Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram is hosting the last and fifth game of the five-match T20I series between the hosts India and the visitors New Zealand on Saturday (January 31). 

Hosts India are leading the series by 3-1, but it is still a big match for both teams, as it is their last official match before the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which will begin on February 7, with just seven days to go. 

IND vs NZ, 5th T20I: Toss Update

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bat first.

IND vs NZ, 5th T20I: Playing XI

India have made three changes in their playing XI. Ishan Kishan, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy have replaced Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, and Ravi Bishnoi.

India playing XI

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

New Zealand have made four changes in their playing XI. Finn Allen, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, and Lockie Ferguson have joined the playing XI as the replacements for Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Zak Foulkes, and Matt Henry.

New Zealand playing XI

Tim Seifert (wk), Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Bevon Jacobs, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson, Jacob Duffy

Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam is hosting the fourth game of the five-match T20I series between the hosts India and the visitors New Zealand on Wednesday evening (January 28). 

Hosts India have already secured the series, as they are leading it by 3–0 after winning the first three fixtures of the series. After winning the series opener by 48 runs, the Men in Blues claimed victories by seven wickets and eight wickets in the next two games. 

It will be the fifth T20I at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. Except for one three-wicket defeat against Australia, India won all three other T20Is at this venue. In 2023, India successfully chased the 209-run target against Australia at this venue, as the hosts won by two wickets with one ball remaining. 

Although the last T20I at this venue experienced a high-scoring contest, the other three T20Is had different experiences, where only one innings out of those six innings experienced a 135+ total. 

See Also: “BCCI secretary has already said...” Former KKR batter makes massive statement on Gautam Gambhir’s future ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

IND vs NZ, 4th T20I: Toss Update

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to field first.

IND vs NZ, 4th T20I: Playing XI

India have made one forced change, as Arshdeep Singh has replaced Ishan Kishan, who had a niggle in the last game. 

India playing XI

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi

Visitors New Zealand have made one change in the playing XI, as Zak Foulkes has replaced Kyle Jamieson. 

New Zealand playing XI

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Zak Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Barsapara Cricket Stadium (Guwahati) is hosting the third game of the five-match T20I series between the hosts India and the visitors New Zealand on Sunday night (January 25). While the Men in Blues are leading this series by 2–0, the Blackcaps can't afford any other defeat in this series, as the hosts need one more to win to seal this series. 

India won the T20I series opener by 48 runs at Nagpur last Wednesday night, where they defended the 238 total. While Abhishek Sharma and Rinku Singh thrashed the visiting bowlers, Indian pacers provided a strong start before controlling the late overs strongly. 

In the second game at Raipur, despite losing both the openers in the 209-run chase, India comfortably won the game by seven wickets with 28 balls remaining, as Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav dominated that chase.

This T20I series is a crucial practice for both teams before the beginning of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, which is about two weeks away to begin. 

Weather Report: IND vs NZ 3rd T20I, will rain spoil the Guwahati clash?

IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Pitch Update

The pitch has old grass covering, as the ball is expected to come nicely onto the bat. While there are a few cracks, dew is expected to play an important role in the match. So, winning the toss and fielding first is expected.

This international cricket venue is known for high-scoring matches in the recent white-ball formats. In the last T20I at this venue, in November 2023, Australia successfully chased the 223-run target against the hosts. Meanwhile, in October 2022, India scored 237/3 in the T20I match against South Africa, which they won by 16 runs. 

IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Toss Update

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to field first

IND vs NZ, 3rd T20I: Playing XI

India made two changes in the playing XI. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi have replaced Arshdeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, respectively.

India playing XI

Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Rinku Singh, Shivam Dube, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi

Visitors New Zealand have made one change in the playing XI. Kyle Jamieson has replaced Zak Foulkes. 

New Zealand playing XI

Tim Seifert (wk), Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Brisbane Heat won the toss and opted to bowl first against Perth Scorchers in Match 6 of the Big Bash League 2025-26 at the Gabba, Brisbane. The decision follows a recent trend at the venue, where chasing sides have enjoyed success, especially under lights when conditions tend to ease for batting later in the innings.

