Published on: Jan 30, 2026 6:56 pm IST | Updated on: Jan 29, 2026 1:53 pm IST
In a dead rubber at Vizag, the Kiwis finally got off the mark in the series as they humbled Team India by 50 runs. With that win, the series stands at 3-1 with one more game to go. India already have the series in their pocket, but New Zealand’s consolation win has improved the scoreline for the visitors. The two teams are all set to lock horns for one final time in this series in the 5th game, ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Expect another brilliant game, with both teams expected to go for multiple experiments to get a blueprint for the upcoming marquee event. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 5th T20I Match, IND vs NZ, at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
With the series already in their pocket, the hosts India will be looking for some experiments again, the way they did in the previous fixture in Vizag by playing an extra bowler. They challenged themselves, but things didn’t go as planned. New Zealand, on the other hand, will have Finn Allen on board for this game, and he is one dangerous batter at the top. Expect both teams to go for some changes in the eleven, but the win probability meter should still favor the hosts. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 5th T20I Match, IND vs NZ, at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
IND: 64% win chance NZ: 36% win chance
The dynamic Indian opener got out on a first-ball duck in the previous game. However, he still remains a big threat for the opposition particularly with two fifties in 4 innings so far.
The left-hander missed the last game due to a niggle. If fit, he should return to the eleven courtesy of his red-hot form, having scored 112 runs from 3 innings at a staggering strike-rate of 224.
The dynamite opener of New Zealand is slated to return to the eleven for this game. He hasn't played a game in this series but is coming off the back of a successful stint in the BBL where he finished as the highest run-getter in the tournament. Expect him to blaze his way into the eleven in the final game of the series.
The New Zealand opener is fresh off a fifty in the last game. In the 3 innings so far, Seifert has scored 98 runs at a brilliant strike-rate of 163.33.
Check out our prediction for the IND vs NZ 5th T20I match at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
Team India will approach the fifth and final T20I against New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram with the freedom to experiment, having already sealed the series 3-1. The defeat in Vizag, where the Kiwis secured a 50-run win, served as a reminder that experimentation comes with risks. India opted to test their bench strength by fielding an extra bowler, but the move backfired as the batting unit faltered under pressure.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, this dead rubber offers India a valuable opportunity to fine-tune combinations and give fringe players exposure in international conditions. The management may look to shuffle the batting order or test different bowling options, ensuring that the squad gains depth and versatility. For the visitors, the win in Vizag has boosted morale, and they will be eager to end the series on a high note by leveling the scoreline further.
India, however, will want to bounce back strongly, not just to reaffirm their dominance but also to carry momentum into the global tournament. Fans can expect a competitive clash where experimentation meets intent, making the Thiruvananthapuram fixture more than just a formality.
New Zealand will head into the fifth T20I against India in Thiruvananthapuram with renewed confidence after their emphatic win in Vizag. That 50-run victory was built on a complete team performance, and the visitors will be eager to replicate the same template to finish the series on a high. The inclusion of Finn Allen adds further firepower at the top, as his aggressive stroke play alongside Tim Seifert can set the tone early.
Their bowling attack also clicked brilliantly in the last outing. Matt Henry’s pace, Ish Sodhi’s spin variations, and Jacob Duffy’s discipline provided crucial breakthroughs, while skipper Mitchell Santner’s three-wicket haul stood out as the defining spell. Such collective efforts underline the importance of balance in the side, something New Zealand will look to carry forward.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, this match offers the Black Caps a chance to test their combinations and build momentum. Another strong performance here would not only boost their confidence but also send a message that they can challenge top teams consistently. For New Zealand, the key lies in maintaining intensity and ensuring both batting and bowling units deliver in unison. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 29 NZ won: 11 IND won: 17 No Result: 0 Tied: 1 RECENT form INDIA: W W W W L RECENT form NEW ZEALAND: W L L L W
A win in the last game for the Blackcaps has made them secure their 11th T20I win over Team India in T20Is. From 29 meetings between the two sides now, India has won 17, whereas New Zealand has 11 wins, and 1 game ended as a rain-marred tie.
How will the two teams, i.e., India and New Zealand, fare in the 5th T20I? Let’s take a look.
Finn Allen, Tim Seifert (WK), Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham/Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Kyle Jamieson/Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 5th T20I between India and New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram:
With the pitch expected to slow down and dew likely in the evening, the team winning the toss should opt to bowl first, aiming to exploit early movement and then chase under easier batting conditions. Dew factor makes chasing the safer strategy. Also, both team skippers have leaned towards chasing throughout the series, and once again, the same can be expected.
The online live streaming of the 5th ODI match of the New Zealand tour of India will take place live on the JioHotstar app. The live TV coverage for this series will be available on the Star Sports 1 and 3 channels.
Team India tested out something different in the game at Vizag, but that backfired on them. Having 5 frontline bowlers and going one batter short didn’t really help their cause. However, we can see a few more experiments with this being their final assignment before the ICC T20 World Cup, but expect the hosts, Team India, to have a slight upper hand against New Zealand, who too are expected to play with their combinations. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Team India, is expected to win the IND vs NZ 5th T20I match.
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