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India vs New Zealand 5th T20I free Live Streaming: India will take on New Zealand in the fifth and final T20I of the series on Sunday, November 1. The match will be played at Seddon Park in Hamilton, with the Indian team management likely to make a few changes to the playing XI.
With the series already decided, India could use the final match to give opportunities to players who have spent most of the tour on the bench. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy are among the players who could get a chance to feature in the playing XI.
Both spinners are important members of India’s T20I setup but have not played a single match in the ongoing series. The final game could give the team management an opportunity to test them ahead of future assignments.
Shivam Dube could replace Nitish Kumar Reddy
Shivam Dube is another player who could get his first game of the series. The all-rounder has not featured in any of the first four matches and could replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in the playing XI.
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Reddy had a difficult outing in the fourth T20I at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday. New Zealand batters took him for 32 runs in one over, while he could manage only 21 runs off 10 balls during India’s chase of 260.
Dube’s ability to hit big shots and contribute with the ball could make him an option for the final match.
Will Bhuvneshwar Kumar get another opportunity?
Bhuvneshwar Kumar could also return to the playing XI after missing the fourth T20I. The experienced pacer played the first three matches but managed to pick up only one wicket.
His performance led to him being left out of the fourth match. However, with the series result already decided, India could consider giving the veteran fast bowler another opportunity to make an impact.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s selection in focus
Another selection decision that will attract attention is the possible return of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi.
The 15-year-old batter from Bihar was left out of the playing XI for the fourth T20I, despite impressing with the bat in the third match at the Hnry Stadium. His exclusion raised questions, especially considering his recent performance.
Sooryavanshi is not yet a regular opener in India’s T20I setup, but the final match could provide him with another opportunity. He could be considered in place of Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson or Ishan Kishan, depending on the combination India want to try.
Seddon Park pitch report for IND vs NZ 5th T20I
The Seddon Park surface in Hamilton is generally considered a good one for batting. The pitch usually offers consistent pace and bounce, allowing batters to play their shots with confidence.
Fast bowlers could get some assistance with the new ball, particularly under lights. The conditions in the evening, along with moisture in the air, may help them generate some early swing.
The pitch will improve as the game goes on. Spinners can also come into picture if they are good at variations and flight.
The ground has relatively short boundaries, with both straight and square boundaries measuring around 65 metres. This makes it a challenging venue for bowlers, as batters can take advantage of the dimensions.
Average first-innings score
Around 171-172 runs in T20Is at the venue.
When and where will the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I take place?
The fifth T20I between India and New Zealand will be played at Seddon Park, Hamilton, on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
What time will the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I begin?
The fifth T20I between India and New Zealand is scheduled to begin at 12:30 PM IST on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Which TV channel will telecast the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I?
The 5th T20I between India and New Zealand will be telecast live on the Sony Sports Network’s television channels in India.
How can fans watch the India vs New Zealand 5th T20I online in India?
The 5th T20I between India and New Zealand will be streamed live on the SonyLIV app and website in India from 12:30 PM IST onwards.
How can Indian fans watch the India vs New Zealand fifth T20I for free?
The fifth T20I between India and New Zealand will also be broadcast on DD Sports, where fans can watch the live action for free.
India vs New Zealand playing XIs
India’s (probable playing XI) for 5th T20I: Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Shreyas Iyer (C), Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Naman Dhir, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mayank Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.
New Zealand (probable Playing XI) for 5th T20I: Finn Allen, Tim Seifert(w), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Adam Milne, Jacob Duffy, Matthew Fisher