The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has started official procedures to investigate claims about overpriced drinking water at the fifth T20I match between India and New Zealand which took place in Thiruvananthapuram on January 31. The issue started when videos and social media posts showed that spectators had to pay more than the legal admission fees at some stadium locations.

KCA seeks explanation over pricing lapses, assures strict action to protect fans

The KCA declared through a press release that the organization considered the issue to be extremely important and had already reported the problem to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The association reported that they had created extensive arrangements to provide fans with a smooth and enjoyable experience which should not be disturbed by any irregularities that occurred.

According to the BCCI agreement with the beverage sponsor for international matches the price of 200 ml packaged drinking water was set at ₹10 while 250 ml energy drinks and juices were priced at ₹50. The contracted agency received instructions to display all rates at every stall. The agency needed to keep enough products when customers arrived and to follow the Green Protocol which required them to handle their business operations in an environmentally friendly way.

ALSO SEE: Babar Azam overtakes Virat Kohli in major T20I record ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

The venue reports indicated that certain areas charged customers higher fees. The KCA has requested an explanation from the relevant agency about these complaints while the BCCI plans to take appropriate action after investigating the situation. The association expressed deep regret to the audience about the disturbances and announced that they would implement strict steps to prevent similar problems from occurring in upcoming games.

India’s record-breaking batting show completes series on a high despite off-field issue

The field battle which attracted public attention developed into a high-scoring sports show. India achieved their third-highest T20 International total by scoring 271 runs with five wickets remaining through their batting performance. After losing early wickets Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav built a 137-run partnership which led India to victory while Hardik Pandya completed the match with his final performance. 

New Zealand started their chase aggressively but they managed to score only 225 runs which resulted in their defeat by 46 runs against India. The thrilling cricket match brought excitement to fans but the off-field problem required immediate action from administrators while KCA maintained its dedication to safeguarding fan rights during international matches.

New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell shared a heartfelt moment of admiration after receiving a signed jersey from India’s batting icon Virat Kohli, following the conclusion of the recently finished India vs New Zealand ODI series. The gesture came just minutes after New Zealand defeated India by 41 runs in the third ODI, sealing the three-match series 2–1.

Mitchell maintained his excellent performance during the series while showing great respect for Kohli because he considered the jersey to be a valuable item that he would keep for life. “It’ll definitely be framed somewhere in the office for many years to come. I’ve got so much respect for Virat for how he plays the game, how he does it day in, day out for almost two decades now,” Mitchell told Hindustan Times. He admitted to being inspired by the Indian superstar while he described Kohli's batting style and his general approach toward playing cricket.

Mitchell delivered an exceptional performance during the match. He tormented the Indian bowling attack with two centuries in the series and played a pivotal role in the decider, scoring a commanding 137 off 131 balls to help New Zealand post a daunting total of 337 runs. His consistency and composure earned him the Player of the Series award, having amassed 352 runs at a staggering average of 176.

ALSO SEE: Star RCB pacer likely to miss early phase of the T20 World Cup 2026; replacement announced

Kohli’s lone century, heartfelt gesture cap off historic New Zealand series win

The statement needs to be rephrased with simpler language and more complex sentence structures which will maintain the same word count and HTML elements. The Indian cricket team relied on Kohli for their third consecutive test match. He scored his 54th ODI century by reaching 124 runs from 108 balls to chase a difficult target. India lost the match because their players kept getting out while the opposing team succeeded in taking all their wickets to finish the game at 296 runs.

The post-match scenes, however, captured the spirit of the game. Kohli walked across to the New Zealand camp, handed Mitchell his signed jersey, and shared a warm embrace - an act that highlighted mutual respect beyond the fierce on-field rivalry.

New Zealand’s series victory marked a historic achievement because it became their first-ever ODI series win on Indian territory. The match result proved difficult for the home team to accept but Kohli's act of goodwill toward Mitchell showed them the proper way to conduct themselves in international cricket.

India's decisive 4-1 T20I series victory against New Zealand arrived at the optimal moment for the team because they completed their final preparations before the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup. The tournament will take place which India will co-host together with Sri Lanka, as the team enters the international competition with confidence derived from their consistent performance and roster depth and determined player responsibilities.

India achieved successful results through the series yet the research demonstrated their advanced development as a team which plays T20 cricket. Suryakumar Yadav made his first appearance as captain during an ICC tournament when he showed both batting and leadership skills to his team. His 63 runs during the fifth T20I match demonstrated his current batting form which he uses to create a positive atmosphere throughout his team.

