India aims to wrap up ICC Men’s T20 World Cup preparations on a winning note against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram
The Indian cricket team has an excellent record at the Greenfield International Stadium in T20Is. They have won three of the four T20Is played at the venue so far.
30 January, 2026
Share
Having dominated the ongoing T20I series with a 3-1 scoreline, the Indian cricket team will be targeting a series finale win in the fifth and final game against New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday, January 31.
Led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, the Men in Blue showcased why they are one of the firm favourites to claim the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka, starting on February 7.
The defending champions started their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup preparations by winning the first three games to clinch the T20I series against the Black Caps.
With the series in the bag, India were in an experimental mood in the fourth T20I as they opted to play with an extra bowler in place of Ishan Kishan.
Additionally, the hosts used only their five specialist bowlers - Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav to complete their quota of 20 overs. All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube weren’t utilised after India opted to bowl first. However, the move did not work as India lost the game by 50 runs in Visakhapatnam.
As India aim to seal the T20I series 4-1 in Thiruvananthapuram, the likes of Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer and Varun Chakaravarthy could return to the playing XI for the final game.
Meanwhile, India has a brilliant record at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram in T20Is. They have won three of the four T20Is played at the venue so far.
Players to watch out for
Sanju Samson: Hometown hero Sanju Samson will hope to regain his lost form at the Greenfield International Stadium on Saturday. Despite looking in decent touch in the last game, Samson has accumulated just 40 runs in four games this series. Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Sanju will aim to score big at his home ground in the final T20I.
Jasprit Bumrah: Bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has been one of India’s wreckers-in-chief in the ongoing T20I series. Alongside Hardik Pandya and Kuldeep Yadav, Bumrah has been the joint-highest wicket-taker for India in the series, with four wickets in three games. India’s premier speedster will look to continue his good form in Thiruvananthapuram.
India vs New Zealand T20 head-to-head
India and New Zealand have squared off in 29 games in T20 international cricket. The Men in Blue hold an edge with 15 victories, while the Black Caps have secured 11 wins. As many as three games have been tied.
New Zealand’s T20I squad: Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wicket-keeper), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi
Upcoming Milestones to keep an eye on
Ishan Kishan is 5 fours away from 100 fours in T20 international cricket..
Titan Glenn Phillips is 4 catches away from 150 catches in T20s.
Ravi Bishnoi is 3 wickets away from 200 wickets in T20s.
Suryakumar Yadav needs 33 runs to complete 3,000 runs in T20Is
Rinku Singh is 20 runs away from 3,500 runs in T20s.
Where to watch India vs New Zealand 5th T20I live
The India vs New Zealand 5th T20I will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network’s TV channels.
Live streaming of the IND vs NZ 5th T20I will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
