New Zealand
Sri Lanka
New Zealand and Sri Lanka will face off in the 3rd ODI of the series at Eden Park, Auckland. With an unassailable 2-0 lead, New Zealand has already won the series. They will aim for a clean sweep, while Sri Lanka will play for pride in their final match of the tour.
New Zealand showcased strong performances in both ODIs. In the first match, they chased down Sri Lanka's target comfortably, and in the second, they defended the target by bowling out SL in a rain-hit match. Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy were the key bowlers to rattle the SL batters.
Head-to-head, both teams have won 2 games each in their last 5 meetings, with one match ending without a result. Recently, both sides have managed 2 wins each in their last 5 ODIs, which highlights their inconsistency, especially the away side’s.
New Zealand’s openers have shown consistency at home, while Sri Lanka’s openers have struggled with early dismissals against the disciplined new-ball attack of Matt Henry and Jacob Duffyin both the previous ODIs.
The betting tip is...
Highest Opening Partnership - New Zealand
64 %
36 %
New ZealandSri LankaThe Kiwis will look to dominate in familiar home conditions. Their batting lineup has performed consistently in the series. Will Young will aim to continue his impressive form after scoring a match-winning 90 not out in the first ODI.
Rachin Ravindra, who improved from 45 in the first match to a stellar 79 in the second, will remain a key player. Mark Chapman, with 62 runs, and Daryl Mitchell, with a composed 38, have added depth to their middle order.
The bowling attack has been equally effective. Matt Henry will lead the charge after his 4/19 in the first ODI. Jacob Duffy, with figures of 2/39 and 2/30, has shown consistency, while Nathan Smith and Will O'Rourke will provide crucial support. Mitchell Santner adds balance with his all-round contributions.
Young, Ravindra and Chapman are the key batters.
Predicted Lineup: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, William O’Rourke
The Lankans will need a stronger batting display to avoid a clean sweep in the series. Their top-order struggles have been evident, with only one batter standing out in each match. Pathum Nissanka will aim to overcome his dismissals in single digits, both times falling to Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy.
Kusal Mendis, also dismissed by Duffy in both games, will need to provide more stability. Avishka Fernando and Kamindu Mendis have been the standout performers with a fifty each in the first and second ODIs, respectively. Janith Liyanage has shown promise with his positive intent in both matches.
In the bowling department, Maheesh Theekshana will remain key after his hat-trick in the second ODI. Wanindu Hasaranga will also play a crucial role, while Eshan Malinga will aim to build on his performance from the second game.
Theekshana, Hasaranga and Liyanage are the key players.
Predicted Lineup: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando
New Zealand’s openers are likely to perform better in the powerplay as they’ve done so far. Young & Ravindra have been in fine form, providing stability at the top. Sri Lanka’s openers, on the other hand, have struggled in the series.
Pathum Nissanka has been dismissed in single digits twice, and the New Zealand bowlers, especially Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy, have been exceptional with the new ball.
Batting in the powerplay in New Zealand is challenging, and the Sri Lankan openers have found it hard to build partnerships in this series.
New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack should give their openers an edge, setting the tone for a stronger opening partnership compared to Sri Lanka.