Strong top order and smart learnings set India up for World Cup push

Suryakumar observed that teams gain two benefits from winning matches because they improve their team spirit and receive important educational opportunities. The Indian coaching staff concentrates on finding areas which need improvement for their team despite winning matches because the captain considers this approach essential for World Cup preparations. The five-match series provided him with perfect preparation because it enabled the team to test different player combinations while practicing their skills in high-pressure game situations.

ALSO SEE: Watch: Jatin Sapru trolls PM of Pakistan Shahbaz Shariff post India’s victory in IND vs NZ 5th T20I 

The explosive opening partnership created a major advantage for India. The top order batsmen developed a fearless batting style through their practice sessions with Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma. Kishan scored 103 runs from 43 balls which became the most impressive performance of the series and helped India achieve one of their highest T20I scores. Abhishek's aggressive style of play combined with his intent showed that he continuously pressured New Zealand during the match.

Suryakumar praised both openers for staying true to their natural game, noting how their attacking approach eases pressure on the middle order and finishers. India will approach the World Cup which starts on February 7 with their current momentum and clear understanding of their roles and their combination of excitement and confidence and complete readiness.

After Pakistan’s victory against the Australia during the opening T20I of the three-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the home side’s Prime Minister called the victory as an electrifying performance as he also appreciated the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Mohsin Naqvi, and the entire team for their efforts in the national side. 

Now, after India’s massive first innings score of the fifth T20I of the five-match series against New Zealand at the Greenfield International Cricket Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The Indian broadcaster, Jatin Sapru, called the performance the ‘real electrifying’ show with the bat ahead of the 2026 season of the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

See Also: Watch: Arshdeep Singh celebrates fifer during IND vs NZ 5th T20I

“I took a break for an event with MS Dhoni, and the team scored 271/5 on that same evening. Zero civic sense. I asked Dhoni about the performance of the team, and he said, it’s such a dangerous side. This is called electrifying performance against a full-strength side. This is electrifying. If you know, you know.”

Jatin Sapru mocks Shahbaz Shariff’s ‘electrifying’ performance comment

India posted the score thanks to the phenomenal knock of 103 runs in just 43 balls from their number three batter, Ishan Kishan, with the help of six boundaries and 10 sixes at a strike rate of 239.53. Their captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has clubbed 63 runs in 30 balls at a strike rate of 210, decorated with four fours and six sixes.

Watch the video here: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jatin Sapru (@jatin_sapru)

“Well done Team Pakistan for an electrifying performance against Australia in the first T20I. I also appreciate Chairman PCB, Mohsin Naqvi, and his entire team for their tireless efforts in strengthening Pakistan cricket. Proud moment for the nation.” Shariff wrote on his post in X (formerly known as Twitter) on January 30.

In reply, the Blackcaps were bundled out for 225 runs in 19.4 overs as Finn Allen cracked 80 runs in 38 balls with the help of eight boundaries and six sixes at a strike rate of 210.53, Even Ish Sodhi also collected 33 runs in 15 balls at a strike rate of 220.

Brief Scores: India 271/5 (Ishan Kishan 103, Suryakumar Yadav 63, Lockie Ferguson 2/41) beat New Zealand 225 (Finn Allen 80, Ish Sodhi 33, Arshdeep Singh 5/51) by 46 runs

India completed their T20I series victory with a 46-run win against New Zealand in their final match at Thiruvananthapuram which featured a batting duel that included extreme sixes and an exciting chase and an unexpected bowler who delivered the match-winning performance.

New Zealand maintained their fight during their attempt to chase down New Zealand's 272 run target. The visitors lost Tim Seifert but The Powerplay period saw Finn Allen break loose as he scored his first 50 runs in 22 balls which caused temporary problems for India. Allen and Rachin Ravindra built a fast-scoring century partnership which almost created an unforgettable battle between two teams. The team reached a total of 271 which became their highest batting achievement.

India used their breakthroughs at crucial moments to take control of the match. Axar Patel provided the first opening, while Arshdeep Singh completely flipped the game on its head after an expensive start. The left-arm pacer started his first two overs by allowing 40 runs but he later returned to the game with a calm demeanor which resulted in him taking five wickets and destroying New Zealand's batting lineup.

