India will look to end their T20I series against New Zealand on a positive note when the two sides meet in the fifth and final match in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. Although the hosts have already secured the five-match series by winning the first three games, they suffered a 50-run defeat in the fourth T20I.

New Zealand posted a challenging total of 215 for 7 in the previous match, with Tim Seifert striking an aggressive half-century. Devon Conway and Daryl Mitchell added valuable contributions to push the visitors to a commanding score. In response, Shivam Dube provided resistance with a powerful knock, but India failed to keep up with the required run rate and fell well short.

With this match being India’s final T20I before the upcoming T20 World Cup, the team management is expected to field players who are likely to feature in the global tournament.

Sanju Samson is set for a crucial outing in front of his home crowd. The wicketkeeper-batter has managed just 40 runs across four matches in the series and will be keen to regain form. He is expected to open the batting alongside the in-form Abhishek Sharma.

Ishan Kishan is likely to return to the XI and slot in at No. 3, while captain Suryakumar Yadav is expected to move back to his preferred No. 4 position. Shivam Dube is set to retain his place following his recent performance and is also expected to provide a bowling option if required.

Axar Patel, who missed games earlier due to a finger injury sustained in the opening T20I, is expected to make his comeback. India’s spin attack is likely to feature Varun Chakaravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav as specialist spinners.

In the pace department, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh are expected to lead the attack. All-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to be rested after featuring in the first four matches of the series.

India predicted XI for 5th T20I vs New Zealand

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, Axar Patel, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh

Shivam Dube produced a sensational counter-attacking half-century, but India suffered a comprehensive 50-run defeat against New Zealand in the fourth T20I at Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, as the visitors narrowed the series margin to 3-1.

Chasing a stiff target of 216, India’s innings never gathered momentum after losing early wickets. Dube’s blistering knock of 65 off just 23 balls briefly lifted hopes, but the hosts were eventually dismissed for 165.

India’s chase got off to a disastrous start with Abhishek Sharma falling to the very first ball, mistiming Matt Henry to deep point. Suryakumar Yadav followed soon after, undone by a sharp return catch from Jacob Duffy, leaving India reeling at 9 for two.

Rinku Singh and Sanju Samson attempted to stabilise the innings, but both struggled to accelerate against disciplined New Zealand bowling. Rinku scored 39 before being trapped leg-before by Zak Foulkes, while Samson’s promising stay ended when Mitchell Santner beat him with a straight delivery.

Hardik Pandya failed to make an impact, and India slipped further to 82 for five in the 11th over. It was then that Dube launched a fierce counter-attack, displaying remarkable power and composure despite the rising asking rate.

Dube survived a leg-before decision on 46 via DRS and punished leg-spinner Ish Sodhi with a stunning 29-run over, including five boundaries and three sixes. He brought up his fifty in just 15 balls, clearing the ropes off Duffy, but lacked support from the other end. The sixth-wicket stand added 63 runs, though Harshit Rana contributed only four.

Dube’s innings came to an unfortunate end when Rana’s straight drive deflected off Henry’s hand and crashed into the stumps at the non-striker’s end, effectively ending India’s chase.

Earlier, New Zealand laid the foundation for their imposing total through an explosive opening stand between Tim Seifert and Devon Conway. Seifert top-scored with 62 off 36 balls, striking seven fours and three sixes, while Conway made 44.

The pair raced to 71 without loss in the Power Play and stitched together a 100-run opening partnership. Though India managed to pull things back in the middle overs by taking quick wickets, Daryl Mitchell’s unbeaten 39 off 18 balls powered New Zealand past the 200-run mark.

Despite a brief slowdown, the visitors finished with a commanding total that proved too much for India on the night.

Scotland on Monday announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to begin on February 7 and jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.

The European side was added to the tournament after the International Cricket Council replaced Bangladesh, following the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s decision not to send its team to India due to security concerns. Scotland will be led by Richie Berrington, who has previously captained the side in major international tournaments.

Scotland have featured in six of the nine editions of the T20 World Cup so far, having participated in the 2007, 2009, 2016, 2021, 2022 and 2024 editions.

Squad balance and new faces

Along with the main squad, Scotland also named two travelling reserves and three non-travelling reserves for the marquee event.

Cricket Scotland’s head of performance Steve Snell expressed confidence in the squad’s balance and preparation for sub-continent conditions. He said the selected group offers flexibility for different match situations and challenges expected in India.

Snell also highlighted opportunities for younger players, particularly pacer Zainullah Ihsan, who has impressed at youth and ‘A’ team levels with his pace and skill set. He added that Oliver Davidson earned his place through consistent effort and improvement over recent months.

According to Snell, the players are motivated to compete against the world’s best and are eager to make an impact on the global stage.

Group C fixtures and opening match

Scotland have been placed in Group C, alongside England, Italy, Nepal and the West Indies. Their campaign will begin on February 7 with an opening fixture against the West Indies at Eden Gardens.

Scotland squad for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Squad:
Richie Berrington (captain), Tom Bruce, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Oliver Davidson, Chris Greaves, Zainullah Ihsan, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt, Bradley Wheal

Travelling reserves:
Jasper Davidson, Jack Jarvis

Non-travelling reserves:
Mackenzie Jones, Chris McBride, Charlie Tear