NZ vs SL Match Prediction: 3rd T20I Sri Lanka tour for New Zealand 2024-25

New Zealand and Sri Lanka they will face each other in the third T20I of the ongoing series on Thursday (January 2, 2025). The final match of the NZ vs SL series is scheduled to be played at Saxton Oval, Nelson.

The Black Caps have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The Mitchell Santner-led side started the series with a hard-fought 8-run win. In the second game, New Zealand had an all-round display and completely outclassed Sri Lanka, winning the game by 45 runs.

Batting first, New Zealand scored 186/5 in their allotted 20 overs thanks to useful knocks from Mark Chapman (42), Tim Robinson (41) and Mitchell Hay (41*). In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 141 runs with Jacob Duffy taking 4 wickets for just 15 runs.

With both teams now gearing up for the third T20I, here are all the predictions for the match.

NZ vs SL Match Prediction- 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka tour New Zealand 2024-25:

Field conditions

The match will be played at Saxton Oval, a venue that has only hosted two T20Is so far and not a single T20I since 2019. Both matches were high-scoring matches and the conditions are likely to remain the same for the upcoming NZ vs. SL. T20Is too.

In both games, the team that batted first won the game. Both teams will take this into account and look to bat first and make a good total. The average first innings total at the venue is 184 runs. Anything above 180 is likely to be a winning total.

Form and Fitness

There are no injury concerns for either teams.

Score prediction

NZ vs SL players to make prediction

NZ – Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy will be the key players for New Zealand.

SL – Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara will be the key players for Sri Lanka.

NZ vs SL Best Batsman Prediction

Who will score more runs for NZ in the match: Tim Robinson or Mark Chapman

Who will score more runs for SL in the match: Kusal Perera or Pathum Nissanka

NZ vs SL Best Player Prediction

Who will pick more wickets for NZ in the match: Jacob Duffy or Zak Foulkes

Who will pick more wickets for SL in the match: Matheesha Pathirana or Wanindu Hasaranga

Conclusion – Who will win the match?

New Zealand will start the upcoming third T20I against Sri Lanka as favorites and are expected to win the match. The form and momentum is with New Zealand and they will be looking to make the most of it.

Sri Lanka have had their chances in the first two matches, but have not been able to capitalize on them. They will need a complete performance in the third T20I to finish on the winning side.