India vs New Zealand Highlights, 5th T20I: India dismantle New Zealand by 46 runs to clinch series 4-1

New Zealand (Playing XI): Tim Seifert(w), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner(c), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

India (Playing XI): Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah

India chose to bat first after winning the toss in the fifth T20I against New Zealand at the Greenfield International Stadium, with captain Suryakumar Yadav making his intentions clear on a night expected to test both sides.

Speaking at the toss, Suryakumar said India wanted to put runs on the board despite the likelihood of dew later in the evening. “We are going to bat first. We were here last night, there was a lot of dew and we want to test ourselves.

India have made a few key changes for the final game of the series. Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan both return to the playing XI, strengthening the balance of the side. Suryakumar also confirmed there would be one more change, while adding a reassuring note for the home crowd. “Don’t worry Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju Samson is playing tonight,” he said, a line that drew loud cheers from the stands.

For Samson, this match carries special significance as he takes the field at his home ground, with the crowd firmly behind him.

The excitement in Kerala was palpable the moment the Indian team landed in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the fifth T20I against New Zealand. In a video that quickly went viral, skipper Suryakumar Yadav could be seen acting as a personal bodyguard for Sanju Samson, clearing a path for the “Cheta” (elder brother) of Kerala cricket. Samson, visibly embarrassed, still received the warmest welcome from his home crowd.

The 31-year-old wicketkeeper-batter has long been a local hero in Kerala. Fans lined up at the airport to catch a glimpse of him, cheering the loudest when he stepped out of the arrival gate. This isn’t just fandom—it’s a reflection of Samson’s stature in his home state, where cricketing talent and celebrity often merge.

Though part of India’s 2024 World Cup-winning squad, Samson didn’t play a match in that tournament. This time, however, he is a key contender for India’s role as keeper and opening batter, and expectations are sky-high. After a string of modest scores in the preparatory series against New Zealand—10, 6, 0, and 24—fans are eager to see him finally step up on home turf at Greenfield International Stadium.

“Sanju loves turning up. He has a big passion for Kerala cricket and wants to inspire the next generation. He always tells youngsters, ‘Don’t think IPL, think India.’ If all these things come together, nothing better for the local fans,” said Biju, one of his mentors.

Technically, Samson has shown he can handle extreme conditions, as Zubin Bharucha, Rajasthan Royals’ director of cricket, pointed out: scoring a hundred on a seaming, bouncing pitch in South Africa against fast bowlers like Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee shows there’s no flaw in his game.

For Samson, the homecoming is more than just another match—it’s a personal and emotional milestone. Fans in Kerala will be hoping that he turns the occasion into a spectacular performance, silencing doubts and celebrating the hero they have long revered.

India Squad: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(w), Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy





New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert(w), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy, James Neesham, Michael Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson

Nothing fundamental has changed for India despite the heavy defeat in Vizag. The loss came while experimenting with a six-batter, five-bowler combination and was viewed internally as part of the process rather than a red flag. India still head into the T20 World Cup as favourites, backed by an 80 per cent win rate across the cycle and a consistency few teams can match.

The fifth T20I in Thiruvananthapuram is expected to see a return to a near first-choice XI, signalling a shift from experimentation to consolidation. With the World Cup looming, India will be keen to end the series on a high and restore their usual control and clarity.

India’s dominance over this World Cup cycle has been built on one simple idea: winning breeds winning. Even after a 50-run defeat in Vizag, the numbers underline their authority. An 80 per cent success rate has left them well clear of Australia and the rest of the chasing pack.

That mindset shapes their approach heading into the final T20I. The emphasis is not on panic or overreaction, but on reinforcing habits that have delivered results over a long period. Thiruvananthapuram offers one final opportunity to sharpen execution before the World Cup spotlight intensifies.

The defeat in Vizag was uncomfortable, but it was not without positives. Kuldeep Yadav showed improved rhythm, Sanju Samson looked more fluent, and Abhishek Sharma stayed true to his aggressive template despite falling first ball.

Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stressed that Abhishek’s approach remains backed, with regular discussions around match-ups and decision-making. India see value in intent, even when outcomes do not fall their way. Those lessons could prove important as they fine-tune combinations for the World Cup.

Abhishek Sharma’s golden duck in Vizag did little to change how India view his role. The left-hander attacked first ball, even without the safety net of batting depth, reflecting the clarity India want from their top order.

According to Sitanshu Kotak, Abhishek’s method is supported, with constant dialogue around bowlers, pace and options. The focus is not on restraint but on informed aggression. As India move closer to the World Cup, Abhishek’s fearless intent continues to be seen as an asset rather than a risk.

For New Zealand, Vizag felt like more than just a win. Matt Henry described it as a learning experience, where being put under pressure helped the group grow in confidence rather than retreat.

The visitors showed a clearer understanding of modern T20 demands, both with bat and ball. Their ability to absorb pressure and respond positively has been one of the key takeaways from the series, setting them up well heading into the World Cup phase.

New Zealand are set to be strengthened by the return of Finn Allen, fresh from a prolific BBL campaign. His likely opening partnership with Tim Seifert adds serious firepower at the top of the order.

Against an Indian side that prefers to dictate terms early, Allen’s presence could tilt the balance in short bursts. With New Zealand keen to counter India’s methods rather than merely react to them, the opening exchanges could define the final T20I.

A full house, a flat centre pitch and the possibility of dew make Greenfield Stadium an ideal stage for a high-scoring finale. Mitchell Santner has already spoken about expecting a flat surface and short boundaries, and past evidence supports that view.

India last posted 235 at this venue, underlining its scoring potential. With momentum up for grabs and the World Cup around the corner, both teams will see this final T20I as a valuable rehearsal under conditions that could closely mirror what lies ahead.