The T20 World Cup 2026 will kick off on February 7. Ahead of that, India will play their last bilateral T20I match against New Zealand on January 31 at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. By winning three matches in a row, the home team claimed the series before the fourth and fifth matches.
New Zealand felt their presence during the fourth match, when they emerged victorious, outclassing team India in all departments. Ahead of the marquee event, the fifth of the 5-match T20I contest is important for both of the teams, as no one will want to start their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign after losing a game.
This article will cover the IND vs NZ 5th T20I match prediction, toss insights, expected scores, key batter and bowler picks, and analysis on which team is likely to win the clash during New Zealand’s tour of India 2026.
IND vs NZ Match Prediction: Who Will Win the 5th T20I?
Match Details:
Match: IND vs NZ 5th T20I
Series: New Zealand tour of India 2026
Date: January 31
Time: 7:00 PM LOCAL
Venue: Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
IND vs NZ Match Prediction, Head-to-Head Record:
According to all-time stats and recent stats, Team India is looking superior to New Zealand even after the fourth T20I. Before the fourth match, the momentum was entirely tilted towards the hosts. But last night, the Kiwis proved that they are here to display their potential. Stats will say India can win the upcoming match, but New Zealand will step onto the ground with a proper blueprint. In India, these two teams have faced each other for 15 T20Is, where India has the advantage with 10 wins, while New Zealand claimed only 5 wins so far.
Pitch Report & Conditions:
The pitch of the Greenfield stadium can uphold a great contest between bat and ball. On this ground, a high-scoring match is possible. It is worth remembering that in the past, bowlers also experienced some memorable moments in this venue. 249 is the highest ever runs in a single innings recorded in this venue, and the lowest is 71 runs in a Twenty20.
IND vs NZ Weather Report:
The match will be held under a clear sky. No chances of rain so far. On January 31, the maximum temperature is expected to be 33°C, and the minimum can be around 22°C.
IND vs NZ Match Prediction, Probable XIs:
IND: Sanju Samson (wk), Abhishek Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.
NZ: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (c), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.
Toss Impact:
The nature of the pitch can decide the importance of the toss, as batters and bowlers of both teams can get their chances to shine. Keeping the dew factor in mind, skippers like to bowl first.
Form and Fitness:
Tilak Varma is out of the series. Iyer is with the team in place of Varma. No further injury update.
Score Prediction:
A thriller match is possible. A score between 190 and 210 can create a thrilling contest.
IND vs NZ: Players to Perform Prediction
India: Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Bishnoi.
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, and Daryl Mitchell.
IND vs. NZ: Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for India in the match?
Abhishek Sharma or Suryakumar Yadav.
Who will score the most runs for New Zealand in the match?
Devon Conway or Daryl Mitchell.
IND vs NZ: Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for India in the match?
Jasprit Bumrah or Harshit Rana.
Who will pick the most wickets for New Zealand in the match?
Ishan Sodhi or Matt Henry.
Conclusion: Who Will Win the IND vs NZ 5th T20I?
It can be a 50-50 contest. India will have a better chance to win the game.
