India Versus New Zealand 5th T20: The New Zealand tour of India 2026 reaches its grand finale! After a high-scoring 4th T20I where the Black Caps finally broke India's winning streak, the series moves to Thiruvananthapuram for the 5th T20 India vs New Zealand clash.
With the T20 World Cup just weeks away, both teams are looking to lock in their perfect Playing XI.
Match Details
Match: India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026
Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Live Score: Cricinnings.in
Greenfield Stadium Pitch Report
The Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram is historically known as a "bowler's paradise," offering a significant contrast to the high-scoring roads seen earlier in the series.
The pitch typically provides a slow, gripping surface that makes life difficult for batters who like to play through the line.
Early in the match, pace bowlers can expect some seam movement and extra bounce due to the local humidity, while the middle overs belong entirely to the spinners, who find ample turn and grip.
The dew factor remains a major variable; if the evening moisture sets in, the ball may skid onto the bat more easily in the second innings, making chasing the preferred option for the captain winning the toss.
Injury Updates & Team News
India: The biggest concern is Ishan Kishan, who missed the 4th T20 due to a niggle. If he remains out, Sanju Samson will likely continue at the top, though he is under pressure to perform. Tilak Varma remains ruled out of the series, with Shreyas Iyer providing middle-order cover.
New Zealand: The Kiwis are looking healthy after their recent win. Finn Allen is expected to be available for this final game, which could further bolster their explosive top order.
Key Players to Watch
Suryakumar Yadav (IND): The captain has been in vintage "SKY" mode, consistently finding gaps and keeping the scoreboard ticking.
Tim Seifert (NZ): Fresh off a Player of the Match performance in the 4th T20, his ability to take on the powerplay is crucial.
Abhishek Sharma (IND): Despite a golden duck in the last game, his strike rate this series has been astronomical (200+).
Mitchell Santner (NZ): The captain’s spin will be the biggest threat on a Thiruvananthapuram pitch known to offer some grip.
IND vs NZ Head to Head (T20Is)
Total Matches | India Won | NZ Won | No Result/Tie |
29 | 15 | 11 | 3 |
IND vs NZ 5th T20 Playing 11
India Probable Playing 11: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
New Zealand Probable Playing 11: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Jimmy Neesham, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
While New Zealand has the momentum from their 50-run victory in Visakhapatnam, India remains the favorite at home. The Greenfield Stadium typically favors spinners, which plays into the hands of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
Prediction: India to win the 5th T20 and clinch the series 4-1.
IND vs NZ 5th T20I Dream11 Prediction
Position | Player Name | Team |
Wicket-Keeper | Sanju Samson, Devon Conway | IND / NZ |
Batters | Suryakumar Yadav (C), Glenn Phillips, Rinku Singh | IND / NZ |
All-Rounders | Mitchell Santner (VC), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube | NZ / IND |
Bowlers | Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Ish Sodhi | IND / NZ |
Captain & Vice-Captain Tips
Safe Option: Suryakumar Yadav (C) & Mitchell Santner (VC).
Risk/Grand League: Sanju Samson (C) – Expecting a big score on his home ground; Ish Sodhi (VC) – If the pitch turns sharply.
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