The T20I series concludes in Thiruvananthapuram as a dominant India hosts a resurgent New Zealand for the 5th and final match. India, having already clinched the series 3-1, aim to finish on a high after a rare loss in the previous game. New Zealand, buoyed by a 50-run victory that ended India’s winning streak, seek to level the series on a positive note. With both teams looking to finalise their World Cup combinations, this dead rubber promises competitive cricket at the Greenfield Stadium.
India vs New Zealand Win Probability
*Favorites by form and leading run-scorer advantage.
IND vs NZ Batting Tips
India vs New Zealand 5th T20I Match Details
| Match | New Zealand Tour of India 2026, 5th T20I |
| Date | Saturday, 31 January 2026 |
| Time | 07:00 PM (LOCAL) |
| Venue | Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Live Streaming (TV) | Star Sports Network |
| Live Streaming (Mobile) | JioHotstar |
IND vs NZ Match Prediction & Analysis (Who Will Win?)
India are strong favourites to win the series finale and secure a 4-1 scoreline. This prediction is based on their overall series dominance and historical strength at this venue (3 wins in 4 T20Is). While New Zealand’s confidence is high after breaking their losing streak, India are expected to bounce back strongly. The hosts are likely to field a full-strength side to test themselves under potential dew while defending a total. India’s batting, led by the in-form Suryakumar Yadav (179 series runs), and their overall bowling quality are predicted to overcome the Black Caps’ challenge on a balanced Trivandrum pitch. Prediction: India to win the 5th T20I.
IND vs NZ Head to Head (On-going Series)
| Total Match Played | 04 |
| IND Won | 03 |
| NZ Won | 01 |
| Draw/NR/Tie | 00 |
IND vs NZ Teams Preview (Top Players to Watch)
India
India will look to address their bowling concerns from the last match, where they conceded 215 runs. The likely return of Varun Chakravarthy should bolster their spin attack. Their batting remains potent, and they aim to fine-tune their execution, especially if batting first under dew, ahead of the T20 World Cup.
IND Probable Playing XI-
Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.
Top Player to Watch – Suryakumar Yadav & Shivam Dube.
New Zealand
New Zealand found a more balanced combination in their victory, with Tim Seifert and Devon Conway providing a solid start and Daryl Mitchell excelling in a finisher’s role. Their challenge remains consistency in bowling, but they will play with the freedom of having broken the losing streak and aim to square the series.
NZ Probable Playing XI-
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (C), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.
Top Player to Watch- Daryl Mitchell & Kyle Jamieson.
IND vs NZ Weather & Pitch Report
The pitch at the Greenfield International Stadium in Trivandrum is balanced, favouring both batters and bowlers. The average first-innings score is around 165-170 runs. The surface offers more assistance to fast bowlers than spinners. Dew is expected to play a major role in the second innings, influencing the toss decision.
The weather in Thiruvananthapuram is expected to be warm and pleasant for an evening game, with moderate humidity, light winds, and a minimal chance of rain.
IND vs NZ Toss Prediction
Given the significant dew factor expected in the second innings, both captains will be keen to bowl first. The team winning the toss is very likely to choose to field.
IND vs NZ Dream11 Team
- Wicket-keeper:Sanju Samson, Tim Seifert
- Batters: Suryakumar Yadav, Devon Conway, Rinku Singh, Finn Allen
- All-rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Shivam Dube
- Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mitchell Santner, Arshdeep Singh
Pro Tip: Dream11 currently offers users from outside India the ability to create teams for free. For this match, prioritize top-order batters from the team likely to chase (India, based on toss prediction and form) and bowlers who operate in the powerplay and death overs. Always finalize your Dream11 team after the official playing XIs are announced, typically 30 minutes before the match starts.
Disclaimer: This match prediction is based on analysis of recent form, head-to-head records, and pitch conditions. It is for entertainment purposes only. We do not endorse or engage in any illegal betting activities. Users, especially from India, must comply with all local laws, including regulations under the new Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025.
