New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Match Preview, 3rd ODI

New Zealand (NZ) and Sri Lanka (SL) are all set to continue their ongoing ODI series by facing off in the third ODI. Both sides will lock horns at the iconic venue, Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday, January 11. The Kiwis have already clinched the series with wins in the first two games, with the upcoming match being a dead rubber.

For the first ODI, both sides faced off in Wellington. The game began with the hosts coming into the field first after winning the toss. The decision proved right for the side, as they made good use of their home advantage and exploited the conditions against the visitors by bowling them out for a mere 178 runs in 43.4 overs. Avishka Fernando's knock of 56 was the only bright spot in Sri Lanka's innings. While the lower order provided some resistance, the Kiwi bowlers' relentless pressure eventually cut short their innings. Matt Henry was the wrecker in chief with the bowl, bagging four wickets in his quota of 10 overs.

In reply, the hosts shined with the bat, thanks to the opening 93-run partnership between Will Young and Rachin Ravindra. While the southpaw fell after adding 45 runs, Young went on to smash an unbeaten knock of 90 runs. New Zealand won the game with relative ease with nine wickets in hand and 142 balls to spare.

In the second ODI, which was played at Hamilton, the Lankan Lions opted to bowl first after winning the toss. The game was reduced to 37 overs per side after rain halted play. The BlackCaps once again were brilliant with the bat, as they ended their innings at a score of 255/9. The innings were laced with valuable contributions from, Ravindra, Mark Chapman, and Daryl Mitchell. Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the bowler for the tourists, picking a four-fer, which also included a hat-trick.

In reply, Sri Lanka suffered an early batting collapse, losing their top order in under five overs. While Kamindu Mendis played a fighting knock of 64, but with wickets falling from the other end, resulted in the side being bundled for 142 runs, losing the game by 113 runs.

Match Details

Pitch Report

While pitches in New Zealand usually offer good bounce and swing, Eden Park has traditionally assisted slow and spin bowlers because of the humid and subtropical conditions in the region. However, the pacers will also get enough assistance to make an impact, especially with the new ball. The average first innings total at the venue is 219 runs. So anything more than 250 will be a very challenging total.

Head-to-Head Record

Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand:

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (WK), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Nathan Smith, Mitchell Santner (C), Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke

Sri Lanka:

Kusal Perera (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Asitha Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, B Fernando, Janith Liyanage, Eshan Malinga