
India (IND) and New Zealand (NZ) are all in readiness to cross swords for one last time in the series, as the stage looks set to host the fifth T20I on Saturday, January 31, at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. The hosts have already clinched the series, as the scoreline currently reads 3-1, setting the tone for an exciting India vs New Zealand prediction ahead of this final clash.
India looked absolutely dominant throughout the first three games of the series, clinching important wins in Nagpur, Raipur, and Guwahati. However, they lacked unity and stability in their approach for the fourth T20I in Visakhapatnam, losing by 50 runs. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side will look to make it 4-1 in Thiruvananthapuram, before moving onto their title defense at the T20 World Cup 2026. This final match is crucial for fans and analysts alike when considering the ultimate India vs New Zealand prediction for the series.
New Zealand, on the other hand, finally showed some resistance and teamwork in the previous encounter, as they thumped the Men in Blue to clinch their first win of the five-match assignment. They should not feel satisfied, though, since the series finale gives them the perfect opportunity to gain the much-needed confidence before the Mitchell Santner-led unit heads into the twenty-team tournament. The upcoming game promises to be a thrilling contest, making the India vs New Zealand prediction highly anticipated among cricket enthusiasts.
Also check: Sri Lanka vs England, 1st T20I Match Prediction
IND vs NZ: Match Details
| Match | India vs New Zealand, 5th T20I, New Zealand tour of India 2026 |
| Date and Time (IST) | Saturday, January 31, 7:00 PM |
| Venue | Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram |
| Broadcast and Live-streaming | Click here to watch the India vs New Zealand Live Stream on Sports Live Hub (SLH) |
Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram: Pitch Report
The Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram has hosted four men’s T20I fixtures so far, where India have lost just once, highlighting the strong record that the Men in Blue boast here. The venue offers a well-balanced surface, but it has shown the tendency to slow down as the game progresses. Getting a big total in the first innings, ideally above 220, is the only way to maximise the chances of winning at this venue. A mouthwatering contest is expected to be staged here on Saturday.
IND vs NZ: Head-to-Head T20I Record
| Matches Played | 29 |
| Won by IND | 15 |
| Won by NZ | 11 |
| Tied / No Results | 03 |
| First-ever Fixture | September 16, 2007 (NZ Won) |
| Most Recent Fixture | January 28, 2026 (NZ Won) |
IND vs NZ: Predicted Playing XIs
India

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, and Varun Chakravarthy
New Zealand

Tim Seifert (wicketkeeper), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Jimmy Neesham, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi
IND vs NZ: Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Devon Conway
After a string of failures in the first three matches, Devon Conway finally found the middle of the bat in Visakhapatnam, courtesy of which he took the Indian bowlers to the cleaners, especially during the powerplay overs. If the BlackCaps’ opener is able to get a start in the fifth T20I, he is likely to convert it into a big score.
Probable Best Bowler: Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is among the very few bowlers in T20 cricket who can succeed on any kind of wicket. He has been one of the most consistent performers for the Men in Blue in the shortest format of the game over the years, and the same has continued in the ongoing series as well, where the Ahmedabad-born has accounted for four wickets, bowling at an extremely frugal economy rate of 7.63, underlining his ability to rise to the occasion. The speedster will be looking to end the series with a memorable spell.
FAQ: India vs New Zealand Prediction – 5th T20I
When and where will the 5th T20I between India and New Zealand take place?
The 5th T20I is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
Who will captain India and New Zealand in the 5th T20I?
Suryakumar Yadav will lead India, and Mitchell Santner will captain New Zealand.
What is the series score before the 5th T20I?
India leads the series 3-1 heading into the final match.
Where can fans watch the live stream of the 5th T20I?
The match will be streamed live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).
Today’s Match Prediction: Team batting first to win the match
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
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