Watch the video:

RINKU GETS A WICKET IN THE 20th OVER 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bDHi9JbVLW

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 31, 2026

ALSO SEE: Highest totals by Team India in T20Is

Rinku Singh’s late wicket puts the final seal on India’s dominant series-clinching win

The last over brought one more surprise after the outcome had been determined. Captain Suryakumar Yadav tossed the ball to Rinku Singh, using his part-time spin to close the game. Rinku bowled an off stump delivery to Ish Sodhi at 19.4 overs which made him play an undesired shot. The ball flew off the outer half of the bat and was safely taken by Arshdeep Singh at cover-point, triggering celebrations in the Indian camp.

India established control through their batting performance. Ishan Kishan produced a breathtaking 103 off just 43 balls, while Suryakumar’s fluent fifty and Hardik Pandya’s late blitz powered India to their highest-ever T20I total. The wicket symbolized the series but it showed India had solutions for all aspects of the series.

India’s left-arm pacer, Arshdeep Singh, started very badly during the second innings of the fifth and final T20I of the series against New Zealand at the Greenfield International Cricket Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. On the last delivery of the opening over, he picked up the wicket of Tim Seifert, who was caught by Hardik Pandya for five runs.

But in the next over, the Indian pacer was smashed for four boundaries and one six in the last five balls as his figure read 1/40 in two overs. On the first ball of the 12th over, the Punjab-born sent back Rachin Ravindra for 30 runs in 17 balls, with the help of two boundaries and a pair of sixes.

See Also: Watch: Cameron Green complains of Usman Tariq's chucking during PAK vs AUS 2nd T20I

Two balls later, the Punjab-born bowled for another wicket of the opposition captain, Mitchell Santner, for a two-ball duck. The left-handed batter got a top edge that flew towards the cover region, where the Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, held on to the easiest catch of the evening as wickets kept tumbling from one end.

Arshdeep Singh finishes with 5/51 against New Zealand 

On the first couple of balls of the 16th over, the pacer was drilled for two successive boundaries by Kyle Jamieson, who got dismissed for nine runs, thanks to nine boundaries. The right-handed batter swung his willow early and ended up getting an inside edge that clattered the stumps. The Kiwis got their seven wickets down, and the pacer celebrated every single moment.

Watch the video here: 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️#ArshdeepSingh’s fearsome fifer swings the game under #TeamIndia’s control! Bringing up his best figures just 7 days before the ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup! 💪🇮🇳#INDvNZ 5th T20I 👉 LIVE NOW ➡️ https://t.co/7DIDSDu12k pic.twitter.com/bNJIztHJRJ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 31, 2026

Two balls later, Arshdeep Singh picked up his fifth and final wicket, completing a memorable five-wicket haul (fifer) in the IND vs NZ 5th T20I. Daryl Mitchell made room and attempted a big-hitting reverse sweep, but Arshdeep responded with a pinpoint yorker-length delivery outside off stump. The New Zealand batter, who had scored 26 off 12 balls, ended up dragging the ball back onto his stumps, pushing India closer to a commanding victory.

Earlier, India vs New Zealand turned into a high-scoring T20I as the hosts piled up a massive 271/5 in 20 overs, showcasing their explosive batting depth. Ishan Kishan led the charge with a stunning 103 off 43 balls, smashing six fours and ten sixes, while Suryakumar Yadav added a rapid 63, keeping the run rate sky-high throughout the innings.

In reply, New Zealand’s chase never fully settled despite resistance, as they were bowled out for 225, suffering a 46-run defeat and conceding the T20I series 4–1. Arshdeep Singh starred with the ball, finishing with figures of 5/51, underlining his impact as India’s premier left-arm pacer in T20 cricket.

Brief Scores:
India 271/5 (Ishan Kishan 103, Suryakumar Yadav 63, Lockie Ferguson 2/41)
New Zealand 225 (Finn Allen 80, Ish Sodhi 33, Arshdeep Singh 5/51)
India won by 46 runs

Frequently Asked Question

1. How did Arshdeep Singh start his spell in the IND vs NZ 5th T20I?

Arshdeep Singh had a rough start, conceding heavily early on, but he struck on the last ball of the first over by dismissing Tim Seifert.

2. Which key wickets turned the match in India’s favour?

Arshdeep removed Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, and Daryl Mitchell, triggering a collapse in New Zealand’s middle and lower order.

3. How did Arshdeep Singh take his fifth wicket?

His fifth wicket came when Daryl Mitchell attempted a reverse sweep but was beaten by a perfect yorker, dragging the ball onto his stumps.

4. What were Arshdeep Singh’s final bowling figures?

Arshdeep finished with impressive figures of 5/51, registering his maiden T20I five-wicket haul.

