Cricket Match Prediction | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand | 3rd ODI | Nov 19 – Can SL Whitewash NZ?

SL vs NZ Match Analysis

On November 19, 2024, at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, Sri Lanka and New Zealand will play the final One-day International of a three-match series at 3:00 p.m. BST. Sri Lanka demonstrated outstanding performance in the ODI series, which they won with one match to spare. After winning two back-to-back matches they are eager to whitewash NZ in the last face-off.

Meanwhile, New Zealand should be cautious because they drew the T20I series. For now, they lost the ODI series and are on the verge of a whitewash. To keep their reputation intact, they should be impactful in the final match.

SL vs NZ Team Preview & Squads

Sri Lanka 

In a thrilling second ODI in Pallekele, Sri Lanka edged past New Zealand by three wickets under the DLS method, with six balls to spare. Chasing a revised target of 210 in 47 overs, Sri Lanka relied on a composed unbeaten 74 off 102 balls from Kusal Mendis, whose knock anchored the chase amid regular wickets. Mendis also showcased brilliance behind the stumps with two crucial stumpings.

Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka have been in excellent form recently, making them batters to watch for Sri Lanka. Mendis has amassed 437 runs in his last 10 matches, boasting an impressive average of 54.63 and a strike rate of 88.82, showcasing his ability to build innings under pressure. Meanwhile, Asalanka has contributed 375 runs in the same period with a solid average of 41.67 and an impressive strike rate of 96.4, highlighting his aggressive yet calculated batting style. 

Jeffrey Vandersay and Maheesh Theekshana have been standout performers with the ball for Sri Lanka, making them bowlers to watch. Vandersay has delivered exceptional performances in his last 5 matches, claiming 13 wickets at a remarkable economy rate of 5.01 and a strike rate of 18.23, proving his ability to make breakthroughs consistently. Meanwhile, Theekshana has been equally effective, taking 10 wickets in his last 6 games with an impressive economy of 4.45 and a strike rate of 27.9, showcasing his skill in controlling the run flow and picking crucial wickets. 

Sri Lanka Squads

Sri Lanka

Dunith Wellalage, Dilshan Madushanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Kusal Perera, Nishan Madushka, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Pathum Nissanka, Dushan Hemantha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Jeffrey Vandersay, Charith Asalanka, Mohamed Shiraz, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Asitha Fernando, and Janith Liyanage.

New Zealand

In the last match, New Zealand, bowled out for 209 in 45.1 overs, had moments of hope but fell short. Will Young and Glenn Phillips have been key contributors for New Zealand with the bat in recent matches. Young has been in stellar form, scoring 359 runs in his last 7 games at an impressive average of 51.29 and a strike rate of 94.22, showcasing his ability to anchor innings while maintaining a steady scoring rate. Phillips, on the other hand, brings explosive power to the lineup, amassing 195 runs in 7 matches at an average of 32.5 and an exceptional strike rate of 118.18.

Jacob Duffy and Mitchell Santner have been crucial bowlers for New Zealand, each offering unique strengths. Duffy has taken 7 wickets in his last 5 matches with a respectable economy rate of 5.65 and a strike rate of 29.42, proving his ability to provide breakthroughs in crucial moments. Santner, known for his control and consistency, has claimed 5 wickets in 7 games at an excellent economy of 5.11, though with a higher strike rate of 78, indicating his role as a run-containment specialist. 

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

Mitchell Hay, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Ish Sodhi, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Henry Nicholls, Adam Milne, Lockie Ferguson, Josh Clarkson, Dean Foxcroft, Mitchell Santner, Zakary Foulkes, Will Young, Mark Chapman, and Jacob Duffy. 

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand outfield report

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele

Given that the team batting second has won each of the past four ODIs at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, we expect both captains to come out for the toss with the preference to bowl first in this match. This ODI is currently predicted to be dry, despite the possibility of some thunderstorms in the vicinity of the stadium in the hours before the game. Despite the fact that Pallekele is an excellent place to play international cricket, bowlers, especially pacers, must put in a lot of effort to get wickets there.

SL vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

NZ won two of their last five face-offs, while SL won two.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Prediction

Cricket analysts predict Sri Lanka has a 51% chance of winning. 

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.