The Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram will host the fifth and final T20I between India and New Zealand. India has already secured the series at 3-1, making this match an important opportunity for preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
A Local Hero Returns
Despite losing the 4th T20I by 50 runs, India remains strong. All eyes are on Sanju Samson, who plays at his home ground. After some inconsistent performances, he has a chance to secure his World Cup spot before his local fans.
The Indian bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, aims to improve after New Zealand’s top order dominated them in Visakhapatnam. Suryakumar Yadav will anchor the batting, supported by the aggressive Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube.
New Zealand’s Confidence Boost
The New Zealand team arrives with newfound confidence following their victory in the last match. Tim Seifert and Devon Conway have found their form at the top of the order, while captain Mitchell Santner continues to be a key player. For New Zealand, this match is an opportunity to maintain their momentum and show their victory was not a one-off.
Match Details: IND vs NZ, 5th T20I
- Date and Time: January 31; 7:00 pm IST / 1:30 pm GMT
- Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
IND vs NZ, Head-to-Head Record (T20Is)
Matches played: 29 | India won: 17 | New Zealand won: 11 | No result/Tied: 1
Pitch Report: Greenfield International Stadium
The Thiruvananthapuram pitch typically tests a batter’s patience. Unlike the flat pitches seen in the IPL, this surface offers more challenges. The new ball is expected to swing and seam, while the coastal humidity supports bowlers. As the game progresses, the pitch may favor spinners. Since this is a night match in late January, heavy dew is likely in the second innings, making it tougher for bowlers and easier for batters chasing.
Squads
India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Bishnoi
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Zakary Foulkes, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi
Match Prediction: IND vs NZ, 5th T20I
Scenario 1:
- India wins the toss and bowls first
- New Zealand powerplay score: 40-50
- New Zealand total score: 150-160
Scenario 2:
- New Zealand wins the toss and bowls first
- India powerplay score: 50-60
- India total score: 170-180
Match outcome: The team bowling first is likely to win.
