India and New Zealand face off in the series-deciding fifth T20I at Thiruvananthapuram, with India already securing the series 3-1. Both sides will look to finish on a high note, as India aims for a 4-1 margin while New Zealand seeks confidence before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Match details
Match: India vs New Zealand 5th T20I
Series: New Zealand tour of India T20I Series 2026
Date: Saturday January 31 2026
Venue: Greenfield International Stadium Thiruvananthapuram
Start time: 07:00 PM IST, 06:30 PM PST, 01:30 PM GMT
Teams: India vs New Zealand
Series Recap and Team Overview
India dominated the first three games of the series, winning convincingly in Nagpur, Raipur, and Guwahati. However, a lack of stability and unity saw the Men in Blue suffer a 50-run defeat in the fourth T20I at Visakhapatnam. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India will now aim to end the series on a high, finalising batting and bowling combinations before the World Cup.
New Zealand showed resilience in the fourth T20I, posting a comprehensive win to register their first victory of the series. While that result boosts confidence, the BlackCaps will need to sustain performance across batting and bowling if they are to challenge India in the series finale. Mitchell Santner’s leadership will be crucial in guiding the team and optimising match strategies.
Key Players and Form Guide
Devon Conway has emerged as New Zealand’s key batter in the series, especially after a match-winning performance in the fourth T20I. His ability to score quickly in the powerplay and rotate strike effectively makes him a top contender for the highest run-getter in the fifth T20I. Other contributors like Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell will play pivotal roles in the middle order.
India’s batting relies on power hitters like Suryakumar Yadav, Sanju Samson, and Hardik Pandya. The bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy, offers a combination of pace, swing, and spin that has consistently troubled the opposition. Bumrah, in particular, remains lethal across all phases of the innings and is expected to spearhead India’s bowling in Thiruvananthapuram.
Head-to-Head Record
India and New Zealand have played 29 T20Is against each other. India leads with 15 wins, while New Zealand have won 11 matches. Three encounters ended in a tie or no result. New Zealand won the most recent fixture on January 28, 2026, highlighting the competitive nature of the series and suggesting a closely contested finale.
Pitch and Conditions Report
The Greenfield International Stadium offers a balanced surface suitable for T20 cricket. Historically, India have been dominant here, losing only once in four T20I matches. The pitch slows down as the game progresses, making it challenging for batters in the second innings. Therefore, posting a high total, ideally above 220, will be key to maximising the chances of victory. Bowlers with discipline and variety can exploit the slowing conditions in the later stages of the match.
Probable Playing XIs
India probable XI
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav captain, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand probable XI
Tim Seifert wicketkeeper, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner captain, Jimmy Neesham, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi
Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
In India, the India vs New Zealand T20I series will be broadcast live on JioStar Network channels, with streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website. Pakistani viewers can watch via official sports television channels and approved streaming platforms. In the UK, the match will be available through licensed cricket broadcasters and their digital services. Australian audiences can follow the game on major sports networks and associated streaming apps. Global viewers can access live coverage through regional broadcast partners and official cricket streaming platforms.
Match Prediction and Analysis
India enter the fifth T20I as the stronger side, with home advantage and a settled combination that has dominated most of the series. Their batting depth and variety in bowling make them favourites, particularly if they bat first and post a high total. New Zealand will need early breakthroughs and consistent middle-order contributions to challenge the hosts. Considering the pitch, recent form, and series context, the team batting first is expected to have the upper hand and is likely to emerge victorious.
