NZ vs SL Predictions: 3rd T20I, Playing XI and Pitch Report

New Zealand will eye a clean sweep when they host Sri Lanka in the third and last match of the T20I series in Nelson on Friday. Sri Lanka will target a consolation win after seeing two brave efforts resulting in defeats. 

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Nelson’s Saxton Oval has hosted just one men’s international game in the last five years and is set to host a T20I match for the first time since November 2019. The Black Caps are expected to offer T20I debuts to Bevon Jacobs and Nathan Smith while Sri Lanka might utilise youngster Chamidu Wickramasinghe.

NZ vs SL, 3rd T20I Match Details

Match: 3rd T20I of Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25

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Time & Date: 5:45 AM IST, Thursday, January 2

Venue: Saxton Oval, Nelson

NZ vs SL, 3rd T20I Pitch Report

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The surface at Saxton Oval offers a balanced surface in white-ball cricket but the venue has hosted just one men’s international game in the last five years, so, it’s hard to predict the nature of the wicket. 

New Zealand played two women’s T20I games here in March this year, where the fast bowlers managed to get some help with bounce and seam with a new ball. The average first innings score here is 138 with teams winning 6 of 8 T20I games while batting first. 

NZ vs SL, 3rd T20I Probable XIs

New Zealand XI: Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Mark Chapman, Bevon Jacobs, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Zakary Foulkes, Jacob Duffy.

Sri Lanka XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara.

NZ vs SL, 3rd T20I Match Winner Prediction

Match Winner: New Zealand

Having already secured the series win, the hosts will look to conclude it with another dominant performance to boost their preparations ahead of the ODI series. With just one win in the last five T20I encounters, Sri Lanka will require something remarkable to overcome the Kiwis.

In conclusion, New Zealand will aim for a clean sweep in the third T20I against Sri Lanka at Saxton Oval, Nelson. With a balanced pitch and both teams making strategic changes, fans can expect an exciting match. New Zealand, having already secured the series, will look to maintain their dominance, while Sri Lanka will seek a consolation win.

For more updates and betting opportunities, visit Sky247.