The Gabba is known for its bounce and carry early on, which can challenge batters during the powerplay. With clear and warm weather forecast and no threat of rain, Brisbane Heat will hope their pace attack can exploit the new ball before conditions flatten out. A first-innings score in the range of 175–180 is generally considered competitive at this ground.

Heat eye comeback as Scorchers bank on winning momentum and strong head-to-head record

Brisbane Heat are coming into this game after a narrow defeat in their opening match and will be keen to bounce back. Colin Munro remains their biggest batting threat after a fluent half-century in the previous game, while Matt Renshaw and captain Nathan McSweeney add stability in the middle order. With the ball, the Heat have strengthened their spin department by bringing in Matthew Kuhnemann in place of Patrick Dooley, while Shaheen Afridi and Xavier Bartlett will lead the pace attack.

ALSO SEE: How many runs does Abhishek Sharma need to break Virat Kohli’s 2016 record?

Perth Scorchers, on the other hand, started their campaign with an emphatic win and look well-settled. Their batting revolves around the explosive opening pair of Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen, followed by the in-form Cooper Connolly and the experienced Ashton Turner. The Scorchers have also received a major boost with Jhye Richardson returning to the XI after recovering from shoulder surgery, adding extra firepower to an already strong bowling unit.

With Perth holding a dominant head-to-head record over Brisbane in recent seasons, they will be confident of putting up a strong total. However, Brisbane’s decision to chase could play a key role if they manage to keep the Scorchers in check early.

Perth Scorchers Playing XI:
Mitchell Marsh, Finn Allen (wk), Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Ashton Turner (c), Laurie Evans, Nick Hobson, Ashton Agar, Joel Paris, Brody Couch, Jhye Richardson

Brisbane Heat Playing XI:
Colin Munro, Jack Wildermuth, Nathan McSweeney (c), Matt Renshaw, Max Bryant, Hugh Weibgen, Jimmy Peirson (wk), Xavier Bartlett, Shaheen Afridi, Liam Haskett, Matthew Kuhnemann

The action moves to the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground as Australia and India face off in the second T20I of the five-match series. After the opening match in Canberra was washed out due to persistent rain, both teams will be desperate for a full game tonight to take an early lead in the series.

India were left frustrated by the weather in the first T20I after dominating the first innings at 97 for 1 in just 10 overs when rain forced the players off. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and opener Shubman Gill looked in fine touch, setting a solid foundation before the heavens opened. Despite the washout, India would take confidence from the batting intent shown by their top order.

Australia win toss, elect to bowl first as rain threatens to disrupt play in the second T20I at the MCG

At the toss in Melbourne, Australia captain Mitchell Marsh won and opted to bowl first, hoping to take advantage of the conditions that might assist the pacers early on. He mentioned that the pitch looked good for cricket and expressed his team’s excitement to play at the historic venue. Australia made one change to their lineup, with Matthew Short replacing Josh Philippe.

ALSO SEE: From Kolkata’s Festive Lights to Navi Mumbai’s Glory: India storms into Women’s World Cup 2025 Final!

Suryakumar Yadav, on the other hand, said that losing the toss wasn’t a concern for India since they were prepared to bat first anyway. He reiterated that the team wants to stick with their aggressive brand of cricket, aiming to set a strong total and let their spinners take control later in the innings. India have gone in with the same XI that played in Canberra, continuing to back the combination of Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel in the spin department.

Weather once again looms as a factor, with rain expected around the scheduled start time. However, forecasts indicate an improvement later in the evening, giving hope for at least a shortened contest.

If India can post around 170–180, it should be a competitive score given their spin options and Bumrah’s ability to control the death overs. Australia, meanwhile, will rely on their powerful middle order led by Marsh, Head, and Tim David to chase effectively under lights.

Playing XIs:

India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Harshit Rana, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Jasprit Bumrah.
Australia: Mitchell Marsh (c), Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Tim David, Matthew Short, Mitchell Owen, Marcus Stoinis, Xavier Bartlett, Nathan Ellis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood.

