Santner opts to bowl as NZ host India in series‑deciding T20I

Match Details

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bowl first in the fifth T20I against India at Hamilton. India have already clinched the series by winning the first three games, but New Zealand kept the contest alive by taking the fourth match by 81 runs.

Team Changes

New Zealand dropped Matthew Fisher and brought in fast bowler Blair Tickner for the final game. India made two alterations: seasoned pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar returned to the playing XI, and leg‑spinning all‑rounder Varun Chakaravarthy was named to play his first match on the tour. Fast‑bowling newcomers Mayank Yadav and all‑rounder Axar Patel were left out.

Player Insight

Mayank Yadav recalled a story he heard from former Australia coach Justin Langer, who once told him that Shoaib Akhtar’s aggressive personality made him the quickest bowler Langer had faced. Yadav said to Star Sports that he himself is calm by nature and works around his lack of aggression.

Context

The series win gives India a clean sweep in the first three games, while New Zealand’s win in the fourth shows they can bounce back. The toss decision reflects the hosts’ confidence in their bowling attack on a pitch that favours seam movement. Both teams will be keen to finish the series on a high note, with India aiming to maintain momentum and New Zealand hoping to finish with a win.