New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 3rd T20I match between NZ vs SL?

New Zealand (NZ) would be hoping to complete a whitewash when they take on Sri Lanka (SL) in the third and final T20I at Saxton Oval, Nelson on Thursday, January 02, 2025.

The Lankans had a great chance to win the first T20I, as they were in the box seat during their chase of a 173-run target. However, none of their batters apart from the openers managed to reach double figures as the tourists fell eight runs short after an abrupt collapse.

The second T20I was a lopsided affair, as the Kiwis amassed 186/5 in their 20 overs before bowling out Charith Asalanka's men for 141. Sri Lanka have played well in patches but have not clicked as a unit. They will look to bounce back strongly and register a morale-boosting win ahead of the ODIs. Meanwhile, the BlackCaps will aim to end the series with a whitewash.

Also Check: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I - Live Scores

NZ vs SL Match Details:

Also Read: NZ vs SL 2024-25 Schedule

Saxton Oval Pitch Report

Only two T20Is have been played at the Saxton Oval so far. The average first innings score is 184. Teams batting first won on both occasions. A lot of runs can be expected at the venue if the batters are willing to see out the new ball, which might swing around for the first couple of overs.

Head-To-Head Records

Also Check: NZ vs SL 2024-25 News

Probable Predicted 11 for NZ vs SL

New Zealand:

Mitchell Santner (c), Rachin Ravindra, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (wk), Tim Robinson, Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Sri Lanka:

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Binura Fernando, Nuwan Thushara

Also Check: NZ vs SL Squad

Probable Top Performers from NZ vs SL

Probable Best Batter: Pathum Nissanka

Sri Lanka's opening batter Pathum Nissanka has looked good so far in the series. In the first match, he scored a 60-ball 90. He followed it up with 28-ball 37 in the second T20I. Nissanka will want to continue his purple patch and end the series on a high.

Also Check: Most Runs in NZ vs SL 2024-25

Probable Best Bowler: Jacob Duffy

New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy has been the best bowler on show in the series thus far. He is the leading wicket-taker, having bagged seven wickets in two matches. In the second T20I, he finished with remarkable figures of 4/15 in four overs. Sri Lankan batters will have to come out with better plans against the right-arm speedster.

Check Here: Most Wickets in NZ vs SL 2024-25

Today's Match Prediction: New Zealand to win the match

Scenario 1

New Zealand win the toss and opt to bowl first

PP Score: 50-60

SL: 170-180

New Zealand win the match

Scenario 2

Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bowl first

PP Score: 55-65

NZ: 180-190

New Zealand win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.