IND vs NZ 5th T20I: Can Sanju Samson & Co Finish on a High in Thiruvananthapuram?
Date: January 31, 2026 | Series Status: India Leads 3-1 | Venue: Greenfield International Stadium
The 5-match T20I series between India and New Zealand concludes tonight in Thiruvananthapuram. While the "Men in Blue" have already secured the series 3-1, the 4th T20I in Visakhapatnam was a harsh reality check. New Zealand stormed back with a massive 50-run victory, scoring 215/7 and bowling India out for 165.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 just around the corner, this is the final chance for players like Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma to lock in their spots. Here is your complete match preview, pitch report, and predicted playing XI.
📅 Match Details
Match: India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I (Final)
Time: 7:00 PM IST (Toss at 6:30 PM)
Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Live Streaming: JioCinema (Free) & Sports18 Network
🏟️ Pitch Report: Greenfield International Stadium
Unlike the batting paradise in Vizag, the surface in Thiruvananthapuram is historically a bowler's ally.
The Conditions: Expect early swing for the pacers and significant turn for spinners like Axar Patel and Mitchell Santner.
Par Score: A total of 160-170 is competitive here. High-scoring games (200+) are rare.
Toss Prediction: Due to the coastal humidity, dew will likely play a role in the second innings. The captain winning the toss will almost certainly bowl first.
🏏 Team News & Probable Playing XI
🇮🇳 Team India
The focus is entirely on Sanju Samson. Playing at his home ground, the local crowd will be desperate for a big score from him after a string of low scores (10, 6, 0) in this series.
Star Performer: Shivam Dube is in the form of his life, smashing 65 off 23 balls (including 7 sixes!) in the last match.
Tactical Change: With the series won, India might rest Jasprit Bumrah and give Harshit Rana a game.
Probable XI: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (C), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana/Jasprit Bumrah.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
The Kiwis finally clicked in the 4th T20I. Tim Seifert (62 off 36) and Devon Conway gave them a blistering start, while their spinners choked the Indian chase.
Probable XI: Finn Allen, Devon Conway (wk), Tim Seifert, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (C), Adam Milne, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson.
⚔️ Key Battles to Watch
Abhishek Sharma vs. Tim Southee: Sharma attacks from ball one, but Southee’s swing in the opening overs is world-class.
Shivam Dube vs. Mitchell Santner: Dube destroyed the spinners in Vizag. Santner will have to be smart to stop the tall left-hander tonight.
Sanju Samson vs. The Pressure: The roar in Thiruvananthapuram will be deafening. Can Samson handle the home pressure and deliver a match-winning knock?
🏆 Match Prediction
New Zealand has the momentum from the last game, and their bowling attack suits these conditions. However, India rarely loses back-to-back games at home, and the return of spinners like Ravi Bishnoi on this track gives them the edge.
Prediction: India to win a thriller and take the series 4-1.
❓ FAQ
Is Shubman Gill playing today?
No, Shubman Gill is not part of this T20 squad. The openers for this series are Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson/Ishan Kishan.
Where can I watch the match online?
You can stream the match for free on the JioCinema app or website.
What is the weather report for Thiruvananthapuram?
The weather is clear but humid. There is no forecast of rain, so we should get a full 40-over contest.