NZ vs SL match review

The ongoing three-match series between NZ and SL T20I New Zealand Sri Lanka will conclude this week. The third and final match of the series will be played on Thursday (January 2) at Saxton Oval, Nelson.

The fate of the NZ vs SL series has already been decided after New Zealand won the second match. After winning Game 1 by 8 runs, the Black Caps won Game 2 by 45 runs to take a 2-0 series lead.

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

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

NZ vs SL date and location:

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

the difference:

New Zealand:

Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Jacob Duffy, Zach Foulkes, Mitch Hay, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Darrell Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Rashin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith.

Sri Lanka:

Sharith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal. Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanendu Hasaranga, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Mathisha Pathirana, Jeffrey Vandersaye, Nuwan Thushara, Asitha Fernando, Binura Fernando, Mahesh Thekshana.

NZ vs SL main battles

Wanendu Hasaranga vs. Mark Chapman:

Mark Chapman looked in good touch with the bat and Sri Lanka will be hoping to bring 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 match. His knock came from 29 balls and was studded with four fours and sixes.

Chapman’s knock was finished off by Wanindu Hasaranga and Sri Lanka will hope the star spinner wins his duel against Chapman in the third T20I as well. Hasaranga has taken 4 wickets in the series so far and will be looking forward to a strong show in the next match.

Jacob Duffy vs Pathum Nissanka:

Jacob Duffy starred with the ball for the hosts in the second T20I. The fast bowler picked up 4 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs. He dismissed Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Wanendu Hasaranga and Mahesh Thekshana to put his team in the driver’s seat.

Duffy also took 3 wickets for just 21 runs in the first T20I. Sri Lanka’s players found Duffy difficult to handle and the New Zealander will be looking forward to another good display in the next match.

He will be looking to win his duel with Nissanka to give his team a good start. Nissanka has looked in good form in the series so far, scoring 90 and 37 runs, and his task against Duffy will be low key.

Darryl Mitchell vs Mahesh Thekshana:

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

He also started the second game and was batting 18 before his stay ended due to a runout. With form on his side, Mitchell will be looking to register another big score in the third T20I. Sri Lanka will rely on their spinner Mahesh Thekshana to keep the New Zealand star silent.

Theekshana performed poorly in the second T20I and will be desperate for a comeback. The right-arm spinner got the better of Mitchell in the first T20I and will look to dismiss him again.

NZ vs SL key players

NZ – Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman, Darryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy will be among New Zealand’s regulars.

bad – Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Wanendu Hasaranga and Nuwan Thakara 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. As the three-match ODI series progresses, both teams will be keen to win the next match in order to get the momentum on their side.