The ongoing three-match NZ vs SL T20I series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will conclude this week. The third and final game of the series will be taking place on Thursday (January 2) at the Saxton Oval, Nelson.
The fate of the NZ vs SL series has already been decided following New Zealand’s win in the second game. After winning the first game by 8 runs, the Black Caps won the second game by 45 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
Even though the NZ vs SL series has already been decided, both the teams will be keen to win the third game in order to have the winning momentum with themselves for the upcoming ODI series. So, here is the preview for the third New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20I.
NZ vs SL Match Preview – 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
NZ vs SL Date and Venue:
The upcoming second T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be taking place on Thursday (January 2). The NZ vs SL game will be played at the Saxton Oval, Nelson.
Squads:
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.
NZ vs SL Key Battles
Wanindu Hasaranga vs Mark Chapman:
Mark Chapman has 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. His knock came off 29 balls and was studded with two fours and as many sixes.
Chapman’s knock was ended by Wanindu Hasaranga and Sri Lanka will be hoping that their star spinner wins his 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 forthcoming game.
Jacob Duffy vs Pathum Nissanka:
Jacob Duffy starred with the ball for the home side in the second T20I. The fast-bowler picked up 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 had also picked up 3 wickets for just 21 runs in the first T20I. Sri Lanka’s batters have found it tough to handle Duffy and the New Zealand pacer will be eyeing another good show in the upcoming game.
He will be looking to win his duel with Nissanka to give his team a good start. Nissanka has looked in good touch in the series so far, scoring 90 and 37 and will have his task cut out against Duffy.
Daryl Mitchell vs Maheesh Theekshana:
One of New Zealand’s senior players in the current team, 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 reeling at 65 for 5 when Mitchell scored 62 runs 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 was batting on 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 be relying on their spinner Maheesh Theekshana to keep the New Zealand star silent.
Theekshana had a poor outing in the second T20I and he will be desperate to bounce back. The right-arm spinner had outfoxed Mitchell in the first T20I and will be looking to dismiss him once again.
NZ vs SL Key Players
NZ – 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 them nor Sri Lanka will be taking the third T20I lightly. With a three-match ODI series ahead, both the teams will be keen to win the upcoming game in order to have the momentum on their side.