3rd ODI of ongoing NZ vs SL series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will take place on Saturday (January 11, 2025). The final match of the series will be played at Eden Park, Auckland.
The fate of the NZ vs SL series was already decided after New Zealand's victory in the first two games. The hosts won the first game by 9 wickets. In the second game, the Mitchell Santner-led side inflicted a heavy 113-run defeat on Sri Lanka to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
In a game that was reduced to 37 overs a side, New Zealand scored 255/9 before bowling out Sri Lanka for just 142 runs.. With both teams now gearing up for the third ODI, here is a preview of the game.
NZ vs SL Match Preview – 3rd ODI Tour, Sri Lanka from New Zealand 2024-25:
NZ vs SL Date and Venue:
NZ vs SL 3rd ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be held on Saturday (January 11. NZ vs SL match will be played at Eden Park, Auckland.
Teams:
New zealand:
Mitchell Santner (c), Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Hay (week), Tom Latham (week), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Nathan Smith, William O'Rourke
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Mohamed Kumarasinghe, Asitha La Fernando, Eshan Malinga
Key battles NZ vs SL
Pathum Nissanka vs Jacob Duffy:
One of the main reasons behind Sri Lanka's poor display with the bat in the first two games was their failure to get off to good starts. In both the games, their openers failed to unveil the new ball and give the team a solid platform.
With Sri Lanka now desperate to avoid a whitewash by winning the third ODI, the onus will be on experienced opener Pathum Nissanka to rise to the occasion. The right-handed batsman has scored 9 and 1 in the series so far and will be eager to do well.
However, it will not be an easy task for him as he will have to negate the threat of Jacob Duffy. The New Zealand pacer dismissed him in the second ODI and will be confident of winning the duel once again.
Rachin Ravindra vs Wanindu Hasaranga:
Rachin Ravindra seems to have found his peak form with the bat. After struggling with the bat of late, the left-handed batsman has fared well in the ongoing series. In the first ODI, he scored 45 runs before scoring 79 runs in the second game.
He was New Zealand's top scorer in the second game. The Black Caps will be hoping their opener delivers once again in the third game. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be hoping to see their back early and will rely on Wanindu Hasaranga for the same.
The leg-spinner dismissed Ravindra in the second game and will be more successful against him.
Kusal Mendis vs Jacob Duffy:
Kusal Mendis has had a very disappointing tour of New Zealand so far and will be keen to end the tour on a high note. One of Sri Lanka's leading batsmen, the right-hander failed to live up to expectations, scoring 2 and 2 in the first two ODIs.
He will be keen to score big in the third ODI but faces a big threat from Jacob Duffy. Duffy has dismissed Mendis in both games and will be eyeing a hat-trick against him. Mendis can win a game on his own and will look to win his duel against Duffy.
Key players NZ vs SL
New Zealand – Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy will be some of the key players for New Zealand.
SL – Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana will be the key players for Sri Lanka.
Conclusion:
Although the series has already been decided, both teams will still be eager to win the upcoming game. While New Zealand will be eyeing a clean sweep, Sri Lanka will be desperate to win the game to restore some of their lost pride.