Cricket Match Prediction | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka | 3rd T20I | Jan 02 – Can NZ whitewash SL?

NZ vs SL Match Analysis

The third T20I of the three-match series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is scheduled at Saxton Oval, Nelson on January 02, 2024, starting at 06:15 am BST.

New Zealand has secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka after dominant victories in the first two games. In both matches, New Zealand batted first and delivered commanding performances.

Sri Lanka’s 2024 record mirrors New Zealand’s, having played 22 matches and won 10 of them. However, they have struggled against New Zealand, securing only 1 win in the last 5 head-to-head encounters. Can Sri Lanka bounce back and claim a victory in the third game to restore some pride?

NZ vs SL Team Preview & Squads

New Zealand 

New Zealand has had a mixed 2024, winning 11 of their 21 international T20 matches. However, they’ve performed well against Sri Lanka, securing 4 victories in their last 5 head-to-head encounters. They’ve already won 2 games in this 3-match series.

In the first T20I against Sri Lanka, New Zealand pulled off a thrilling 8-run win. Batting first, they posted 172/8, thanks to a strong partnership between Daryl Mitchell (62 off 42 balls) and Michael Bracewell (59 off 33 balls). The pair added 105 runs after New Zealand had struggled at 65 for 5 in the 10th over. Despite a shaky start in the defense, where Sri Lanka raced to 121 in the 13th over, Jacob Duffy took 3 crucial wickets in the 14th over to shift the momentum in New Zealand’s favor, preventing Sri Lanka from mounting a comeback.

In the second game, New Zealand again batted first and set a target of 186/5. Team Robinson, Mark Chapman, and Mitchell Hay all contributed with scores over 40, helping New Zealand to a competitive total. Jacob Duffy played a key role once more, claiming 4 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs to help bowl Sri Lanka out for 151 and secure a 45-run victory. With the series already won, New Zealand will be eager to complete a 3-0 whitewash over Sri Lanka.

New Zealand Squads

New Zealand

Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Michael Bracewell, Bevon Jacobs, Glenn Phillips, Nathan Smith, Mitchell Santner, Mark Chapman, Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Zakary Foulkes, Mitchell Hay, and Daryl Mitchell.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s performance in 2024 has been similar to New Zealand’s, with the team playing 22 games and winning 10. However, they have struggled against New Zealand, securing just 1 win in their last 5 head-to-head encounters.

Sri Lanka had a strong opportunity to win the first T20I against New Zealand. After limiting New Zealand to 172/8, they got off to an excellent start in the chase, with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis putting up over 120 runs without losing a wicket by the 13th over. However, once they lost the first wicket at 121, they quickly lost a couple more at the same score. The rest of the batting lineup failed to support them, with none of the remaining seven batters reaching double digits, resulting in an 8-run loss.

In the second game, Sri Lanka were chasing a target of 187. Once again, the top order gave a solid start, but the middle and lower middle order faltered, handing New Zealand a 45-run victory. Sri Lanka’s batting is heavily reliant on their top order, with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera being their key performers. Nissanka has scored 439 runs in the last 10 matches, averaging 43.9, while Kusal Perera is their leading bowler with 90 wickets in the same period. Can Sri Lanka bounce back and win the third game to end the series on a positive note? 

Sri Lanka Squads

Sri Lanka

Dinesh Chandimal, Binura Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Matheesha Pathirana, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Avishka Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Thushara, and Kusal Mendis.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka outfield report

Saxton Oval, Nelson

Only two international T20 matches had taken place at this location before this one. The team that batted first won both of the games. New Zealand has won both games in this series so far by batting first, following a similar pattern. Here, the team that wins the toss should bat first.

The weather at Saxton Oval in Nelson is predicted to be bright and a little overcast on the day of the game. Early in the game, the Saxton’s pitch is suitable for batting. The surface provides good bounce and pace, which helps the ball come onto the bat. 

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

In their last five encounters, New Zealand has won four and Sri Lanka has won one.

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Prediction

Cricket analysts predict New Zealand has a 61% 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.