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

Island nation Sri Lanka (SL) will take on New Zealand (NZ) in the third ODI, at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, in Pallekele, on November 19. The hosts have clinched the ODI series by generating a 2-0 lead. Hence the final game will be a dead rubber. Meanwhile, the Blackcaps after levelling the T20I series by winning the last game, would like to sign off with a solitary win. 

In the last game, Sri Lanka produced an all-round performance as their bowlers restricted the visitors to just 209 in a game which was reduced to 47 overs due to rain. They chased down the target in 46 overs and won the game by three wickets. The inconsistency in the New Zealand top order has been their chink in the armour and they might have to address the issue ahead of the final game.

Match Details

Pitch Report

The Pallikele Stadium pitch will offer ample assistance to the batters and they will find it easy to time their shots well. Spinner can have an upper hand in the latter half as pacers will find it hard to procure movement unless it rains before the match. On the weather front, there is an 80 percent chance of rain and the game might be cut short due to incessant rain.

Head-to-Head Record

Predicted Playing XIs 

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando.

New Zealand:

Will Young, Tim Robinson, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitch Hay (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy.

Probable Top Performers  

Probable Best Batter: Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis anchored the Sri Lanka’s chase in the last game. He remained unbeaten on 74 off 102 balls, laced with six boundaries. He held onto the other end as little cameos worked in his cause to orchestrate a decisive win.

Probable Best Bowler: Michael Bracewell

Michael Bracewell is a good striker of the ball but he is a handy bowler too. The batting all-rounder picked four wickets while bowling his 10-over quota and gave away just 36 runs. He could use the spinning condition well in the next game, especially in the middle overs.

     Today's Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match

Scenario 1

Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bowl first

Powerplay: 35-45

New Zealand: 180-200

Sri Lanka win the match

Scenario 2

New Zealand win the toss and opt to bowl first

PP: 40-50

Sri Lanka: 180-200

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.