5. How did India perform with the bat in the match?

India piled up 271/5, led by Ishan Kishan (103) and a quick-fire 63 from Suryakumar Yadav.

6. What was the final result of the IND vs NZ 5th T20I series?

New Zealand were bowled out for 225, losing the match by 46 runs, as India sealed the five-match T20I series 4–1.

India’s left-handed opening batter, Abhishek Sharma, has gone through a hot and cold form during the five-match T20I series at home against New Zealand, just a week before the T20 World Cup 2026, as India seeks to see the southpaw in his best form before their opening clash against the United States of America (USA).

The left-handed batter started in the same aggressive route from the very first over, but his flick shot against Kyle Jamieson for a massive 6 over long broke the internet. It was the last delivery of the second over as Jamison went for a foolish delivery on the off side, where the batter stayed rooted to the crease and brought the bottom hand into play before whipping it high and over long on what was a massive helicopter six.

See Also: Watch: Crowd’s reaction goes viral when Suryakaumar Yadav confirms Sanju Samson is playing IND vs NZ 5th T20I

Abhishek started the game with another huge six. That time played it late and chipped it over extra cover with a pure trimming before ramping the fifth delivery of the opening over fine leg for a boundary, and continued the same by giving himself room and smacking the pacer.  

Abhishek Sharma smashes helicopter six to Kyle Jamieson 

India got a strong start with the bat from Abhishek’s end. But Sanju and Son continued to struggle in the T20 TI form as he has now scored only 166 runs in the last 16 innings since the start of 2 05, having been dismissed 13 times at an average of 12.76 and a strike rate of 126.71 against the pacers.

Watch the video here: 

@StarSportsIndia #AbhishekSharma pic.twitter.com/O5ADhxwiAs

— Cricket Everywhere✍🏻 (@Subhamk79241601) January 31, 2026

During the IND vs NZ 5th T20I, India captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and opted to bat first, a tactical decision aimed at testing the batting unit and preparing the bowlers for dew-affected conditions expected in the second innings an aspect considered crucial as India fine-tune their plans ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. The decision has once again sparked discussion around India’s opening combination, with the team management yet to decide whether Ishan Kishan will open the innings in the World Cup.

Ishan Kishan looked slightly scratchy at the start of his knock but soon found rhythm against the New Zealand pace attack, smashing Lockie Ferguson for a boundary and a six on consecutive deliveries in the fifth over of the powerplay, helping India maintain momentum early in the innings.

Brief Scores: India 54/2 (Abhishek Sharma 30; Lockie Ferguson 2/13) vs New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What moment of Abhishek Sharma went viral in the IND vs NZ 5th T20I?

Abhishek Sharma’s helicopter-style six off Kyle Jamieson in the second over went viral and lit up social media.

2. When did Abhishek Sharma hit the massive six against Kyle Jamieson?

The shot came on the last ball of the second over, when Jamieson bowled full and wide and Abhishek whipped it over long-on.

3. How important is Abhishek Sharma’s form for India ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026?

With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, Abhishek’s performances are crucial as India look to finalize their opening combination.

4. Why did India choose to bat first in the 5th T20I against New Zealand?

India captain Suryakumar Yadav opted to bat first to test the batters and prepare the bowlers for dew-affected conditions in the second innings.

5. Could India consider changes to their opening pair for the World Cup?

Yes, depending on form, India may consider Ishan Kishan as an opening option alongside or instead of Abhishek Sharma for the World Cup.

The fifth T20I of the five-match series between India and New Zealand, ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 at the Greenfields International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, was only about Sanju Samsung and how he would do before his local crowd, which could be his last chance to stay in the playing 11 of the Indian side, heading into the ICC event. 

India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, won the toss and decided to bat first. He confirmed that there would be so much due later in the evening, which would be a challenging factor for their bowlers to defend the target ahead of the World Cup. India made three changes in the playing 11, but the most important was whether Sanju Samson was playing or not.

See Also: Watch: Jaw-dropping rebound catch breaks internet from BAN vs ZIM U19 World Cup 2026

“Axar comes back, Ishan comes back, and one more. Don't worry Thiruvananthapuram, Sanju Samson is playing tonight (laughs). He's (Tilak) just taking his time to play a few practice games. He's been a good player for us. When he comes back, it's going to be a solid side.” Sky expressed at the toss.

Crowd cheers as Sky confirms Suryakumar Yadav is playing in IND vs NZ 5th T20I

The crowd went wild and got their voice back when Surya confirmed that Sanju Samson was in the playing 11 for the 5020 I as the crowd could not wait to see their ‘Chetta’ opening the batting alongside Abhishek Sharma and put a strong score besides his name at the end of the first innings.

