The five-match T20I series will now be played in Thiruvananthapuram India Looks like it will have a high following New Zealand makes comeback in Visakhapatnam. Even though India leads 3-1, the T20I final remains an important opportunity for both sides to test their depth and resolve ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.

The Greenfield International Stadium in Kerala will provide a unique atmosphere, with humid conditions and seaside breezes having a noticeable impact on the action. Unlike the high-scoring tracks seen before in the series, this venue is renowned for being one of the best bowling-friendly venues in the country. Series has been decided, local heroes Sanzhou Samson He’ll be in the spotlight as he returns to his hometown in search of a highlight-reel performance. The Men in Blue are aiming for a 4-1 scoreline, while the Blackcaps will be looking to carry the momentum of their 50-point win into this final encounter.

IND vs NZ 5th T20I: Likely starting 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: Devin Conway, Tim Seifert (right), Rachin Ravindra, Darryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (right), Zachary Fox, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy.

Greenfield International Stadium Promotion Report

The pitch at Greenfield International Stadium is widely regarded as a balanced surface with a slight slope that favors bowlers. Traditionally, the track has not been a typical ‘highway’ for the batsmen and usually offers enough grip and turns to keep spinners interested throughout the middle overs. Early on, moisture from the nearby coast and the fresh nature of the course can help seamers find movement off the decks. However, as the game progresses, the speed of the surface tends to slow down, making it more difficult for batsmen to hit the line, forcing them to rely on batting rotation.

One of the biggest factors at this venue is the high humidity and subsequent evening dew. While the first innings can be tough for the batsmen, the arrival of dew in the second half tends to make the ball slide onto the bat, easing the chase considerably. Therefore, the captain who wins the toss will almost certainly choose to bowl first to take advantage of the easier batting conditions later in the night. Batsmen need to be careful early on as the ball may stay on the surface, but once it settles they can take advantage of the ball’s slippery nature under the lights.

Also read: IND vs NZ: Suryakumar Yadav explains decision to bat second and use only 6 specialist batsmen during fourth T20I

Greenfield International Stadium Statistics and Records

• Total number of T20I matches: 7
• Matches won by batting first: 4
• First to win the bowling game: 3
• Average score in first game: 155
• Average score in second game: 143
• Highest overall record: 235/4 India vs Australia
• Minimum total records:
• Chasing the highest score: 173/2 West Indies vs India
• Minimum defensive score: India vs New Zealand 67/5

Also read: IND vs NZ: Sunil Gavaskar slams Sanju Samson for dismissal in Vizag T20I match