IND vs NZ LIVE, 5th T20I: (India 31/1 in 3 overs) Sanju Samson fails yet again, out for 6

IND vs NZ LIVE, 5th T20I: India won the toss and opted to bat. Three changes were made in the XI, as VC Axar Patel was the most notable one.

The two years of preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 officially end in Thiruvananthapuram today with the 5th T20I. India have already sealed the series 3-1 but it was never about winning the series. Rather, it was always about getting the combination right. While India missed out on Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar due to injuries, others stepped up, barring Sanju Samson. The Kerala keeper-batter has had a horrid time in this series, with his backup, Ishan Kishan, already impressing everyone. As for New Zealand, they too have missed out on many players due to injuries, but the win in Vishakhapatnam will help them regroup. 

Match Details

• Match: India vs New Zealand 5th T20I
• Date: January 31, 2026 (Saturday)
• Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss at 6:30 PM IST)
• Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
• Series: India lead 3-1
• Captains: Suryakumar Yadav (India), Mitchell Santner (New Zealand)

Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram Pitch Report

The pitch at Greenfield International Stadium is balanced, often favouring bowlers slightly, especially early with seam movement and bounce due to coastal humidity. It slows down later, assisting spinners with grip and turn in the middle overs. In the four previous men’s T20Is, results have been mixed. India won the last two but the venue can produce competitive, high-scoring games if batters settle. Chasing might be preferred due to dew, though recent series trends suggest batting-friendly conditions overall.

IND vs NZ Live Streaming Details

In India, the match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. Live streaming is available on the JioHotstar app and website (subscription required).