Zimbabwe tour of India, 2027, match 1 of 3
India vs Zimbabwe 1st ODI prediction
The verdict, a pitch read, how each innings should unfold and three bets at rising risk.
70%India
30%Zimbabwe
Quick overview
- Our pick: India to win, a 70% chance in our model.
- Conditions at Eden Gardens: Neither bat nor ball should dominate, so expect phase scores near the usual average for this format.
- First-match nerves: Series openers are often priced on reputation.
- Safest bet: India (Match winner), about a 70% chance.
Series window, not a confirmed XI date. Confirm on the day.
Who will win the IND vs ZIM 1st ODI?
Our verdict on India vs Zimbabwe: India win, with a 70% chance against 30% for Zimbabwe. Eden Gardens should help neither side, and we project a first-innings score of 308-356 for India and 263-311 for Zimbabwe. The 1st ODI starts Sun, 03 Jan 2027 at 19:30 IST.
- Our pick
- India, 70%
- Format
- ODI, 50 overs
- Pitch helps
- Balanced
What will decide it
The three things we think will settle this match, and which side each one helps.
Conditions at Eden Gardens
Neither bat nor ball should dominate, so expect phase scores near the usual average for this format. The conditions don't favour either side.
Helps Even
First-match nerves
Series openers are often priced on reputation. If Zimbabwe start well, expect their odds to shorten fast.
Helps Zimbabwe
The toss
A coin toss in more ways than one. Neither choice gives a clear edge here.
Helps Even
What will India and Zimbabwe score?
How we expect each innings to build, phase by phase, on a balanced / dry surface at Eden Gardens.
India Zimbabwe
- Powerplay (0-10)
- IND50-62ZIM37-47
- Middle Overs (11-40)
- IND168-188ZIM155-175
- Death Overs (41-50)
- IND90-106ZIM71-89
First-innings scoreIND 308-356/ZIM 263-311
Best bets for IND vs ZIM
One match, three risk levels. The safer bet lands most often; the long shot pays most when it does.
Safer
Our chance 70%
Match winner
India
The most likely result on our numbers. Short odds mean a small return, so size the stake accordingly.
Value
Our chance 55%
India first-innings score
Over 317.5 runs
We project India around 332. A line near 317.5 leaves room for a slow start and still lands.
Long shot
Our chance 25%
Top batter
Mohammed Shami (India)
Trusted at the end of the innings. This market pays long odds, which is why a small stake makes sense.
Who can swing India vs Zimbabwe?
Our impact rating is how likely each player is to change the result. XIs are confirmed at the toss.
India
- Mohammed ShamiTrusted at the end of the innings90impact
- Kuldeep YadavTakes wickets through the middle86impact
Zimbabwe
- Sean WilliamsBalances the XI87impact
- Richard NgaravaTrusted at the end of the innings91impact
Match preview
This is the first match of Zimbabwe tour of India, 2027, so there is no recent head-to-head in these conditions to lean on. Home conditions favour India, and our rating includes that edge. Our projection gives India a 70% chance, built on team strength, recent scoring at Eden Gardens and a balanced / dry surface. That is a clear lead, though a single big innings can still swing it. Wait for the team sheets before placing anything.
The toss: A coin toss in more ways than one. Neither choice gives a clear edge here.
Where the 1st ODI fits in the series
Rest days, travel and what comes next in Zimbabwe tour of India, 2027.
The 1st ODI is match 1 of 3, played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sun, 03 Jan 2027.
It opens the series, so neither side has played the other on this tour yet. Early odds lean on reputation more than on form in these conditions.
Next, the 2nd ODI is 3 days after this one at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
- 03 Jan1st ODI: India vs ZimbabweEden GardensThis match
- 06 Jan2nd ODI: India vs ZimbabweRajiv Gandhi International Stadium
More cricket predictions
IND vs ZIM 1st ODI: questions fans ask
Quick answers to what readers ask us most.
Who is favourite to win India vs Zimbabwe?
India are favourites. Malik Mumbai rates their chance of winning the 1st ODI at 70%, with Zimbabwe on 30%. The projection weighs team strength, home advantage and the balanced / dry conditions at Eden Gardens.
What time does the IND vs ZIM 1st ODI start in India?
The 1st ODI is scheduled for Sun, 03 Jan 2027 at 19:30 IST India time, at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Series dates can move, so confirm on the day.
What is Malik Mumbai's best bet for IND vs ZIM?
India to win is the safer option at 70%. The value pick is india first-innings score over 317.5 runs at 55%. Never stake more than you can afford to lose.
What is the pitch like in Kolkata?
A balanced / dry pitch, by our reading, so expect it to help neither side. That points to first-innings scores of about 332 for India and 287 for Zimbabwe.
Should the toss winner bat or bowl first in IND vs ZIM?
A coin toss in more ways than one. Neither choice gives a clear edge here. The coin goes up roughly half an hour before the 19:30 IST start, when both XIs are confirmed.
What happens if it rains during India vs Zimbabwe?
Rain brings in DLS for a revised target, and too few overs means a no-result. Settlement then follows each site's rules for the market. Look at the forecast for Kolkata on match day.
India vs Zimbabwe match kaun jitega?
Hamare model mein India aage hain: 70% chance, jabki Zimbabwe ka 30% hai. Match Sun, 03 Jan 2027 ko 19:30 IST par shuru hoga. Yeh sirf prediction hai, guarantee nahi.
Kolkata ki pitch report kya hai?
Hum is pitch ko balanced / dry rate karte hain, isliye bat aur ball dono ke liye barabar hai. Toss aur playing XI ka faisla match se lagbhag 30 minute pehle hota hai.
Where can I follow India vs Zimbabwe live?
Follow the score ball by ball on the Malik Mumbai live scores page. TV and streaming rights vary by country, so check local listings for the broadcast.
Still unsure? Ask our team
Predictions, projected scores and win percentages on this page come from Malik Mumbai's own model, built from team strength, venue history and conditions. They are estimates, not guarantees, and only a bookmaker's live odds settle a bet. 18+ only. Set a limit before you play and bet responsibly.