Sri Lanka will look to end their tour of New Zealand by winning the upcoming third ODI. The final match of the three-match series takes place on Saturday (January 11) at Eden Park in Auckland.
The guests have already conceded the streak after losing the first two games. They suffered a 9-wicket defeat in the first match before New Zealand defeated them by 113 runs (DLS method) in the second match to clinch the series.
Lanka were no match with either bat or ball in a must-win encounter as New Zealand completely outplayed them. Batting first in a game reduced to 37 overs a side due to rain, the Blackcaps rode on fifties from Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman to post 255/9.
In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 142 runs in 31 overs. Kamindu Mendis was the only Sri Lankan batsman to put up some resistance with the bat as he scored 64 runs. For New Zealand, William O’Rourke was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 31.
With Lanka now looking to save face in the third ODI, we take a look at Sri Lanka’s playing 11 for the upcoming match.
Sri Lanka 11 vs New Zealand – 3rd ODI Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando
Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando are set to be the openers in the Sri Lanka Playing 11 for the third ODI. Although they failed to impress in the second match, they are expected to retain their place in the Sri Lanka Playing XI.
Nissanka, who looked good in the T20I series, struggled to find his groove in the ODIs. The right handed batsman was out for just 1 run. His partner Avishka Fernando didn’t have the best outing with the bat either.
After scoring a fighting 50 in the first game, Fernando couldn’t get a score with the bat in a must-win clash for his side. He was out for just 10 runs and will be looking to end the series on a high note.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga
Kusal Mendis again disappointed with the bat. The Lankan star has only been off the field twice and will be desperate to turn things around in the upcoming game.
Kamindu Mendis was the pick of the Lankan batsmen in the second match. While most of his teammates struggled with the bat, Kamindu played a good knock of 64 runs with the help of 5 fours and 3 sixes.
Captain Charith Asalanka could not lead his team from the front. He was run out for just 4 runs while trying to steal a quick single and will look to do well in the final match of the series.
Janith Liyanage and Chamindu Wickramasinghe started with the bat but could not capitalize on them. While Liyanage was out for 22 runs, Wickramasinghe departed for 17. With the ball, both all-rounders remained wicketless.
Lanka’s star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga did well with the ball, taking 2 wickets for 39 runs in 8 overs. He scored only 1 with the bat.
Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando
Lanka are expected to make one change in their bowling line-up for the upcoming match. Lahiru Kumar is expected to replace Eshan Malinga in the Sri Lanka Playing 11 in the third match. Malinga failed to play well in the second game and is likely to be placed on the bench.
Maheesh Theekshana picked up 4 wickets in the game including a hat-trick while Asitha Fernando picked up 1 wicket.
