New Zealand vs Sri Lanka,3rd T20I,Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, 2024-25,2025-01-02 00:15 GMT

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I Match Preview

Date: 2nd January 2025

Time: 00:15 GMT

Venue: Saxton Oval, Nelson, New Zealand

The New Zealand cricket team is set to take on Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I of their series on January 2, 2025, at the Saxton Oval in Nelson, New Zealand. The Kiwis have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and will be looking to complete a 3-0 whitewash.

New Zealand Preview

New Zealand has been in excellent form in the series so far, winning both matches convincingly. In the first T20I, they pulled off an amazing win by 8 runs, thanks to the rearguard efforts from Daryl Mitchell (62 off 42 balls) and Michael Bracewell (59 off 33 balls). The duo was involved in a 105-run partnership after New Zealand were 65 runs for five wickets in the 10th over.

In the second T20I, New Zealand batted first to score 186 for 5, with Mark Chapman, Mitchell Hay, and Daryl Mitchell all scoring 40-plus to help New Zealand get to an above-par score. Jacob Duffy, yet again, proved crucial for New Zealand as he took four wickets for 15 runs in four overs, helping bundle out Sri Lanka for just 151 runs and win the match by 45 runs.

The Kiwis will be looking to continue their winning momentum and complete a 3-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka. Key players for New Zealand include Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Jacob Duffy, and Zakary Foulkes.

Sri Lanka Preview

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has had a disappointing series so far, losing both matches. In the first T20I, they had a great chance of winning but lost by 8 runs. In the second T20I, they were chasing a big score of 187 but failed to get close, losing by 45 runs.

Sri Lanka's top order has been doing well, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis scoring runs. However, their middle and lower middle order has failed to deliver, which has been a major concern for the team. Key players for Sri Lanka include Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana.

Weather Conditions

The weather on the match day at Saxton Oval, Nelson is expected to be a bit cloudy as well as sunny throughout the day. The temperature will range between a high of 22°C and a low of around 12°C. There is a possibility of a morning shower, but that should not affect the game much.

Pitch Report

The venue of the match is Saxton Oval, Nelson. The pitch is expected to be a good batting surface, with some assistance for the bowlers. The team winning the toss should bat first, as the trend in this series has been similar, with New Zealand winning both games batting first.

Toss Prediction

The team winning the toss is likely to bat first, as the trend in this series has been similar, with New Zealand winning both games batting first.

Match Prediction

Based on the current form and team balance, New Zealand is expected to win the match and complete a 3-0 whitewash against Sri Lanka.

Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand

• Mitchell Santner (c)
• Mitchell Hay (wk)
• Mark Chapman
• Glenn Phillips
• Daryl Mitchell
• Jacob Duffy
• Matt Henry
• Rachin Ravindra
• Nathan Smith
• Tim Robinson
• Zakary Foulkes

Sri Lanka

• Charith Asalanka (c)
• Pathum Nissanka
• Kusal Mendis (wk)
• Kusal Perera
• Kamindu Mendis
• Bhanuka Rajapaksa
• Wanindu Hasaranga
• Asitha Fernando
• Maheesh Theekshana
• Matheesha Pathirana
• Nuwan Thushara

Conclusion

The third and final T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is set to be an exciting match, with the Kiwis looking to complete a 3-0 whitewash. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be looking to end the series on a high note. However, based on the current form and team balance, New Zealand is expected to win the match.