IND vs NZ 5th T20I Preview: Free Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather Report, Head-to-Head, Stats & Records

A 50-run win over India, a massive win for New Zealand ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The momentum they have gained by defeating the home team in the India vs New Zealand 4th T20I will have to carry till the highly anticipated tournament to become a serious contender for a title shot. Last night, the visitors got the victory after losing three back-to-back matches.

Three defeats in comparison to only one win is something the New Zealand cricket team was not expecting, perhaps before the 5-match T20I series. But it is the reality. And for them, the reality is not something very comfortable, especially ahead of a tournament like the T20 World Cup 2026, which will start on February 7, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The Blackcaps must try to claim another win before their World Cup campaign, which is possible only if they can outclass India again. On January 31, India and New Zealand will face each other for the final match of the contest. The defeat can prove vital from India’s point of view as well, as they could see in which areas need to be worked on more. Three back-to-back wins might have caused some fatigue in the team, which could be a reason behind the loss of the India vs New Zealand 4th T20I on January 28.

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Another thing is that Team India should think not to rely entirely on Abhishek Sharma. In the previous game, Sharma failed to deliver, and India fell short against their competitor.

IND vs NZ 4th T20I Preview:

Date and Venue:

The Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram will host the 5th T20I of the series between India and New Zealand on Saturday, January 31.

IND vs NZ squads:

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vc), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wk), Ravi Bishnoi.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi, Kristian Clarke.

IND vs NZ Probable XIs:

In the IND vs NZ 5th T20I, the target for both of the same can be the same—a win and an injury-free squad. As it will be the last T20I assignment between these two teams, they will think of nothing but a win. A win just before the ICC T20 World Cup will help the players to keep their confidence intact. New Zealand gets their momentum back after weeks of hard work; on the other hand, India, one of the hosts of the marquee tournament, will try to get another win to maintain their shape.

The exclusion of Ishan Kishan in the previous game came as a surprise. The move makes sense as Arshdeep Singh joins the playing combination, who was left out during the past three matches. It will be interesting to see whether the team management keeps their lineup the same for the remaining encounter of the bilateral series.

Since the beginning of the 5-match T20I series, New Zealand team management has been showing their faith in a particular set of players. Despite losing three matches in a row, they kept their first eleven, captained by Mitchell Santner, the same, and they got their much-awaited result—a win—in the series, ahead of the T20 World Cup. They can use all of their cards to double their wins in this series.

India Playing XI: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah.

New Zealand Playing XI: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy.

Key Battles:

Abhishek Sharma vs Matt Henry:

As we have claimed before, Matt Henry can do wonders for the New Zealand cricket team. The pacer did the same as what the team is expecting from him—an early breakthrough. Last night, Abhishek Sharma had a rare bad day, and Henry did a decent job. In the fifth match, these two cricketers will try to steal the show again.

Shivam Dube vs Ish Sodhi:

When the entire top order was tumbling, Shivam Dube came out with all guns blazing. The batting of Dube from the lower order shows the batting depth of the Indian cricket team. As long as he was in the middle, Indian cricket fans were hoping for another win. He will try to do the same, but New Zealand spinner Ish Sodhi will be there to stop him. Sodhi has been doing a good job for the Kiwis throughout the series.

Suryakumar Yadav vs Mitchell Santner:

The battle of the captains—that will be the best to finish the series off in style. Yadav played back-to-back match-winning knocks for India against New Zealand, dismissed cheaply in the fourth innings. The fifth match will be crucial for him to regain his momentum. And Santner, who was struggling with his form, finally found his mojo back by winning the last encounter, where he got 3 scalps.

IND vs NZ 5th T20I Key Players:

India—Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah.

New Zealand – Tim Seifert, Devon Conway, Mitchell Santner, Jacob Duffy, and Glenn Phillips.

IND vs NZ 5th T20I – Free Live Streaming and Telecast Details:

TV Broadcast in India:

The Star Sports Network will televise the fifth T20I between India and New Zealand across India.

Online Live Streaming in India:

Fans can watch the match live on the JioHotstar app and website. Viewers will need an active subscription to access the stream.

Match Date:

The fifth T20I will be played on Saturday, January 31.

Venue:

The fifth T20I match will be held at Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.

How to Watch IND vs NZ on Television:

The live telecast of the IND vs NZ 5th T20I will be available on Star Sports Network channels.

How to Watch Online on Mobile and Web:

Live streaming will be accessible through the JioHotstar app and official website with a valid subscription.

IND vs NZ 5th T20I Weather Report – Thiruvananthapuram:

According to the weather forecast, the weather in Thiruvananthapuram is expected to be clear throughout the upcoming Saturday (January 31). There is no indication of rain or an overcast condition. During the match time, from 7 pm, the weather will remain the same—clear sky, no rain. During the daytime, the maximum temperature can be around 33 degrees Celsius, and during the nighttime hours, the temperature can drop to 22 degrees Celsius.

IND vs NZ Pitch Report at the Greenfield International Stadium:

A high-scoring match is very possible at this venue, as on this very ground, India has the record of scoring 235 runs against Australia on November 26, 2023. The second highest score in this group was recorded by Australia, which was 191. Whereas the lowest total in this venue in T20Is was 106 by South Africa.

IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Records:

IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Records: Key Statistics

According to the overall stats, India has the better numbers over the New Zealand cricket team. In 29 matches between these two teams, India managed to win 15 times, while New Zealand got victories on 11 occasions, with 3 matches as a tie.

Team India will play the fifth match after losing the fourth match of the series. In the previous game, New Zealand won the match by 50 runs. Batting first, they have registered 215/7 in 20 overs.

IND vs NZ Head-to-Head Records- Result of the last 5 games:

IND vs NZ Match Prediction:

Ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, both of the teams put all their efforts into winning the match. Despite claiming the series already by winning three back-to-back matches, India will be on their toes to make the scoreline 4-1. Another win before the tournament will provide the team with extra oxygen. In the fifth match, India will have a better chance to win.

IND vs NZ—Conclusion:

There were some high-scoring matches on this very ground. If India goes to bat first, they will try to put on a mammoth total. New Zealand batters will try to do the same. The first innings of the match can decide the result of the match. As there can be a due factor in the second innings. On a probable batting surface pitch, if bowlers could show their best, then it will help the teams in the future as well. So far, India is looking way ahead of New Zealand in all prospects.

Read More: IND vs NZ Match Prediction: Who Will Win 5th T20I? New Zealand tour of India 2026