Ongoing three match NZ vs SL T20I series between new zealand and Sri Lanka will end this week. The third and final game of the series will take place on Thursday (January 2) at Saxton Oval, Nelson.
The fate of the NZ vs SL series was already decided after New Zealand's win in the second game. After winning the first game by 8 points, the Black Caps won the second game by 45 points to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Even though the NZ vs SL series has already been decided, both teams will be keen to win the third game to carry the winning momentum with them for the upcoming ODI series. So here is the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I preview.
NZ vs SL Match Preview – 3rd Round T20I, Sri Lanka from New Zealand 2024-25:
NZ vs SL Date and Venue:
The upcoming second T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be played on Thursday (January 2). The NZ vs SL match will be played at Saxton Oval, Nelson.
Teams:
New zealand:
Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith.
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal. Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Matheesha Pathirana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana.
Key battles NZ vs SL
Wanindu Hasaranga vs Mark Chapman:
Mark Chapman looked in good touch with the bat and Sri Lanka will be hoping to send him back cheaply in the third game as they look to avoid a whitewash. The right-handed batsman top-scored for New Zealand in the second T20I.
After scoring 15 runs in the first T20I, Chapman scored 42 runs in the second game. He hit 29 balls and was studded with two fours and as many sixes.
Chapman's knock was ended by Wanindu Hasaranga and Sri Lanka will hope that their star will win the duel against Chapman in the third T20I as well.. Hasaranga has picked up 4 wickets in the series so far and will be eyeing a strong show in the upcoming game.
Jacob Duffy vs Pathum Nissanka:
Jacob Duffy bowled for the home team in the second T20I. The fast bowler took 4 wickets for just 15 runs in his 4 overs. He dismissed the in-form Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana to put his team in the driver's seat.
Duffy also picked up 3 wickets for just 21 runs in the first T20I. The Sri Lankan batsmen found it difficult to handle Duffy and the New Zealand pacer will be eyeing another good show in the upcoming match.
He will be looking to win the duel with Nissanka to give his team a good start. Nissanka has looked in good touch so far in the series with 90 and 37 and will have his work cut out for him against Duffy.
Daryl Mitchell vs Maheesh Theekshana:
One of New Zealand's senior players in the current squad, Daryl Mitchell has looked in good form in the ongoing series. The right-handed batsman scored a crucial half-century in the first game. New Zealand were 65 for 5 when Mitchell scored 62 and shared a decisive 105-run stand with Michael Bracewell for the sixth wicket.
He got the start in the second game as well and batted 18 before his stay was cut short by a run out. With form on his side, Mitchell will be eyeing another big score in the third T20I. And Sri Lanka will rely on their spinner Maheesh Theekshana to keep the New Zealand star quiet.
Theekshana had a poor outing in the second T20I and will be desperate to bounce back. The right-arm spinner got the better of Mitchell in the first T20I and will be looking to dismiss him once again.
Key players NZ vs SL
New Zealand – Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy will be some of the key players for New Zealand.
SL – Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thushara will be the key players for Sri Lanka.
Conclusion:
Even though New Zealand have already won the series, neither they nor Sri Lanka will take the third T20I easily. With a three-match ODI series ahead, both the teams will be keen to win the upcoming game to have the momentum on their side.