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The fifth and decisive match of the five-match T20 series being played between India and New Zealand will be played on Saturday, May 31 at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. This match will start at 7 pm Indian time, while the toss will be done at 6:30 pm. The special thing is that this match will also be India’s last international match before the T20 World Cup, hence this match is considered very important for both the teams.

India is a strong contender for T20 World Cup

In the last match played in Vizag (Visakhapatnam), India had to face defeat by 50 runs. The strategy of six batsmen and five bowlers tried in that match did not prove effective for the team. Despite this, Team India is still considered the strongest contender for the T20 World Cup. India’s winning percentage in this series has been around 80 percent, which is even better than a team like Australia.

It was a matter of relief for the Indian team that Kuldeep Yadav and Sanju Samson showed signs of returning to their form. This match is going to be special for Sanju Samson, because for the first time in his international career, he will be seen playing in his home ground Thiruvananthapuram. Whereas Abhishek Sharma may have been the victim of a golden duck in the last match, but he did not compromise with his aggressive playing style, which got the full support of captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Possibility of Ishan Kishan’s return

Team management can make some changes in this match. There is a possibility of Ishan Kishan and Akshar Patel returning to the playing eleven. Hardik Pandya, who has played four consecutive matches, can be rested. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak had also given hints regarding the playing eleven in the press conference before the match. Everyone’s eyes will be on whether Shreyas Iyer will get a chance or not.

On the other hand, New Zealand team would also like to end the series strong by winning this match. Finn Allen, who has joined the team after BBL commitments, can replace Devon Conway in the top order. There is still suspense regarding the fitness of Michael Bracewell, because he was injured recently.

Probable playing XI of New Zealand in Thiruvananthapuram T20: Tim Seifert (wicket-keeper), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Zachary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.

India’s squad for T20 series: Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dubey, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakraborty, Rinku Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Ravi Bishnoi, Harshit Rana.