India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I: Series Decider in Thiruvananthapuram The fifth and final T20I between India and New Zealand takes place on January 31, 2026, at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. It’s a night match starting at 7:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local time), with the toss at 6:30 PM IST.
India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I, New Zealand Tour of India 2025/26. Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026. Time: 7:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local). Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
The pitch at Greenfield offers a balanced surface that slows down later, favoring totals around 220 in the first innings for a strong position; teams batting first have won 75% of recent games here. Weather looks clear with temperatures between 25-31°C, low rain chance (1%), but high humidity and potential dew could impact chasing sides.
With India leading 3-1 after dominating the first three games, this dead rubber gives the hosts a chance to finish 4-1 before the T20 World Cup 2026 buildup. New Zealand, buoyed by their 50-run thumping in the fourth T20I (215/7 to 165), will aim for momentum and confidence under Mitchell Santner.
India started with flair—48-run win (238/7 vs 190/7), 7-wicket chase (209/3 vs 208/6), 8-wicket romp (155/2 vs 153/9)—but stumbled in Visakhapatnam where Shivam Dube’s 65 off 23 wasn’t enough. New Zealand finally clicked with Tim Seifert (62 off 36) and Devon Conway firing up top, exposing India’s middle-order frailties.
Head-to-Head
India holds the edge with 17 wins to New Zealand’s 11 in 29 T20Is (1 tie). Last five meetings: India won four straight before NZ’s recent 50-run victory—India by 168r, 6w, NZ by 21r, IND 65r (full records show tight contests often).
IND vs NZ Match Details
- Match: 5th T20 Match
- Teams: India vs New Zealand 5th T20
- Date: 31 January 2026
- Time: 6:30 PM 1:30 PM GMT / 7:00 PM LOCAL
- Venue: Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur
IND vs NZ Live Streaming Info
The 1st ODI Match between India vs New Zealand is scheduled for January 11, 2026. This T20 match is at Kotambi Stadium (BCA Stadium),.
- In India: The match will be broadcast on Sony Sports Network and live streaming will be available on FanCode and Amazon Prime Video (SonyLiv app).
- In New Zealand: The match will be telecast on TVNZ 1 and streamed live on Sky Sport Now.
- In Australia: Telecast is available on Foxtel, Kayo Sports, and Fox Cricket channel (Channel 501) with live streaming on Kayo and Foxtel platforms.
- In Pakistan and other regions, platforms like Tapmad may also provide live streaming options
How to Watch the Match for Free:
On TV: The match is available free on DD Sports if you have a DD Free Dish connection; this lets you watch the game without any extra subscription fee.
On apps/sites: Live streaming is officially on JioCinema/Disney+ Hotstar (as per current rights), but these usually require at least a basic mobile or bundled plan; full live action is not generally free, though highlights are often available at no cost after the match.
Live Streaming Info:
The 5th T20 will be live on Willow Cricket.
Live Score Info:
India vs New Zealand 5th T20 Live Score on Cricbuzz and ESPN Live Score
Probable XIs
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Jimmy Neesham, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi.
India Analysis
India’s batting depth shines with Suryakumar Yadav (179 runs, SR 192) and Abhishek Sharma (152 runs) leading charges, backed by Rinku Singh’s finishing. Strengths: Explosive top order, spin variety (Kuldeep, Axar); weaknesses: Middle-order collapse under pressure, as seen in the fourth game. Key performers: Jasprit Bumrah (4 wkts, eco 7.63), Shivam Dube (110 runs, 3 wkts).
New Zealand Analysis
New Zealand’s momentum comes from Conway and Seifert’s powerplay blasts, with Glenn Phillips (169 runs) and Daryl Mitchell steadying. Strengths: Pace attack led by Jacob Duffy (5 wkts), all-round balance; weaknesses: Inconsistent batting beyond top three, poor chases. Standouts: Mitchell Santner (105 runs, 4 wkts), Ish Sodhi’s leg-spin.
Prediction
India should seal a 4-1 series win, leveraging home advantage, superior depth, and Bumrah’s control on a slowing pitch—expect them to bat first if winning toss and post 200+ for a comfortable defense. New Zealand needs Conway to repeat his form, but India’s firepower tips the scales.