New Zealand and Sri Lanka they will face each other in the third T20I of the ongoing series on Thursday (January 2, 2025). The final match of the NZ v SL series is scheduled to be played at Saxton Oval, Nelson.
The Black Caps took an elusive 2-0 lead in the series. The Mitchell Santner-led side started the series with a hard-fought 8-run win. In the second match, New Zealand came up with a comprehensive display and completely outplayed Sri Lanka, winning the match by 45 runs.
Batting first, New Zealand posted 186/5 in their allotted 20 overs thanks to useful knocks from Mark Chapman (42), Tim Robinson (41) and Mitchell Hay (41*). In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 141 runs with Jacob Duffy claiming 4 wickets for just 15 runs.
With both teams now gearing up for the third T20I, here are all the predictions for the game.
NZ vs SL Match Prediction- 3rd T20I Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
Field conditions
The match will be played at the Saxton Oval, a venue that has hosted only two T20Is so far and no T20I since 2019. Both the matches were high-scoring matches and the conditions are likely to remain the same for the upcoming NZ vs SL T20I as well.
In both games, the team that batted first won. Both teams will keep this in mind and will look to bat first and post a good total. The average first innings at the venue is 184 runs. Anything above 180 is likely to be a winning total.
Form and condition
There are no injury fears for either of them teams.
Prediction of results
| Team | 1st amendment | 2nd amendment |
| NT | 180-190 (view, other). | 170-180 (view, expert). |
| FIG | 150-160 (display, other). | 130-140 (view, other). |
NZ vs SL Players to make predictions
NT – Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner and Jacob Duffy will be key players for New Zealand.
SL – Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Suchhara will be the key players for Sri Lanka.
NZ vs SL Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for NZ in the match: Tim Robinson or Mark Chapman
Who will score the most runs for SL in the match: Kusal Perera or Pathum Nissanka
NZ vs SL Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for NZ in the match: Jacob Duffy or Zak Foulkes
Who will pick the most wickets for SL in the match: Matheesha Pathirana or Waninda Hasaranga
Conclusion – Who will win the match?
New Zealand will start the upcoming third T20I against Sri Lanka as favorites and are expected to win. The form and momentum is with New Zealand and they will look to make the most of it.
Sri Lanka had their chances in the first two games but failed to capitalize on them. They will need a complete performance in the third T20I to finish on the winning side.