Watch the video here: 

#SanjuSamson @StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/Czq2tPq1A2

— Cricket Everywhere✍🏻 (@Subhamk79241601) January 31, 2026

It was only the fourth time Surya has opted to bat first in T20Is, with three of these four games being dead rubbers as India own all of the previous three with margins of 133 runs, 135 runs, and 21 runs. However, Mitchell Santner reckoned that it would not be as much Dewey because of the wind blowing over the ground.

In the first four innings of the series, Samsung has got only 40 runs, including the first-ball duck during the second game at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

India’s playing XI for IND vs NZ 5th T20I

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson(wk.), Ishan Kishan, Suryakumar Yadav(c), Rinku Singh, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.

Indian wicket-keeper opening batter, Sanju Samson, has marked his return at home for the fifth clash of the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at the Greenfield International Cricket Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. It will be India’s last clash of the format, heading into the T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka. 

Sanju Samson has overall smashed 1072 runs in 48 innings of the shortest format at an average of 24.36 and a strike rate of 147.86, with the help of three half-centuries and as many centuries at the best score of 111 runs. But his form in this series has been unpleasant, with just 40 runs coming off his bat in four innings, including the first-ball duck.

See Also: Ticket pricing for India A vs USA T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match revealed

However, it will be a grand welcome for the right-handed batter, whose fans association, a registered organization for activities around celebrating the player’s achievements and for charitable work in his name, has put up a massive drawing of 40 feet outside the ground as they cheer for the local lad. 

Sanju Samson's fans put 40-feet drawing goes viral 

The statue is from the first T20I between South Africa and India at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban on November 08, 2024, where Samson celebrated a century and flexed his biceps. This is not the first time the fans had showered their love for the batter, who is the most successful player of the state. 

Watch the video here: 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sanju Samson Fans Association (SSFA) (@ssfaofficial)

“We are all excited because Sanju is going to play in the Indian jersey here in Trivandrum. It’s something very special for us. When we suggested putting this cutout to our members, everyone was happy to contribute. As always, our members showed their love. Some gave ₹100, some ₹150, ₹200, ₹500, ₹5,000, and even ₹10,000.” The president of SSFA, the fans association, Liju Joseph, expressed to News18 Cricket.

“It’s our tribute, our gift of love to our pride, Sanju Samson, straight from our hearts. We are very excited, and we hope Sanju scores big today. But no matter what, whether he scores or not, we are always with Sanju. His runs are just a bonus for us.” Joseph added regarding the drawing. 

At least seven members of the IndianT20I side offered prayers at the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple on the morning of January 30 ahead of their fifth and final T20I fixture of the five-match series at home against New Zealand, where they take an unbeatable lead of 3-1. It will be their final class ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, where they begin their campaign on February 07.  

Wearing the traditional temple attire, the group included the Indian T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, all-rounder Axar Patel, and the batter, Rinku Singh, along with spinners Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravi Bishoi, while fielding, positivity relief was also part of the entire visit.

See Also: Watch: “Outside leg…”- Umpire error in Babar Azam’s LBW dismissal during PAK vs AUS 1st T20I goes viral

The team members spent around 30 minutes at the sprawling temple complex seeking blessings before the decisive match, as the temple is known for its rich history and ornate architecture, and is one of South India’s most revered Hindu shrines. The video of their visit went viral on social media platforms.

Indian team visitis Padmanabhaswamy temple before fifth T20I vs New Zealand 

India completed a sensational victory in the opening game of the series in Nagpur, where they put up a massive score of 238 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their allotted 20 overs. before restricting the visitors to 190 runs for the loss of seven wickets. The second game in Raipur saw the home side completing the 209-run chase by seven wickets in 15.2 overs.

Watch the video here: 

Indian Cricketers at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple for blessings. 😍🙏 pic.twitter.com/qmp1St4SI1

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 30, 2026

The third game was a cakewalk for the Indian side as they completed the 155-run chase by eight wickets in just ten overs, which shocked the entire world about India’s aggressive batting unit ahead of the World Cup. They slipped in the fourth and previous T20I in Vizag, losing the contest by 50 runs.

The focus will be on the fifth and final game in Kerala as India will hope to see their opening better, with Sanju Samson making a strong comeback with the bat, having four poor squats while opening the batting. It will be important for the right-handers to make a strong comeback ahead of the World Cup to be in the playing 11 of the side.