IND vs NZ, 5th T20I, Cricket Tips: After three dominating performances, Team India made a bold experiment to go with only six batters in the fourth game, which worked against them, and they suffered a 50-run defeat. The defeat margin would have been even more had Shivam Dube not played a powerful knock of 65 off 23.
His knock saved India from embarrassment. But it must have opened the eyes of the Indian management, as they will not look to repeat that mistake again. The final T20I is scheduled to be held at Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday at 7 PM IST. Finn Allen, Lockie Ferguson, James Neesham, Ishan Kishan, and Varun Chakravarthy are expected to return, which will add more fuel to this contest.
IND vs NZ: Match Details
Date: January 31, 2026 (Saturday)
Time: 7:00 PM IST
Venue: Greenfield Cricket Stadium, Trivandrum
IND vs NZ: Live Streaming Details
The live action of the fifth T20I will be televised on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can also watch the game through the Jio Hotstar streaming platform in India.
IND vs NZ: Head-to-Head in T20I
Total Matches: 29
India: 17
New Zealand: 11
No-result: 01
IND vs NZ: Ground Pitch Report
The pitches used for this tour have been batting-friendly, and the next game will be played on a similar wicket in Trivandrum. It is a flat surface, and there will be plenty of runs to offer. Bowlers should be smart with their pace, but we might see another high score here.
IND vs NZ: Possible XIs
India: Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, James Neesham, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
IND vs NZ: Player to Watch Out For
Probable Best Batter
Abhishek Sharma has been out for a golden duck twice this series. But in the other two outings, he has been brutal, which is expected of him in the next game. Tim Seifert showed why he is rated so highly in the previous game. He will be a big wicket in this game.
Probable Best Bowler
Jasprit Bumrah at his best is almost unplayable. So, India will hope he can deliver a good spell here. Mitchell Santner made the difference in the fourth game. A small help from the wicket, and he can be a big threat.
Today Match Prediction: The result of the fourth T20I was expected because India went too far ahead with their experiment. But with a full-strength side, India are expected to win the final game.
Disclaimer: The prediction or cricket tips are purely based on the understanding and research of the writer. So kindly make sure to consider the points above while making your predictions.