India (IND) and New Zealand (NZ) are set to face each other for the final time in the series as they lock horns in the 5th T20I at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on Saturday, January 31. With the hosts already sealing the series 3-1, the finale presents a chance for India to end on a high, while New Zealand aim to carry momentum forward.
Match Details: IND vs NZ
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Series | New Zealand Tour of India 2026 |
| Match | India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I |
| Date | Saturday, 31 January 2026 |
| Time | 07:00 PM IST |
| Toss Time | 06:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Greenfield International Stadium |
| City | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Live Streaming | JioHotstar, FanCode |
| TV Broadcast | Star Sports Network, DD Sports |
Match Preview
India were clinical in the opening three encounters, showcasing dominance with both bat and ball in Nagpur, Raipur, and Guwahati. However, their rhythm was disrupted in the fourth T20I at Visakhapatnam, where a lack of cohesion saw them suffer a heavy 50-run defeat. Led by Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue will be eager to bounce back and wrap up the series with a convincing 4-1 margin before shifting focus to their T20 World Cup 2026 title defence.
New Zealand finally found their footing in the previous game, producing a disciplined all-round performance to register their first win of the series. The Mitchell Santner-led side displayed better teamwork and intent, which will give them confidence heading into the series decider. While the trophy is out of reach, a win in Thiruvananthapuram would be vital in boosting morale ahead of upcoming global tournaments.
Head-to-Head Record (T20Is): IND vs NZ
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| India (IND) | 18 |
| New Zealand (NZ) | 11 |
| No Result / Tied | 1 |
India hold a clear edge in the T20I rivalry.
Also Read: GT vs RL WLP 2026, Pitch Report, Head to Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction
Weather & Pitch Report: Greenfield International Stadium
- Weather Report: The weather in Thiruvananthapuram is expected to be cloudy and humid, with temperatures hovering around 28°C and humidity close to 78 percent.
- Pitch Report: The pitch at Greenfield Stadium is known to be batting-friendly, often producing high-scoring encounters. Batters can trust the bounce and pace, making stroke-play easier throughout the innings. While fast bowlers may struggle for assistance, spinners could find some grip as the ball gets older. Overall, another 200-plus total cannot be ruled out in this series finale.
Probable Playing 11
India (IND) Playing 11
1. Abhishek Sharma, 2. Sanju Samson, 3. Ishan Kishan, 4. Suryakumar Yadav (c), 5. Rinku Singh, 6. Shivam Dube, 7. Hardik Pandya, 8. Axar Patel, 9. Harshit Rana, 10. Jasprit Bumrah, 11. Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand (NZ) Playing 11
1. Tim Seifert (wk), 2. Devon Conway, 3. Rachin Ravindra, 4. Glenn Phillips, 5. Mark Chapman, 6. Daryl Mitchell, 7. Mitchell Santner (c), 8. Jimmy Neesham, 9. Zak Foulkes, 10. Matt Henry, 11. Ish Sodhi
Who Will Win Today’s Match? (AI Prediction)
India remain the stronger side on paper, especially at home, with explosive batting depth and a world-class bowling attack. Their familiarity with conditions at Greenfield Stadium gives them a significant advantage.
New Zealand will need another collective performance similar to the fourth T20I to challenge the hosts. However, consistency has been an issue throughout the series.
AI Match Prediction: India are favourites to win the 5th T20I and clinch the series 4-1 against New Zealand.
Also Read: PAK vs AUS 2nd T20I, Pitch Report, Head to Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction
TOPICS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Disclaimer
Possible11 is a sports news and analysis platform designed purely for entertainment and educational purposes. All match previews, player insights, and team analyses are based on publicly available information and expert opinions. We do not promote or support betting, gambling, or real-money gaming in any form. Users are encouraged to enjoy our content responsibly and use it for informational purposes only.
Give Your Feedback