Thiruvananthapuram, India — January 31, 2026: The final match of the India National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team five-match T20I series is underway at the Greenfield International Stadium with India winning the toss and choosing to bat first. The series — already clinched by India with a 3-1 lead — now sees both sides aiming to finish with momentum ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.
🏏 Match Progress & Key Scorecard Updates
- Toss: India won and elected to bat first.
- Current Score (Live): India 14/0 after 1.1 overs
- Abhishek Sharma: 14 (6) (2 fours, 1 six) — explosive start in very early overs
- Sanju Samson: 0 (1)
- Bowling (NZ): Jacob Duffy and Kyle Jamieson have been given the new ball.
The live scorecard reflects a positive start for India’s innings with Abhishek Sharma striking quickly. Detailed innings progress is ongoing and will be updated as the match unfolds.
📊 Series Recap — India vs New Zealand T20I 2026
Here’s how the five-T20I series has unfolded so far:
📍 1st T20I — Nagpur
- India 238/7 (20 overs) defeated New Zealand 190/7 by 48 runs.
India dominated with a strong total and restrained New Zealand’s chase.
📍 2nd & 3rd T20Is
- India consolidated control with commanding performances, including an eight-wicket win in the 3rd T20I, achieved inside just 10 overs — one of the fastest successful chases of 150+ in T20I history.
📍 4th T20I — Visakhapatnam
- New Zealand snapped their losing streak with a convincing 50-run victory, scoring 215/7 and bowling India out for 165. Tim Seifert’s 62 was a highlight for the visitors.
📌 Team News & Context Ahead of Final Match
- The series serves as a final preparation before the T20 World Cup 2026.
- Selection intrigue continues as India debates wicketkeeper-batting roles between Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, adding narrative weight to the final T20I.
- With fitness returning for players like Axar Patel and potential lineup tweaks, the final match also doubles as a tactical practice for World Cup selectors.
📍 Match Importance
While the series victory is already secured by India, the fifth T20I carries added significance:
- Final chance for fringe players to stake claims for T20 World Cup selection.
- Young performers like Abhishek Sharma and Shivam Dube have already showcased explosive batting displays during the series.
📺 Live Streaming & Broadcast
Fans across India can follow the live scorecard updates and streaming on platforms such as Star Sports and JioHotstar, with continuous ball-by-ball commentary and post-match analysis as the game progresses.
📰 Summary
- Series: India vs New Zealand — 5 T20Is (India leads 3-1)
- Current Match: 5th T20I (Jan 31, 2026)
- Venue: Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram
- Status: India batting first — Live score 14/0 in early overs
- Cricketing Context: Final warm-up before T20 World Cup 2026 with team selection stakes high.
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