New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women T20I Preview

Match Details

• Date and Time: Monday, March 17, 2025; 21:15 GMT
• Venue: University Oval, Dunedin

The eagerly anticipated third and final T20I between New Zealand Women (NZW) and Sri Lanka Women (SLW) will take place at the University Oval in Dunedin on Monday evening. With the series evenly poised at 1-1 after two thrilling encounters, both teams are desperate to claim victory and secure bragging rights.

Series Context

The two-match T20I series has been a rollercoaster of emotions so far. Sri Lanka Women edged the first match by seven wickets, showcasing their ability to chase down targets comfortably. However, New Zealand bounced back in convincing fashion in the second match, delivering a commanding performance that levelled the series. Now, all eyes are on this decider as both teams look to cap off an incredible tournament with a well-deserved win.

Venue and Pitch Report

The University Oval is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, offering plenty of runs throughout the day. Early swing and movement will be key for bowlers looking to make an impact in the first few overs, while spinners could come into play as the match progresses. Expect a high-scoring encounter with both teams aiming to exploit the pitch's characteristics.

Key Players to Watch

New Zealand Women (NZW)

• Batters: Georgia Plimmer and Maddy Green have been in stellar form, providing consistent runs at the top of the order. Their partnership has been a cornerstone for New Zealand's batting efforts.
• All-rounders: Suzie Bates, one of the most experienced players in the squad, will look to combine her batting prowess with useful bowling contributions. Jess Kerr is another key all-rounder who can swing the match in NZW's favor with both bat and ball.
• Bowlers: Eden Carson has been a standout performer with her pace and accuracy. Expect her to lead the attack alongside Fran Jonas, who has shown signs of improving form in recent matches.

Sri Lanka Women (SLW)

• Batters: Chamari Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari have been the backbone of Sri Lanka's batting lineup. Their ability to anchor the innings under pressure could prove crucial in this high-stakes match.
• All-rounders: Harshitha Samarawickrama has shown flashes of brilliance with both bat and ball, while Anushka Sanjeewani, the wicketkeeper, will look to contribute with the bat as well.
• Bowlers: Sugandika Kumari has been Sri Lanka's standout bowler so far, consistently taking important wickets. Expect her to lead the charge alongside Achini Kulasuriya, who has been effective in swing conditions.

Match Prediction and Tactics

Both teams will aim to exploit the pitch's batting-friendly nature by chasing a competitive total. NZW are likely to push for a score in excess of 170, relying on their strong top order to build momentum. SLW, however, have proven their ability to chase down targets under pressure, especially with Chamari Athapaththu at the helm.

For NZW, the key will be maintaining consistency with the ball and ensuring they don't concede too many extras. For SLW, it will be about managing their resources wisely and avoiding early wickets that could derail their chase.

Dream11 Prediction

Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:

• Choice 1: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Suzie Bates (vc)
• Choice 2: Maddy Green (c), Kavisha Dilhari (vc)

Key Players to Include:

• Wicketkeeper: Anushka Sanjeewani (SLW) or Sophie Devine (NZW)
• Batters: Georgia Plimmer, Maddy Green, Chamari Athapaththu, Kavisha Dilhari
• All-rounders: Jess Kerr, Harshitha Samarawickrama

Squad Lineups

New Zealand Women (NZW)

1. Sophie Devine (c)
2. Georgia Plimmer
3. Maddy Green
4. Suzie Bates
5. Amy Satterthwaite
6. Jess Kerr
7. Fran Jonas
8. Amelia Kerr
9. Erin Hellyer
10. Rachel Priest
11. Katey Martin

Sri Lanka Women (SLW)

1. Chamari Athapaththu (c)
2. Kavisha Dilhari
3. Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)
4. Harshitha Samarawickrama
5. Shashikala Dahanayake
6. Charika Udana
7. Achini Kulasuriya
8. Sidma Fernando
9. Menaka Aralagama
10. Nipuni Tharanga
11. Sugandika Kumari

Conclusion

This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for supremacy in front of what is expected to be a passionate crowd at the University Oval. With so much on the line, every ball will count as both NZW and SLW aim to leave their mark on this unforgettable series.