as both teams look to make the most of the series.
Follow the India A vs New Zealand A 2026 series and tune in to the live coverage so you don’t miss the action.
