The five-match T20I series will now culminates in Thiruvananthapuram as India looks to finish on a high following New Zealand’s spirited comeback in Visakhapatnam. Despite India holding a 3-1 lead, the final T20I remains a vital opportunity for both sides to test their depth and resolve before the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The Greenfield International Stadium, in Kerala, will offers a distinct atmosphere where the humid conditions and seaside breeze significantly influence play. Unlike the high-scoring tracks seen earlier in the series, this venue is renowned for being one of the more bowling-friendly surfaces in the country. With the series already decided, local hero Sanju Samson will be under the spotlight as he returns to his home turf seeking a big performance. The ‘Men in Blue’ will aim for a 4-1 scoreline, while the Black Caps hope to carry the momentum from their 50-run victory into this final clash.
IND vs NZ 5th T20I: Probable Playing XI
India: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (c), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy
New Zealand: Devon Conway, Tim Seifert (wk), Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.
Greenfield International Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at the Greenfield International Stadium is widely regarded as a balanced surface that skews slightly in favor of the bowlers. Traditionally, the track is not a typical ‘highway’ for batters, often providing enough grip and turn to keep the spinners interested throughout the middle overs. Early on, the moisture from the nearby coast and the fresh nature of the pitch can assist seamers in finding movement off the deck. However, as the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down, making it harder for batters to hit through the line and forcing them to rely on strike rotation.
One of the biggest factors at this venue is the high humidity and the subsequent heavy evening dew. While the first innings can be a grind for batters, the arrival of dew in the second half often makes the ball skid onto the bat, significantly easing the chase. Consequently, the captain winning the toss is almost certain to opt for bowling first to exploit the easier batting conditions later in the night. Batters will need to be cautious early on, as the ball can hold in the surface, but once settled, they can capitalize on the skidding nature of the ball under lights.
Greenfield International Stadium Stats & Records
- Total T20I 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 by India vs Australia
- Lowest Total Recorded:
- Highest Score Chased: 173/2 by West Indies vs India
- Lowest Score Defended: 67/5 by India vs New Zealand
Also READ: IND vs NZ: Sunil Gavaskar slams Sanju Samson over dismissal in Vizag T20I
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