India vs New Zealand 5th T20I: Date, Time, Venue, Squad, Playing XI Prediction, Head-to-Head Records, and Other Details
India vs New Zealand 5th T20I: Date, Time, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Match Preview
The five-match T20I series between India and New Zealand reaches its grand finale with the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I, scheduled to be played on Saturday, January 31, 2026. While India have already sealed the series 3-1, the final match remains crucial for both teams as they fine-tune combinations and assess player form ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
With pride, momentum, and individual careers on the line, the clash at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram promises to be far more than a dead rubber. All eyes will be on Sanju Samson, who will be playing in front of his home crowd under immense scrutiny.
Table of Contents:
India vs New Zealand 5th T20I: Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I |
| Series | New Zealand tour of India 2026 |
| Date | Saturday, January 31, 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM IST |
| Venue | Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Series Status | India lead 3-1 |
| Live Telecast | Sports18 Network |
| Live Streaming | JioCinema / JioHotstar |
Why the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I Still Matters
Although India wrapped up the series with a dominant win in the third T20I, the fifth match holds immense significance:
- T20 World Cup preparation for both teams
- Final audition for fringe players
- Home pressure on Sanju Samson
- New Zealand chasing back-to-back wins
- Team combinations still under experimentation
For India, a 4-1 series win would underline their dominance at home. For New Zealand, ending the tour with consecutive victories would provide valuable confidence.
Spotlight Player: Sanju Samson Under the Microscope
The India vs New Zealand 5th T20I carries special importance for Sanju Samson, who is playing at his home venue in Kerala.
Samson’s Series So Far
| Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 40 | 18 | 10.00 |
Despite being confirmed as India’s first-choice opener and wicketkeeper for the T20 World Cup, Samson has struggled for runs. This final match represents a golden opportunity to silence critics and regain confidence in front of a supportive home crowd.
Venue & Pitch Report: Greenfield International Stadium
The Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram has developed a reputation for producing competitive T20 contests.
T20I Record at Venue
- Matches Hosted: 4
- India Wins: 3
- India Losses: 1
Pitch Behaviour
- Good bounce early on
- Slows down significantly in the second innings
- Spinners become increasingly effective
- Batting first offers a major advantage
Key Pitch Insights
- Scores above 190 are competitive
- 220+ first-innings total almost guarantees control
- Chasing becomes difficult under lights due to grip and turn
PAK vs AUS T20I 2026: Full Schedule, Squads, Livestreaming and What to Expect
Weather Conditions on Match Day
- Temperature: 25–27°C
- Humidity: Around 70%
- Rain: Not expected
- Wind: Light sea breeze
Humidity may assist swing bowlers early, especially during the powerplay.
India vs New Zealand Head-to-Head T20I Record
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 29 |
| India Wins | 15 |
| New Zealand Wins | 11 |
| Tied / No Result | 3 |
| First Match | Sept 16, 2007 (NZ won) |
| Most Recent Match | Jan 28, 2026 (NZ won) |
India hold a clear edge historically, particularly in home conditions.
Last Four Matches Discussion – Series Breakdown
1st T20I – Nagpur
Result: India won by 6 wickets
India restricted New Zealand to 160/7, thanks to disciplined bowling by Jasprit Bumrah (2/24). A calm chase led by Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya helped India take a 1-0 lead.
2nd T20I – Raipur
Result: India won by 7 wickets
New Zealand collapsed to 99 all out against India’s spin attack. Axar Patel (3/12) and Harshit Rana starred. India chased the target in just 12.2 overs.
3rd T20I – Guwahati
Result: India won by 74 runs
India posted a massive 222/3, powered by Ishan Kishan (89) and Suryakumar Yadav (72). New Zealand were bowled out for 148, handing India an unassailable 3-0 lead.
4th T20I – Visakhapatnam
Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs
New Zealand bounced back strongly with Devon Conway (78) and Glenn Phillips (54) guiding them to 206/4. India’s experimental bowling strategy backfired as they were bowled out for 156.
India vs New Zealand 5th T20I: Predicted Playing XI
India Predicted XI
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson (WK)
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (Captain)
- Rinku Singh
- Shivam Dube
- Hardik Pandya
- Axar Patel
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Varun Chakravarthy
Possible Change: Varun Chakravarthy likely to return after being rested.
New Zealand Predicted XI
- Tim Seifert (WK)
- Devon Conway
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mitchell Santner (Captain)
- Jimmy Neesham
- Zak Foulkes
- Matt Henry
- Ish Sodhi
Key Player Battles to Watch
Sanju Samson vs New Zealand New-Ball Attack
Early wickets could increase pressure on Samson, while a strong start could change the narrative.
Devon Conway vs Jasprit Bumrah
One of the most exciting contests in the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I.
Probable Best Performers
Best Batter: Devon Conway (NZ)
Conway’s ability to anchor innings while accelerating makes him New Zealand’s most reliable batter.
Best Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah (IND)
| Matches | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 7.63 |
Bumrah’s death-over expertise could be decisive once again.
Toss Strategy & Match Prediction
Toss Preference
- Bat first
Reason
- Pitch slows down
- Spinners dominate later
- Defending totals easier
Today’s Match Prediction
Team batting first has a clear advantage and is likely to win.
India vs New Zealand 5th T20I – Squad Comparison
| Aspect | India | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Depth | Strong | Balanced |
| Spin Options | Multiple | Limited |
| Death Bowling | Excellent | Moderate |
| Home Advantage | Yes | No |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Has India already won the series?
Yes, India secured the series with a 3-0 lead after the third T20I.
Q2: Why is the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I important?
It is crucial for World Cup preparations, player form, and team balance.
Q3: Will India rest Jasprit Bumrah?
Unlikely, as the team wants a strong finish to the series.
Q4: Who is under the most pressure?
Sanju Samson, due to poor form and home expectations.
Final Verdict
The India vs New Zealand 5th T20I may be the final match of the series, but it carries high stakes for both teams. India will aim to finish with a dominant 4-1 scoreline, while New Zealand look to build confidence ahead of global tournaments.
With a slow surface, high humidity, passionate home crowd, and several players fighting for World Cup spots, the Thiruvananthapuram showdown promises a thrilling conclusion to an entertaining T20I series.
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