The last two T20I matches of New Zealand vs India 2020 T20I series proved to be a nightmare for hosts. Both the games went into the super over but the results didn’t change. India went on to win both matches against New Zealand. In the fourth T20I match, Indian pacer Shardul Thakur was the game-changer. In his over, Kiwis lost as many as four wickets which led the one-over eliminator to decide the fate of the penultimate T20I.
Having played four games, India had not lost any of the matches. Now, the two teams will head to play the fifth and the last T20I match on Sunday.
Date: 02/02/2020
Venue: Bay Oval, Tauranga
Crucial opportunity for Sanju Samson
In the fourth T20I match, Sanju Samson was given chance as an opener while Rohit Sharma was given rest. Although the wicketkeeper-batsman failed to grab the opportunity. After striking a gorgeous maximum, he played a rash shot and was sent back to the pavilion. He scored 8 runs in off 5 balls
Indian captain Virat Kohli will like to give him a chance in the last T20I match. So, it will be a golden opportunity for the Kerela player to showcase his talent.
New Zealand Team would like to win the last match:
The host have given a tough fight in the four T20I matches played. But the players could not lead the team to the finishing margin. In the 4th and 5th contest, it looked that they are about to win the game but unfortunately, the hosts lost their momentum in the game.
Although they have lost the series, but the victory in the last T20I match might boost their confidence.
Also, Kane Williamson might return in the fifth T20I match. He was ruled out from the previous match as he was injured in the third T20I match.
New Zealand vs India 2020: Head to Head
| Team | Total | Won | Lost | No result/Tied |
| New Zealand | 15 | 8 | 7 | 0/0 |
| India | 15 | 7 | 8 | 0/0 |
Weather forecast:
According to weather reports, there are no threats of rain. The day will be shinny while wind will play a major role in the game. The lowest temperature expected is 19°C and the highest temperature will be 29°C.
Pitch Condition:
Bay Oval pitch is similar to the Indian pitch. So, Virat Kohli and Co. didn’t have to do many changes in their tactics. Chasing down the target will be easier in this pitch.
India’s Predictable XI:
| Players | Role |
| Sanju Samson | Opening Batsman |
| KL Rahul | Opening Batsman |
| Virat Kohli (c) | Batsman |
| Shreyas Iyer | Batsman |
| Manish Pandey | Wk-Batsman |
| Washington Sundar | Allrounder |
| Shivam Dube | Allrounder |
| Shardul Thakur | Bowler |
| Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler |
| Navdeep Saini | Bowler |
| Yuzvendra Chahal | Bowler |
New Zealand’s Predicted XI:
| Players | Role |
| Martin Guptill | Opening Batsman |
| Colin Munro | Opening Batsman |
| Kane Williamson(c) | Batsman |
| Ross Taylor | Batsman |
| Tim Seifert | Wk-Batsman |
| Daryll Mitchell | Allrounder |
| Scott Kuggeleijn | Allrounder |
| Mitchell Santner | Bowler |
| Tim Southee | Bowler |
| Hamish Bennett | Bowler |
| Ish Sodhi | Bowler |
Match Prediction:
We think India will win the mitch. Being confident, India had an edge over the Kiwis. The Men in Blue can complete a series whitewash against New Zealand. While the hosts are playing for their pride.