Cornered and desperate, New Zealand’s cricket will look to salvage pride in the third One Day International against Sri Lanka at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on November 19 after falling 0-2 in the series.
The Blackcaps have battled inconsistent performances, particularly in their top-order batting which has repeatedly failed to build substantial partnerships.
Despite Michael Bracewell’s valiant bowling effort of 4-36 in the second ODI, the Kiwis couldn’t prevent another defeat and will hinge on their collective performance to salvage a win in the third ODI.
New Zealand Squad:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young.
New Zealand Playing 11 vs Sri Lanka- 3rd ODI, New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024
Openers: Will Young, Tim Robinson
Kiwis openers, Will Young and Tim Robinson will be crucial in setting the tone for the third ODI. Young showed some promise in the second match with 26 runs off 40 balls by playing a steady knock but he’ll need to convert starts into a big score.
Robinson didn’t trouble the scorers and scored just 4 runs and will look for a big score as he looks to pressure Devon Convay for a regular opening spot.
Also read: Sri Lanka Playing 11 vs New Zealand- 3rd ODI, New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024
Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (w), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C)
Mark Chapman was the standout in the second match and scored an impressive 76 off 81 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes. He’ll aim to replicate his form and anchor the innings.
Henry Nicholls and Glenn Phillips struggled to make big contributions after a poor second ODI after scoring 8 and 15 respectively but they are capable of steadying the ship when needed.
Lower-order batsmen and all-rounder Michael Bracewell will be key in the third ODI and is coming off a 3-fer against Sri Lanka.
Kiwis skipper Mitchell Santner has not been at its best this series but he will look to end the series well.
Bowlers: Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Kiwis bowlers, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, and Jacob Duffy, will play a key role in the third ODI. Smith had a decent outing in the second match, picking up one wicket while conceding 21 runs in three overs, and will aim for a bigger impact.
Sodhi, known for his leg-spin, bowled economically with figures of 9-0-37-0 and will look to add wickets to his control. Duffy, despite being wicketless, has the pace to trouble batters and will aim to tighten his lines