New Zealand playing 11 against Sri Lanka

new zealand they will be staring at a blank when they lock horns against Sri Lanka in the third T20I of the ongoing series. The final match of the series is scheduled to be played on Thursday (January 2) at Saxton Oval, Nelson.

The Black Caps have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. After winning the first game by 8 runs, New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka by 45 runs in the second T20I. Unlike the first match where they struggled with the bat from the start, New Zealand were in complete control in the second game.

Batting first, the home side posted a competitive total of 186/5 in the allotted 20 overs. The Black Caps players put in a brilliant effort. With Jacob Duffy’s 4-wicket haul, the home team bowled out Sri Lanka for just 141 runs.

With the high-flying Black Caps eyeing another win, we’re taking a look at the New Zealand Playing 11 for the third T20I.

New Zealand Playing 11 vs Sri Lanka – 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, 2024-25:

Openers: Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra

Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra will open for New Zealand playing 11 for the third T20I. Robinson scored 41 runs in the second game and will be hoping for another good start in the second game. In the first match, he was out for just 8 runs.

Ravindra, on the other hand, has not been able to do well for the second game in a row. After his struggles in the Test series against England earlier this month, the Black Caps star has also struggled with his form in the ongoing series.

He was out for just 8 runs in the first game before being dismissed for 1 run in the second game. Although Ravindra is struggling with his form, he is likely to retain his place in the Kiwi Playing 11.

Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (week), Michael Bracewell

Mark Chapman looks set for another good start with the bat after playing a crucial knock in the second T20I. The right-handed batsman, who scored just 15 runs in the first game, scored 42 runs off 29 balls in the second game. He also shared a crucial 69-run stand with Robinson for the second wicket.

Glenn Phillips started with the bat but couldn’t convert it into a big score. After scoring 8 runs in the series opener, the New Zealander was bowled out for 23 runs in the second game. With the ball, Phillips bowled and gave away 14 runs without taking a wicket.

Daryl Mitchell started and looked poised to score again, but his innings was cut short by a run. The senior batsman, who scored 62 runs in the first T20I, was out for 18 runs in the second game.

Mitchell Hay impressed with the bat for New Zealand. After being dismissed for a duck in the first game, Hay scored an unbeaten 41 off just 19 balls to help his team cross the 180-run mark. Michael Bracewell faced only 3 balls in the game and scored 5 runs. With the ball, Bracewell took 1 wicket for 30 runs in 3 overs.

Bowlers: Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

The home team will once again play with three front-rowers and a spinner in New Zealand’s Playing 11. Captain Mitchell Santner will lead the spin attack with the likes of Bracewell and Phillips as other spin bowling options.

Santner impressed with the ball in the second game, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs in his 4 overs. The three players on the team are likely to be Matt Henry, Zakary Foulkes and Jacob Duffy.

Duffy starred with the ball in the second game, taking 4 wickets for just 15 runs in his 4 overs. On the other hand, Henry took 2 wickets for 31 runs while Foulkes claimed 1 wicket for 27 runs.