New Zealand will go against Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I match of their ongoing series on Thursday at Saxton Oval, Nelson. With the hosts leading 2-0, third match will be crucial for Sri Lanka, as they seek to avoid a whitewash, while New Zealand would aim to seal a comprehensive series victory.
New Zealand have been in superb form throughout the series, having won both the opening T20Is in convincing fashion. Their batting line-up has been a standout, with contributions from key players like Tim Robinson, Mark Chapman and Glenn Phillips. They will look to maintain that momentum in the decider as well. New Zealand's bowling attack has also been impressive, with their fast bowlers and spinners working in tandem to frustrate Sri Lankan batters.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find a way to bounce back after disappointing defeats in the first two matches. Their batting has been inconsistent, and the top order has failed to fire in both games, putting pressure on the lower-order players. The team will need their experienced players like Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Pathum Nissanka to step up and deliver strong performances in the final T20I. It’s a must-win game for Sri Lanka to avoid a series loss.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
Matches: 27
No Result: 1
New Zealand WON: 16
Sri Lanka WON: 10
NZ probable XI: Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
SL probable XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara