India vs New Zealand 5th T20I: Final Dress Rehearsal Before T20 World Cup 2026
The Indian cricket team is set to play their last international match before the highly anticipated T20 World Cup 2026 as they host New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I at Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. Having already secured the series victory, this encounter serves as a crucial final tune-up for the Men in Blue, allowing them to experiment and solidify their strategies ahead of the global tournament.
Series Recap and Team Form
India has displayed dominant form throughout the series, winning the first three matches convincingly. However, New Zealand managed to bounce back in the fourth game, showcasing their resilience and preventing a clean sweep. This final match offers both teams an opportunity to end the series on a high note, with India aiming to maintain their momentum and New Zealand seeking to level the scoreline.
Key Player Updates and Probable Lineups
For India, there are significant changes expected in the playing XI. Ishan Kishan, who missed the fourth game due to a minor injury niggle, is likely to return to bolster the batting lineup. Additionally, Axar Patel is set to make a comeback after recovering from a hand injury that kept him out of the last three matches, adding depth to the all-rounder department.
On the New Zealand side, Finn Allen is anticipated to replace the out-of-form Devon Conway at the top of the order, injecting fresh energy into their batting attack. This strategic move could provide the Kiwis with the firepower needed to challenge India's bowling unit.
India Probable XI:
- Sanju Samson (wk)
- Abhishek Sharma
- Ishan Kishan
- Suryakumar Yadav (c)
- Shivam Dube
- Rinku Singh
- Axar Patel
- Varun Chakaravarthy
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
New Zealand Probable XI:
- Tim Seifert (wk)
- Finn Allen
- Rachin Ravindra
- Glenn Phillips
- Mark Chapman
- Daryl Mitchell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Zakary Foulkes
- Matt Henry
- Ish Sodhi
- Jacob Duffy
Broadcast and Streaming Details
Fans eager to catch the action can tune in to Star Sports, the official broadcaster of the India vs New Zealand T20I series. The match will be telecast live on Star Sports channels starting at 7 PM IST. For those preferring digital platforms, live streaming will be available on the JioStar app and website, ensuring comprehensive coverage for cricket enthusiasts across the country.
This final T20I not only concludes an exciting bilateral series but also marks a pivotal moment as both teams gear up for future challenges, with India particularly focused on their preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026.
