New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: The final T20I of the series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka promises an exciting finish to the tour. With New Zealand already clinching the series 2-0, the Kiwis aim for a clean sweep, while Sri Lanka looks to salvage some pride. Can Sri Lanka overcome their batting woes, or will New Zealand dominate once again at Saxton Oval?
Match Details
Date & Time: Thursday, January 2, 2025, 05:45 IST
Venue: Saxton Oval, Nelson
Series: Sri Lanka in New Zealand, 3 T20I Series, 2024/25
Pitch Report
The Saxton Oval pitch traditionally favors batters in T20Is, as evidenced by the two matches played here, where both teams batting first secured wins. The average first-innings score of 184 suggests a high-scoring game. With a dry surface, spinners might come into play, but seamers can exploit early movement under overcast conditions.
The weather is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures ranging between 12°C and 22°C. A light morning shower might dampen the outfield, but it shouldn’t interfere with play.
Pitch Stats
- Matches Played: 2
- Batting First Won: 2
- Average 1st Innings Score: 184
- Highest Score: 187/7 (New Zealand)
- Lowest Score: 140/10 (West Indies)
Head-to-Head
- Matches Played: 26
- New Zealand Wins: 16
- Sri Lanka Wins: 9
- Tied: 1
- No Result: 1
- Win Percentage: New Zealand – 61.54%; Sri Lanka – 34.62%
Last 5 Meetings
- December 30, 2024: New Zealand won by 45 runs
- December 28, 2024: New Zealand won by 8 runs
- November 10, 2024: New Zealand won by 5 runs
- November 9, 2024: Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets
- April 8, 2023: New Zealand won by 4 wickets
Team News
New Zealand
New Zealand has been dominant in this series, with clinical performances from their bowlers and batters alike. Jacob Duffy has been a revelation with the ball, while Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell have delivered with the bat. With the series already in the bag, they may rotate players to give opportunities to their bench strength. Tim Robinson and Zakary Foulkes are likely to retain their spots after consistent showings, while Matt Henry could be rested to manage workload.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s top order has fired in patches, but their middle order has been disappointing. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera will carry the burden of scoring runs, while Wanindu Hasaranga has been their standout performer with both bat and ball. The team is under pressure to improve their death bowling. Expect changes, with Binura Fernando and Nuwan Thushara in contention to add variety to the attack. Their focus will be on finding the right balance to avoid a whitewash.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Playing 11
New Zealand Predicted XI:
Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duff
Sri Lanka Predicted XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara
Key Players
New Zealand Key Players:
- Daryl Mitchell: The backbone of New Zealand’s batting in this series.
- Michael Bracewell: A dynamic all-rounder with impactful performances.
- Jacob Duffy: A revelation in this series, with match-defining spells.
Sri Lanka Key Players:
- Pathum Nissanka: Consistent at the top with a remarkable T20 record.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: A reliable wicket-taker in pressure situations.
- Matheesha Pathirana: Sri Lanka’s key weapon at the death.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Fantasy XI
- Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman
- All-Rounders: Daryl Mitchell, Wanindu Hasaranga
- Bowlers: Jacob Duffy, Mitchell Santner, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana
- Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Prediction
New Zealand, with their balanced team and consistent form, are favorites to secure a 3-0 whitewash. Sri Lanka will need a complete team effort to challenge the hosts.
Prediction: New Zealand to win.
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