New Zealand vs India, 5th T20I Preview: Series Numbers and What to Watch
Updated: 31 October 2026 · Author: Cricket Match Scorecard Editorial
The five-match series between New Zealand and India ends at Seddon Park in Hamilton on 1 November 2026. India lead 3-1, so the series is decided, but this has been one of the highest-scoring T20 series you will see. Here is what the numbers say before the final game.
This preview was written before the match, using results up to and including the fourth T20I on 30 October 2026. Team line-ups had not been confirmed. Check the live cricket score page for the match itself.
The series so far
| Match | Venue | New Zealand | India | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Christchurch | 225/4 | 230/6 (19.4) | India by 4 wickets |
| 2nd | Christchurch | 180/5 | 181/6 (19.5) | India by 4 wickets |
| 3rd | Wellington | 198/3 | 199/4 (13.2) | India by 6 wickets |
| 4th | Auckland | 259/7 | 172/9 | New Zealand by 87 runs |
The two teams have scored an average of about 205 per innings so far. India have chosen to bowl first after winning all four tosses, which has worked three times out of four.
Leading batters in the series
| Batter | Team | Runs | Balls | SR | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glenn Phillips | NZ | 276 | 146 | 189.04 | 17 |
| Abhishek Sharma | IND | 196 | 86 | 227.91 | 16 |
| Daryl Mitchell | NZ | 147 | 85 | 172.94 | 8 |
| Bevon Jacobs | NZ | 135 | 92 | 146.74 | 5 |
| Finn Allen | NZ | 132 | 80 | 165.00 | 10 |
| Naman Dhir | IND | 105 | 46 | 228.26 | 7 |
| Sanju Samson | IND | 103 | 65 | 158.46 | 5 |
The contrast between the top two is a good lesson in average versus strike rate. Phillips has made 80 more runs and has been dismissed three times, for an average of 92. Abhishek has a much higher strike rate but has been dismissed in all four innings, for an average of 49.
Leading bowlers in the series
Mitchell Santner has been the most effective bowler, with nine wickets. In a series where 8–10 an over is normal, he has conceded 101 from 15 overs, an economy of 6.73. Jacob Duffy has taken five wickets, four of them in Auckland, and for India, Arshdeep Singh also has five wickets.
What to watch in Hamilton
Will India bowl first again?
India have backed themselves to chase in every match, and the plan has largely worked. But Auckland showed how badly it can go when a team concedes 259 and then loses two early wickets.
Can New Zealand's top order fire?
Tim Seifert has made only 36 runs in four innings. New Zealand's most damaging partnerships have come from the middle order, led by Phillips. A strong opening would take some pressure off them.
India's death bowling
New Zealand have scored at very high rates towards the end of their innings, especially in Auckland. India's selection and bowling plans at the death are worth watching, and a tidy spell at the end could make the difference.
Follow the match
Follow the score on the live cricket score page, and use our chase planner to test the equation if it gets close. New to T20 cricket? Start with how the powerplay works.