India vs New Zealand: The 5th T20I match of the ongoing series is the last international assignment for India and New Zealand ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
With one week left for the ICC’s main 20-over event to commence, both teams will make use of the forthcoming match to enhance their preparation as well as figure out the best main XI.
Following a 50-run victory against the hosts, the Kiwis would be keen to conclude the series on a winning note in Thiruvananthapuram. Although India still leads the series 3-1, Suryakumar Yadav and his men aim to get back to their winning ways.
Before predicting the winner of the upcoming match, let’s find out the weather report, pitch conditions, head-to-head records of IND vs NZ, and their recent form in the last five T20Is.
India vs New Zealand 5th T20I 2026 Match Details
| Men’s T20I Match Number | 3680 |
| Series | New Zealand’s Limited Overs Tour of India |
| Season | 2025/26 |
| Format | 20-over match (at night) |
| Match Date and Day | January 31, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Stadium | Greenfield International Stadium |
| Venue | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Overall Match Timings (IST) | 07 pm to 10.30 pm |
| Toss (IST) | 06.30 pm |
| 1st Innings | 07 pm to 08.40 pm |
| Innings Break | 08.40 pm to 09 pm |
| 2nd Innings | 09 pm to 10.40 pm |
Head-to-Head Analytical Records of India vs New Zealand in T20Is
Team India maintains its dominance against New Zealand despite its recent setback, and here are the latest head-to-head records:
| Stats | India | New Zealand |
| Total T20Is Played (IND vs NZ) | 29 | 29 |
| Matches Won (Home+Away+Neutral Venues) | 17 | 11 |
| T20Is Won at Home | 10 | 04 |
| T20Is Won Away | 07 | 05 |
| T20Is Won at Neutral Venues | 0 | 02 |
| Super Over Contest | 01 (India Won) | 01 |
| Highest T20I Innings Total (IND vs NZ) | 238 | 219 |
| Lowest T20I Innings Total (IND vs NZ) | 79 | 66 |
| Highest Successful Run Chase | 209 | 166 |
| Lowest Total Defended | 163 | 126 |
India and New Zealand Form Comparison in the Last 5 T20Is
Team India’s recent form in T20Is has been superior compared to New Zealand, having won 4 out of 5 matches.
Contrarily, the Blackcaps have won only 2 out of 5 T20Is, which includes their 8-wicket triumph over the West Indies, and a 50-run win against India in their recent clash.
Thiruvananthapuram Weather Reports for IND vs NZ 5th T20I 2026
The 5th T20I between India and New Zealand has very low chances of getting interrupted due to rainfall. However, fans can enjoy a full-fledged 20-over contest per inning:
- Temperature: 27°C
- Wind Speed: 20 km/hr
- Humidity: 73%
- Dew Point: 23°
- Cloud Cover: 12%
- Rainfall Chances: 9%
Greenfield International Stadium Pitch Conditions for IND vs NZ 5th T20I 2026
India’s aggressive batting line-up could face a tough challenge on a bowling-friendly pitch like the Greenfield International Stadium.
However, the exact nature of the pitch is likely to change during the match time. Analyzing the records, the teams that batted first gained a slight advantage, having won 4 out of 7 matches.
Batting or Bowling: Toss Winning Captain’s Decision for IND vs NZ 5th T20I 2026
Given the excessive dew factor, the toss-winning captain is expected to bowl first at this venue. A total between 150 and 180 can prove to be highly competitive to chase, particularly against a strong bowling line-up.
Experts’ Prediction on India and New Zealand Playing XI for 5th T20I 2026
While New Zealand is expected to maintain the same playing XI combination, India is likely to make a few changes in the bowling line-up:
India’s Possible Playing XI for 5th T20I vs New Zealand:
| S.No | Player | Role |
| 1. | Sanju Samson | Wicketkeeper and Batsman |
| 2. | Abhishek Sharma | All-Rounder (Backup for Spin Bowling) |
| 3. | Ishan Kishan | Wicketkeeper and Batsman (Second choice for wicketkeeping) |
| 4. | Suryakumar Yadav (Captain) | Batsman |
| 5. | Hardik Pandya | All-Rounder (Backup for Fast Bowling) |
| 6. | Shivam Dube | All-Rounder (Backup for Fast Bowling) |
| 7. | Rinku Singh | Batsman |
| 8. | Ravi Bishnoi | Spin Bowler |
| 9. | Harshit Rana | Fast Bowler |
| 10. | Kuldeep Yadav | Spin Bowler |
| 11. | Arshdeep Singh | Fast Bowler |
New Zealand’s Possible Playing XI for 5th T20I vs India:
| S.No | Player | Role |
| 1. | Tim Seifert | Wicketkeeper and Batsman |
| 2. | Devon Conway | Wicketkeeper and Batsman (Second Choice for Wicketkeeping) |
| 3. | Rachin Ravindra | All-Rounder (Backup for Spin Bowling) |
| 4. | Glenn Phillips | All-Rounder (Backup for Spin Bowling) |
| 5. | Mark Chapman | Batsman |
| 6. | Daryl Mitchell | All-Rounder (Backup for Fast Bowling) |
| 7. | Mitchell Santner (Captain) | All-Rounder (Backup for Spin Bowling) |
| 8. | Zakary Foulkes | All-Rounder (Backup for Fast Bowling) |
| 9. | Matt Henry | Fast Bowler |
| 10. | Ish Sodhi | Spin Bowler |
| 11. | Jacob Duffy | Fast Bowler |
5th T20I 2026 Winner Prediction: India vs New Zealand?
India are the favorites to win the 5th T20I match given their strong head-to-head records and impressive form in the last five matches.
At the same time, New Zealand’s improvised bowling attack can pose some tough challenges to India on the bowler-friendly pitches in Thiruvanathapuram.
The hosts have been reliant on their aggressive approach and batting heavy line-up, and it remains to be seen how they build a formidable bowling line-up. Overall, the team boasting talented batters and a powerful bowling line-up is certain to win the upcoming match.