India’s final international outing before the T20 World Cup 2026 arrives with a small dent to their aura but no real dent to their confidence. The 50-run loss in Vizag snapped their winning streak, but it has done little to change the larger picture. India remain overwhelming favourites heading into the World Cup, and the fifth T20I offers a chance to end the series on a high while returning to near full strength.
Vizag was more about experimentation than alarm bells. A six-batter, five-bowler combination didn’t quite work, but there were positives. Kuldeep Yadav looked sharper, Sanju Samson showed signs of rhythm, and Abhishek Sharma stuck to his high-risk template despite the lack of batting depth below him. With Thiruvananthapuram hosting the finale, India are expected to go back to a more settled XI and reassert control.
New Zealand, meanwhile, finally found a foothold in Vizag. The return of Finn Allen brings fresh firepower, and alongside Tim Seifert, they will look to challenge India with intent rather than damage control. The visitors know the series is gone, but momentum into the World Cup still matters.
IND vs NZ 5th T20I: Match Information
- Match: India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I
- Series: IND vs NZ five-match T20I series
- Date: January 31, 2026 (Saturday)
- Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
- Toss: 6:30 PM IST
- Start Time: 7:00 PM IST
- Captains: Suryakumar Yadav (IND), Mitchell Santner (NZ)
Thiruvananthapuram pitch report: IND vs NZ
Greenfield Stadium has quietly built a reputation for producing high-scoring games. The surface usually plays better than it looks, with good carry and value for shots. Dew is expected to play a role later in the evening, making chasing slightly easier. India last scored 235 here, and another batting-friendly contest could be on the cards.
Thiruvananthapuram weather report
Conditions will be warm and humid, with temperatures staying in the mid-20s. Dew is likely in the second innings, but rain is not expected to interrupt play.
India vs New Zealand 5th T20I: Team News
India:
Ishan Kishan, who missed the fourth T20I with a niggle, is expected to return. Axar Patel is also back in contention after recovering from a hand injury. Hardik Pandya could be rested after playing four consecutive games.
Probable XI:
Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand:
Finn Allen is likely to slot in at the top, possibly replacing Devon Conway. Michael Bracewell remains doubtful due to a calf strain.
Probable XI:
Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
IND vs NZ 5th T20I live streaming details
| Region | TV Broadcast | Live Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| India | Star Sports Network | JioHotstar App & Website |
| New Zealand | Sky Sport NZ | Sky Go |
| United Kingdom | TNT Sports | Discovery+ |
| USA | Willow TV | Willow TV Online |
