Can Sanju Samson Shine as India Seeks Series Finale Victory Against New Zealand?
Synopsis
The upcoming 5th T20I between India and New Zealand promises to be thrilling as Sanju Samson looks to turn his fortunes around. With a series win already in hand, can India secure a 4-1 finish while the Kiwis aim for redemption? Tune in to find out!
Key Takeaways
Sanju Samson aims to find form in the final match.
India seeks a 4-1 series finish.
New Zealand looks for redemption after their series loss.
Greenfield Stadium has been favorable for India.
The match is crucial for both teams ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 30 (NationPress) All attention is on local favorite Sanju Samson as Team India aims to conclude the five-match T20I series on a victorious note against New Zealand at the Greenfield Stadium this Saturday.
The 31-year-old batsman has found it challenging to make a significant impact during this series. After stepping into the opening position following Shubman Gill's exclusion from the team, Samson has accumulated a mere 40 runs across four innings against the Black Caps.
Following their series victory by securing the first three matches, India experimented during the fourth T20I held in Vizag on Wednesday, opting for an additional bowler instead of Ishan Kishan.
New Zealand set a daunting target of 215 runs after being put to bat first, with impressive performances from Tim Seifert and Devon Conway. India faced a rough start in their chase, losing early wickets. Despite a commendable 65 runs from Shivam Dube, India succumbed to a 50-run defeat.
As the Men in Blue strive for a 4-1 series finish, potential adjustments to the playing XI are anticipated. Ishan Kishan may rejoin the squad after his absence in the last match, and Varun Chakravarthy could also return after being rested in the previous two games.
India boasts a solid record at the Greenfield Stadium, winning three out of four T20I matches held there. The average first innings score at this venue stands at 155, with a record high of 235 runs made by India against Australia in 2023.
With historical success, momentum, and confidence in their favor, India will be looking for another strong performance, while New Zealand hopes to conclude their tour with a win ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7.
When: Saturday, Jan 30, 7:00 PM IST
Where: Greenfield Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
Where to watch: Star Sports Network for live TV broadcast and JioHotstar for live streaming
Squads:
India: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (VC), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Ravi Bishnoi
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (capt), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wk), Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, James Neesham, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Ish Sodhi.
Point of View
It is essential to highlight the significance of this match not only for the players involved but also for the upcoming tournaments. India's performance reflects its cricketing prowess, while New Zealand seeks to build momentum despite the series loss. This game offers a chance for both teams to showcase their skills and resilience.
NationPress
21 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the date and time of the 5th T20I?
The 5th T20I will take place on Saturday, Jan 30, at 7:00 PM IST.
Where can I watch the match live?
The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network, with live streaming available on JioHotstar.
What is the record of India at Greenfield Stadium?
India has won three out of the four T20I matches played at Greenfield Stadium.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
Key players include Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube for India, and Tim Seifert, Devon Conway for New Zealand.
What is the significance of this match for New Zealand?
For New Zealand, this match is crucial as they look to end the tour on a high note before the T20 World Cup 2026.
