SL vs NZ Match Preview- 3rd ODI, New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024

With Sri Lanka already clinching the series 2-0, the hosts will look to complete a clean sweep in SL vs NZ third and final ODI in Kandy on November 19.

The hosts have dominated with both bat and ball and won the first two matches thanks to stellar performances from Kusal Mendis who scored a career-best 143 in the series opener and followed it up with an unbeaten 74 in the second game.

New Zealand despite Michael Bracewell's impressive bowling figures of 4-36 in the last match have struggled to find their footing in Sri Lankan conditions.

The visitors' batting has been particularly concerning with only Mark Chapman showing consistency with his 76-run knock in the second ODI.

For the Kiwis, this final match will be a chance to salvage pride and avoid a whitewash while Sri Lanka will look to maintain their momentum and secure their first series sweep in SL vs NZ since 2012.

SL vs NZ Match Preview- 3rd ODI, New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024

The 3rd ODI of New Zealand vs Sri Lanka ODI will be taking place on Tuesday (November 19) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium at Kandy. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:30 PM IST and 2:30 PM local time.

Also read: Cheteshwar Pujara's participation in Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 officially confirmed

Squads:

New Zealand

Mitchell Santner will be leading the New Zealand team in the third game.

NZ 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

Sri Lanka

Charith Asalanka will be leading Sri Lanka and will be keen to lead from the front.

SL Squad: Charith Asalanka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Madushka, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz

SL vs NZ Key Battles

Kusal Mendis vs. New Zealand Spinners

Kusal Mendis has been Sri Lanka’s batting talisman and crafted a gritty 74* in the second ODI and a scintillating 143 in the first. New Zealand’s spinners, led by Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi will be desperate to contain him in the third ODI.

While Santner has been economical, he will need support from Sodhi and Michael Bracewell to disrupt Mendis’ rhythm early in the innings and this key battle could be decisive.

Maheesh Theekshana vs. New Zealand’s Middle Order

Maheesh Theekshana has been a thorn in New Zealand’s side and has combined control and guile to grab crucial wickets in both matches.

New Zealand’s middle-order batters like Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips will be key to combat Theekshana while Sri Lankan spinner variations will be key to keeping the pressure on during the middle overs.

Avishka Fernando vs. New Zealand’s Pacers

Avishka Fernando’s ability to attack the pacers has set the tone at the top for Sri Lanka and on the other hand Jacob Duffy, New Zealand’s standout seamer with 3-41 in the second ODI will need to bring his A-game to unsettle Fernando early.

A quick breakthrough here could give New Zealand momentum and curb Sri Lanka’s scoring.

SL vs NZ Key Players

SL: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay are the key players for Sri Lanka.

NZ: Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Will Young, and Glenn Phillips are key players for New Zealand.

SL vs NZ Weather And Pitch Report

According to the weather forecast, there is a 15% to 40% percent chance of rain during the course of the game and we may see slight disruption in the game or a slightly shortened game.

The pitch will offer some swing in the first few overs and will spin as the game progresses.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka will be looking to clean sweep the Kiwis while New Zealand will be hoping for one win in the ODI's as they move to tests against England in their backyard.

Click here to read article