It is another Sunday (October 5), as the India and Pakistan cricket teams are facing each other on the cricket field, which now makes the rivalry meeting for four straight Sundays. Now, India Women and Pakistan Women are taking on each other in the sixth game of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 at Colombo, where the IndIan skipper Harmanpreet Kaur maintained the no handshake strategy with the Pakistan captain Fatima Sana at the toss. 

Due to the present political tension between the two countries, India men's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav chose not to shake hands with the Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha in all three fixtures of the Asia Cup 2025 over the previous three Sundays. The Indian team also didn't shake hands with the Pakistan cricketers at the end of all three matches in the Asia Cup 2025. And we all know the late drama after India winning the Asia Cup 2025 trophy by beating Pakistan in the Final by five wickets with two balls to spare. 

See Also: "Bring the Trophy..."- Salman Ali Agha sends special message for Pakistan side for Women's World Cup 2025

ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025: IND-W vs PAK-W - No handshakes between captains

Now, it's time for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. While India Women and Pakistan Women are facing each other in the league stage, the skippers were far from a handshake at the toss. Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana chose to bowl first after winning the toss in cloudy weather. 

India Women Playing XI: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani

It is the India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 Final, as both teams are meeting for the first time in the Final of any Asia Cup, which is now 41 years old. In this Final, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav won the toss and chose to bowl first at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

It is the third meeting between India and Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. They previously met in the group stage and Super Fours, where India comfortably won both those matches by seven wickets and six wickets, respectively. 

See Also: "Let’s See What…" BCCI’s Stance on PCB Head Naqvi Handing Asia Cup Trophy as India Refuses Photo Shoot with Pakistan

Why is Hardik Pandya not playing Asia Cup 2025 Final India vs Pakistan?

Due to his injury in their last Super Fours fixture against Sri Lanka last Friday (September 26), the Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is unfortunately missing the Asia Cup 2025 Final. During that match, three Indian cricketers left the field during the second innings of the match: Abhishek Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Tilak Verma. After his batting in that match, where Hardik was out for only two runs, he delivered the first over of the Sri Lankan innings, where he also dismissed the Lankan opener Kusal Mendis for a golden duck. The all-rounder later felt discomfort in his thigh as he walked off the field. Unfortunately, he failed to recover on time, as India are playing the Asia Cup 2025 Final with the star all-rounder. 

Asia Cup 2025 Final: India vs Pakistan - Playing XIs

The 2025 UAE T20I Tri-Series kicked off with a bang as Pakistan clashed with Afghanistan in the opening match at the Sharjah Cricket Ground on Friday. In the toss update, Pakistan captain Salman Agha called correctly and chose to bat first, allowing his youthful side to test their batting powers against Afghanistan's established spin unit. 

For Pakistan, the tri-series has extra importance since it is their last rehearsal before the Asia Cup in 2025. The team has been in a state of transition since the last T20 World Cup and was trying out some new players, new combinations, and new strategies. Choosing to bat first indicates they want to put runs on the board and make Afghanistan chase under lights on a pitch that usually favours spin.

Rashid Khan backs spin attack as Afghanistan eye strong start in UAE Tri-Series ahead of Asia Cup 2025

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan was pleased to bowl first, trusting in the team's ability with their spin-heavy arsenal to enforce pressure during the middle overs. Knowing they have beaten Pakistan in three of their last four T20I matches, Afghanistan will be confident with their record.

ALSO SEE: UAE Tri Series: AFG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction 1st Match match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

The tri-series between Afghanistan and Pakistan, along with the hosts U.A.E. will take place from August 29 - September 5, following a double round-robin format where the top two teams will advance to the finals on September 7; this will be a great opportunity for both teams to hone their skills ahead of the Asia Cup starting just two days after the final of this series.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem.

Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan (c), Mohammad Nabi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad.

South Africa will clash against Australia in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at the illustrious Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Australia will play as the defending champions after defeating India in the 2023 WTC final at The Oval. For South Africa, this will be their first time playing in a WTC Final, a historic moment for the Proteas.

