NZ vs SL match preview

The current 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 takes place on Thursday (January 2) at Saxton Oval, Nelson..

The fate of the NZ vs SL series has already been decided after New Zealand’s win in the second match. 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.

Although the NZ vs SL series has already been decided, both teams will be keen to win the third game to take the winning momentum with themselves for the upcoming ODI series. So here is the preview of the third New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20I.

NZ vs SL Match Preview – 3rd T20I Tour, Sri Lanka by New Zealand 2024-25:

NZ vs SL Date and Venue:

The upcoming second T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will take place on Thursday (January 2). The NZ vs SL match will be played at Saxton Oval, Nelson.

Equipment:

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.

Key battles NZ vs SL

Wanindu Hasaranga vs Mark Chapman:

Mark Chapman has been in good touch with the bat and Sri Lanka will hope to send him back cheaply in the third match 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 covered with two fours and another six.

Wanindu Hasaranga ended Chapman’s knock and Sri Lanka will hope their star spinner also wins their duel against Chapman in the third T20I.. Hasaranga has picked up 4 wickets in the series so far and will be hoping for a strong show in the next 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 taken 3 wickets for just 21 runs in the first T20I. The Sri Lankan batsmen have found Duffy difficult to handle and the New Zealand pacer will be hoping for another good show in the next match.

He will be looking to win his duel with Nissanka to give his team a good start. Nissanka has been in good touch in the series so far, scoring 90 and 37 and will have his work cut out for him against Duffy.

Daryl Mitchell vs Maheesh Theekshana:

One of New Zealand’s senior players in the current squad, Daryl Mitchell, has been in fine form in the ongoing series. The right-handed batsman scored a crucial half-century in the first match. New Zealand were 65 for 5 when Mitchell scored 62 runs and shared a decisive 105-run stand with Michael Bracewell for the sixth wicket.

He also started the second game and went 18 at bat before his stint was cut short by a run. With form on his side, Mitchell will be eyeing another big score in the third T20I. And Sri Lanka will rely on their spinner Maheesh Theekshana to keep the New Zealand star quiet.

Theekshana had a poor start in the second T20I and will be desperate to bounce back. The right-arm spinner had bowled Mitchell in the first T20I and will be looking to dismiss him once again.

Key players from NZ vs SL

New Zealand – Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy will be some of New Zealand’s key players.

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

Conclusion:

Although New Zealand have already won the series, neither they nor Sri Lanka will take the third T20I lightly. With a three-match ODI series ahead, both teams will be keen to win the next match to have the momentum on their side.