The five-match T20I series will now conclude in Thiruvananthapuram India looks like finishing with a high following Live return of New Zealand in Visakhapatnam. Despite India’s 3-1 lead, the final T20I remains a crucial opportunity for both sides to test and settle their depth ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
The Greenfield International Stadium in Kerala will offer a different atmosphere where the humid conditions and the sea breeze significantly affect the game. Unlike the high-scoring tracks seen earlier in the series, this venue is known for being one of the more bowling-friendly locations in the country. Already decided with the series, the local hero Sanju Samson will be in the spotlight as he returns home in search of a big performance. The Men in Blue will be aiming for a 4-1 record, while the Black Caps will be hoping to carry the momentum into this final clash after their 50th win.
IND vs NZ 5th T20I: Probable 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 Field Report
The pitch at the Greenfield International Stadium is considered a balanced surface with a slight tilt in favor of the bowlers. Traditionally, the track is not a typical “highway” for the inclined, often providing enough grip and turn to keep spinners interested in medium gears. Early on, the humidity from the nearby coast and the fresh nature of the pitch can help sailors find action off the deck. However, as the game progresses, the surface tends to slow down, making it difficult for batsmen to get through the line and forcing them to rely on strike spin.
One of the biggest factors in this location is the high humidity and subsequent heavy evening dew. While the first innings can be difficult for the batters, the arrival of the dew in the second half often slips the ball into the bat and makes the chase considerably easier. Consequently, the captain who wins the toss is sure to prefer bowling 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 settled they can take advantage of the ball’s glide under the lights.
Greenfield International Stadium Statistics and Records
- Total T20I Matches: 7
- Matches won in first innings: 4
- Matches won in bowling: 3
- Average 1st Shot Score: 155
- Average 2nd Shot Score: 143
- Highest total recorded: 235/4 India vs Australia
- Lowest Overall Record:
- Highest Score Pursued: 173/2 West Indies v India
- Lowest score defended: 67/5 with India and New Zealand
Also READ: IND vs NZ: Sunil Gavaskar slams Sanju Samson for dismissal in Vizag T20I
