Sri Lanka and New Zealand are ready to head into the third and final ODI match of their ongoing series on Tuesday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele. Sri Lankan team has already seized an unassailable 2-0 lead as they now look to complete a dominant series sweep, while New Zealand will be hoping to salvage some pride and avoid a whitewash.
Sri Lanka's dominant 2-0 series lead reflects their all-round strength and excellent form in both batting and bowling. The first two matches were hampered by rain but Sri Lanka remained victorious in both games. Both Sri Lankan batters and bowlers have been in sparkling form, helping the side dominate New Zealand. Now, with a chance to clinch a series win, Sri Lanka will be keen to finish the job on a positive note.
On the other hand, New Zealand have faced a series of challenges. Their top-order batting has failed to consistently fire, with only a few players like Mark Chapman and Will Young stepping up. However, the team has struggled to build substantial partnerships, which has left them under huge pressure.
With the series already lost, New Zealand’s focus will now be on finding solutions to their shortcomings, especially in the batting department. This final ODI offers an opportunity to reset and end the tour on a positive note, avoiding the embarrassment of a clean sweep.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Matches: 104
No Result: 8
Tied: 1
Sri Lanka Won: 43
New Zealand Won: 52
SL Probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando
NZ Peobable XI: Will Young, Tim Robinson, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (wk), Mitchael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy