Red-ball preparation takes center stage this spring as New Zealand Cricket announced a three-match four-day series between India A and New Zealand A. Running from October 24 through November 10, 2026, the shadow tour will unfold across two key venues in the Canterbury region, offering fringe players and emerging talent a crucial platform in conditions similar to what the senior sides will face.
India A to play three 4-day matches against NZ A, schedule revealed
The upcoming matches will take place alongside the white-ball leg of India’s main tour, which kicks off on October 22. Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln will serve as the primary host, staging the opening fixture from October 24 to 27 as well as the series finale from November 7 to 10. Nestled between those two dates is the second four-day encounter, set for October 31 to November 3 at Christchurch’s iconic Hagley Oval—a venue that will later host the second senior Test between India and New Zealand from November 27 to December 1.
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By wrapping up on November 10, the India A fixtures serve as a direct bridge into the marquee Test series. With the senior side's Test opener scheduled for November 19 to 23 at Wellington's Basin Reserve, this shadow tour gives key players valuable long-form match practice before the main event. Fans worldwide can stream all three matches live on the NZC YouTube channel.
India's perfect dress rehearsal ahead of Test assignment against New Zealand
Scheduled from October 22 to December 1, 2026, India's tour of New Zealand represents the most extensive international itinerary in New Zealand Cricket's history. The 12-match schedule includes five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Test matches. Complementing the main itinerary, a three-match four-day series between India A and New Zealand A will take place alongside the white-ball leg, commencing on October 24 in Lincoln shortly after the senior T20I series gets underway.