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Sri Lanka has already clinched the three-match ODI series with a 2-0 lead, and they will be aiming for a clean sweep when they face New Zealand in the third and final ODI at Pallekele. In a rain-affected second ODI, the hosts held their nerve to secure a 3-wicket victory, showcasing their dominance on home soil. Meanwhile, a young New Zealand side, who came to the series with high hopes after their historic win in India, has struggled to adapt to the challenging conditions in Sri Lanka. They will be desperate to salvage some pride and end their Asian tour on a high note.
| Tournament: | New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka, Oneday, 2024 |
| Format: | odi |
| Venue: | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, Sri Lanka |
| Toss Prediction: | To Bat |
Teams Preview
Sri Lanka Preview
Charith Asalanka’s team has been in excellent form at home, winning six out of their last seven ODIs. The spin-friendly conditions have suited their bowling attack perfectly, and their bowlers have managed to put consistent pressure on the inexperienced New Zealand batting lineup. However, Asalanka will want more from his top-order batters as they have shown signs of vulnerability against New Zealand’s bowlers.
Batting Strengths:
- Top Order: Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando will aim to provide a solid start. Both openers have the ability to take on the Kiwi bowlers before the ball starts turning.
- Middle Order: Kusal Mendis has been the standout performer, scoring a crucial 74 in the last game. Along with Kamindu Mendis and skipper Charith Asalanka, they will anchor the innings in the middle overs.
- Lower Order: The likes of Sadeera Samarawickrama and Dunith Wellalage will be tasked with providing the late flourish.
Bowling Attack:
- Spin Dominance: Maheesh Theekshana has been a thorn in the side of the New Zealand batters, picking up 3 wickets for just 31 runs in the last game. Jeffrey Vandersay and Janith Liyanage have also been effective in containing runs and taking wickets in the middle overs.
- Pace Support: Asitha Fernando has been impressive with the new ball, consistently providing early breakthroughs.
Key Players:
- Kusal Mendis: His consistent form in the middle order is vital for Sri Lanka’s stability.
- Maheesh Theekshana: The spinner has been the most impactful bowler, causing problems for the Kiwi batters.
- Tahlia McGrath: A versatile all-rounder, contributing both with bat and ball.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando.
New Zealand Preview
Mitchell Santner’s young New Zealand squad came to Sri Lanka with high expectations but has found it tough to handle the spin-friendly conditions. The inexperience in their batting lineup has been exposed, and they will need a much-improved performance to avoid a series whitewash. Captain Santner will hope for a better showing from his batters in this final game.
Batting Department:
- Top Order: The Kiwis have struggled at the top, with Will Young and Tim Robinson failing to convert starts into big scores. The team needs a solid opening partnership to lay the foundation.
- Middle Order: Mark Chapman’s valiant 76 in the last game was a bright spot for the visitors. He, along with Glenn Phillips and Henry Nicholls, will need to build partnerships and stabilize the innings.
- Lower Order: All-rounders like Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner are capable of providing quick runs towards the end, and their role will be crucial in this game.
Bowling Attack:
- Pace and Spin Combo: Jacob Duffy and Mitchell Santner will be key in the early overs, with the latter also playing a critical role in the middle overs. Michael Bracewell’s 4-wicket haul in the previous match shows he can be a game-changer.
- Spin Threat: Ish Sodhi’s experience will be vital in exploiting the turning tracks of Pallekele.
Key Players:
- Mark Chapman: His form in the middle order is crucial for New Zealand’s chances of setting or chasing a big total.
- Michael Bracewell: An all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball, providing balance to the side.
- Mitchell Santner: The captain and lead spinner will be instrumental in breaking partnerships and restricting the flow of runs.
New Zealand Predicted Playing XI:
Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Mitch Hay (wk), Henry Nicholls, Jacob Duffy, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Lockie Ferguson, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Ish Sodhi.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
- Pallekele Pitch Report: The pitch at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium has historically been a good batting track, but it also offers assistance to spinners. Fast bowlers can extract some movement early on, especially under overcast conditions. The average first-innings score here is around 248, but teams might aim for 300 to feel safe, given the dew factor that can come into play in the second innings.
- Weather Forecast: Expect overcast skies with occasional rain showers, which could cause interruptions during the game. Temperatures will range between 21°C to 29°C with high humidity. The conditions will likely favor bowlers early on, especially fast bowlers who can swing the ball.
- Toss Prediction: Teams might prefer to bat first to take advantage of the better batting conditions early on. As the pitch gets slower in the second innings, spinners are expected to play a big role. Winning the toss and batting first could be the way to go.
Winning Prediction
New Zealand has found it tough to adapt to Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions, as evidenced by their struggles throughout the series. Their inexperienced batting lineup has been unable to handle the pressure. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has been in excellent form at home, with their bowlers consistently delivering match-winning performances. Given the conditions and form of both teams, Sri Lanka will likely have the upper hand.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to win and complete a 3-0 series whitewash.
Fantasy Cricket Tips
- Captain: Kusal Mendis
- Vice-Captain: Mark Chapman
- Top Picks: Maheesh Theekshana, Michael Bracewell, Pathum Nissanka, Mitchell Santner
- Differential Picks: Dunith Wellalage, Glenn Phillips, Jeffrey Vandersay
Suggested Fantasy XI:
- Kusal Mendis (C)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Mark Chapman (VC)
- Avishka Fernando
- Glenn Phillips
- Kamindu Mendis
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Asitha Fernando
- Jeffrey Vandersay
Expect a thrilling contest as Sri Lanka looks to continue their dominance at home, while New Zealand aims to salvage some pride in the final ODI.
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