India and New Zealand are ready to face each other in the 5th match of the 5-match T20 series at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, on Saturday, January 31. This match is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM IST. Stay tuned with our IND vs NZ prediction, team preview, pitch report, player stats and winner prediction ahead of this exciting contest.
India’s impressive performance continues – they have won 3 of the first 4 games and already clinched the series. The hosts have been so dominant that New Zealand have struggled to contain their powerful batting. In the previous match, however, the Black Caps showed fight by beating India by 50 runs, which will give them confidence. India will want to finish the series on a high, while New Zealand will try to carry their momentum into the finale.
Head-to-Head Record: Till now, a total of 28 T20I matches have been played between these two sides, in which India have won 15 games, while New Zealand have won 11, with three matches ending in no result. Moreover, India have dominated the recent encounters by winning four of the last five matches against New Zealand.
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India Preview
India’s batting has been the biggest strength in this series. In the first three matches, they consistently posted or chased big totals with ease. India scored 238/7 in Nagpur, winning by 48 runs, and then chased targets comfortably in Raipur and Guwahati. Young opener Abhishek Sharma has been sensational, smashing 68 runs in 20 balls*, while captain Suryakumar Yadav played a key role with 57 runs in 26 balls*. Shivam Dube also made a strong impact with a quick 65 runs in 23 balls. With power-hitters like Abhishek, SKY, Ishan Kishan, and Rinku Singh, India’s batting has looked almost unstoppable in batting-friendly conditions.
India’s bowling has supported the batters well throughout the series. Jasprit Bumrah has led the pace attack brilliantly and was outstanding in the third T20I, picking up 3 wickets for 14 runs. His spell helped restrict New Zealand to 153/9, which India chased down in just 10 overs. Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh have contributed with timely wickets in the middle overs, adding pressure on the opposition.
The spin department has also done its job effectively. Varun Chakravarthy and Ravi Bishnoi have kept things tight and broken partnerships when needed. Even in matches where India briefly lost control, the bowlers managed to pull things back quickly. With both batting and bowling units clicking well, India will look to maintain their dominance and continue their strong run in the upcoming match.
Tip
| Player | Tip | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | Over 32.5 Runs | 1.85 |
Abhishek Sharma has been sensational in the series, smashing quick runs at the top including a blistering 68* off just 20 balls. His explosive form in the powerplay makes him India’s biggest batting weapon and a strong pick to cross this mark again.
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand have struggled for consistency in this series, though they showed some fight in the fourth match. Their batting has often put pressure on the middle order because the openers have failed to give solid starts. In the third game at Guwahati, Glenn Phillips scored 48 runs in 40 balls and Mark Chapman scored 32 runs in 23 balls shared a useful partnership, but once they were out, the rest of the lineup collapsed. In the fourth T20I, New Zealand finally posted a strong total of 215/7, with Tim Seifert scoring 62, Devon Conway adding 44, and Daryl Mitchell finishing unbeaten on 39, giving them a competitive score.
However, New Zealand’s bowling has been a major concern throughout the series. They have struggled to control India’s aggressive batters, and in the fourth T20I, none of the bowlers were able to keep the run rate in check. India chased down 216 runs in under 10 overs, highlighting how ineffective the Kiwi bowling was on the day. Apart from Matt Henry’s early wicket of Sanju Samson, there was very little pressure created by the bowlers.
For the final match, New Zealand will need a big all-round improvement. Senior players like Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Ish Sodhi will be expected to step up and provide early breakthroughs. Although New Zealand have already lost the series, they will be keen to finish on a positive note and restore some confidence with a win in this last game.
Tip
| Player | Tip | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Devon Conway | Over 28.5 Runs | 1.85 |
Devon Conway looked solid in the last match with a well-made 44 and remains New Zealand’s most reliable top-order batter. If the Kiwis are to get a strong start in the final game, Conway is expected to play a key role and challenge this line again.
IND vs NZ Probably Playing XI
India: Abhishek Sharma , Sanju Samson (WK), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy.
New Zealand: Tim Seifert, Devon Conway (WK), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (C), Jimmy Neesham, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi.
IND vs NZ Pitch Report
The pitch at the Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram, generally offers a balanced and batting-friendly surface. The ball comes nicely onto the bat, allowing batters to play their shots once they settle in. Fast bowlers can get some help early with the new ball, but as the match goes on, the pitch slows down and spinners become more effective in the middle overs. Dew is expected during night games, which makes chasing the target easier, so teams often prefer to bowl first after winning the toss.
The weather on Saturday at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram is expected to be sunny, around 33°C, with 0% chance of rain, moderate 57% humidity, and light winds near 14 km/h.
Venue T20I Statistics
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Matches | 7 |
| Matches won batting first | 4 |
| Matches won bowling first | 3 |
| Average 1st innings Score | 155 |
| Average 2nd innings Score | 143 |
| Highest total recorded | 235/4 (20 Ovs) – IND vs AUS |
| Lowest total recorded | 0/0 (0 Ovs) |
| Highest score chased | 173/2 (18.3 Ovs) – WI vs IND |
| Lowest score defended | 67/5 (8 Ovs) – IND vs NZ |
IND vs NZ Winner Prediction
The Indian team enters this final match as clear favourites. They have been the better side for most of the series and will be confident going into the game at home. With strong batting depth and familiar conditions in Thiruvananthapuram, India will look to finish the series on a high and seal a convincing win.
On the other hand, New Zealand will need to improve a lot to challenge India again. Even though they won the previous match, they will have to deliver a strong all-round performance to trouble the hosts. Unless they perform well in both batting and bowling, it will be difficult for them to stop an in-form Indian side.
Our Prediction: India
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