New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and decided to bowl first in the 1st T20 again England at Christchurch today on Oct. 18, 2025. The match start time is 11:45 AM IST.
Santner, returning from injury, opted to chase under overcast conditions, banking on early swing and a deep bowling lineup.
England, led by Harry Brook, will bat first with a near full-strength squad aiming to set a competitive total.
This series marks a key preparation phase for both teams ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
While New Zealand looks to bounce back from a recent series loss to Australia, England enters with momentum from wins against West Indies and Ireland.
Playing XI
England
Jordan Cox, Adil Rashid, Jacob Bethell, Luke Wood, Jos Buttler (w), Liam Dawson, Philip Salt, Sam Curran, Tom Banton, Brydon Carse and Harry Brook (c).
New Zealand
Matt Henry, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (w), Jacob Duffy, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Kyle Jamieson, James Neesham, Tim Robinson, Mitchell Santner (c) and Daryl Mitchell.
ENG vs NZ 1st T20I 2025: Live Streaming & TV Channels
Fans can catch the action live across multiple platforms worldwide.
India: The match will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network. Online streaming is available via Sony LIV.
Start your Saturday with a battle of equals 🏏
🇳🇿 or 🏴 👉 who begins their T20I campaign with a 𝓦? 🤔 #SonySportsNetwork #NZvENG pic.twitter.com/d8a7UWwviE
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) October 17, 2025
New Zealand: Watch live on Sky Sport NZ. Stream via Sky Go.
United Kingdom: Coverage available on BT Sport. Stream via BT Sport App.
United States: Viewers can tune in via Willow TV.
NZ vs Eng 2025 schedule
The second T20I will also be held at the same venue on October 20, followed by the final T20I at the iconic Eden Park in Auckland on October 23.
All T20I matches are scheduled to begin at 11:45 AM IST, making them prime-time morning fixtures for Indian fans.
Following the T20Is, the focus shifts to the 50-over format with a three-match ODI series.
The first ODI is slated for October 26 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, followed by the second on October 29 at Seddon Park, Hamilton.
The tour concludes with the third and final ODI on November 1 at Basin Reserve, Wellington.
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