While Australia is considered the favorite with a strong record, South Africa is close behind and has a chance to make history. Both teams took some important decisions when they announced their respective playing XIs, especially regarding their bowlers. In South Africa, Ryan worked with Lungi Ngidi over Dane Paterson, while Australia chose Josh Hazlewood over Scott Boland, and the biggest talking points will be moving Wiaan Mulder and Cameron Green to No. 3 for their teams.

Australia will enjoy a dominant record in head-to-head matches with 54 wins compared to South Africa’s 26 wins. South Africa has had more consistency in recent years, and this could be an even contest.

SA vs AUS, WTC 2025 Final—Toss Result

South Africa won the toss and decided to bowl first in the final. Speaking after the toss, captain Temba Bavuma said:

"We will bowl first. The surface looks like a good one. Overhead conditions dictate that we will bowl first. We will look to make inroads early on. Happy. I think we have selected the best team for these conditions. Massive. All of us have been confident. Being in the final, that’s what we wanted to do. It should be a spectacle of a game."

Australian captain Pat Cummins stated that he was happy to bat first.

SA vs AUS, WTC 2025 Final - Match playing XIs

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

SA vs AUS, WTC 2025 Final—Pitch Report

Nasser Hussain and Stuart Broad shared their assessment of the Lord’s pitch:

“It is cloudy, but there’s a very slight chance of rain. The pitch will play really nicely—it looks like a nice surface, and it should be great to bat on Day 2. It's a big decision to make at the toss for the captains, given the cloud cover.”

The initial cloudiness makes bowling first a logical option, but batting conditions are expected to improve from Day 2 onward, creating an intriguing balance for the rest of the Test.

Also Read: WTC Final 2025, Australia vs South Africa: Live streaming, timing, venue and squad details

SA vs AUS, WTC 2025 Final—Match players list 

South Africa squad: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Dane Paterson, Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, and Senuran Muthusamy.

Australia squad: Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland, Josh Inglis, Sam Konstas, Matthew Kuhnemann.

Match Umpires and Officials

• On-field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney, Richard Illingworth
• TV Umpire: Richard Kettleborough
• Match Referee: Javagal Srinath

India vs England 2nd ODI Live Streaming Details

India and England are scheduled to clash in the second One Day International (ODI) on February 9, 2025. The game will be held at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The cricketing world is excited about this game because both teams are strong and competitive.indvseng 2nd odi.
India vs England 2nd ODI Live Streaming Details

Match Details:

• Match: India vs England, 2nd ODI
• Date: February 9, 2025
• Day: Sunday
• Venue: Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
• Time: 1:30 PM IST
• Toss Time: 1:00 PM IST

Third ODI

• Date: 12th February, 2025
• Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
• Time: 1:30 PM IST

Toss own by :England opt to bat

Predicted Playing xi :India's Predicted Playing XI for 2nd ODI Against England.

Live Streaming:

IN INDIA:

TV Broadcast: Star Sports Network

• English Commentary:

• Star Sports 2
• Star Sports 2 HD
• Star Sports 3

• Hindi Commentary:

• Sports 18 1
• Sports 18 1 HD
• Colors Cineplex
• Colors Cineplex HD

• Online Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar (app and website)

In the United States and Canada

• TV Broadcast: Willow TV
• Online Streaming: Willow TV App

In the United Kingdom

• TV Broadcast: Sky Sports Cricket
• Online Streaming: Sky Go App

In Australia

• TV Broadcast: Fox Sports
• Online Streaming: Kayo Sports

Trending Highlights of the Match

Virat Kohli's Return: He's missed the first ODI and now the crowd wants him to come back to form.
Rohit Sharma's Form: The Indian captain comes into this match after some low scores and is looking to reclaim his form.
England's Need to Win: England is still at 0-1; win this and stay in the series.
Pitch Conditions at Barabati Stadium: The ground will be spin-friendly, so every strategy by a spin team will count.
Key battles: would be between Rohit Sharma and Jofra Archer, Virat Kohli and Mark Wood