New Zealand chose to field after the toss against India in the fifth T20I at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on November 1. India lead the five-match series 3-1 after New Zealand claimed an 87-run win in Auckland in the previous match.
India head into the final T20I against New Zealand with a 3-1 series lead, but the 87-run defeat in Auckland has raised questions over selection. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could return at the top, while Kuldeep Yadav or Varun Chakravarthy are options to strengthen the spin attack.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner became the leading T20I wicket-taker against India with 32 scalps in 31 matches during the fourth T20I in Auckland. His 2/24 also took him past 150 career wickets in the format.
India captain Shreyas Iyer admitted the bowling effort fell short after New Zealand piled up 259/7 and won the fourth T20I by 87 runs in Auckland. Iyer pointed to the powerplay, Glenn Phillips’ century and the challenge of adapting to Eden Park’s dimensions.
Glenn Phillips smashes 107 off 49 balls as New Zealand score 259/7 and defeat India by 87 runs in the fourth T20I at Auckland. Jacob Duffy takes 4/23.
New Zealand have named a 16-member squad for their five-match T20I series against India, with Mitchell Santner as captain and Adam Milne returning. Rachin Ravindra misses the T20I series with a shoulder injury as the Black Caps prepare for the opening match on October 22, 2026.
