Auckland will host the third ODI of the ongoing NZ vs SL series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The final game of the series will be played at Eden Park on Saturday (January 11).
New Zealand made it a three-game streak by winning the first two games already. The hosts started the series with a 9-wicket win before winning the second game by 113 runs. In a match that was reduced to 37 overs per side, New Zealand once again outplayed Sri Lanka to claim a series victory.
Batting first, New Zealand posted 255/9 in just 37 overs thanks to half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for a paltry total of 142 runs. With both teams now set for the third and final ODI, we look at the pitch and weather report.
NZ vs SL Weather Report & Pitch Report Eden Park, Auckland – 3rd ODI, Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
NZ vs SL Auckland weather forecast:
The third NZ vs SL ODI will be played in Auckland and will be a day-night affair. The match is scheduled for 14:00 local time. And on the eve of the match, the weather forecast is very promising. A bright and sunny day will greet the teams in Auckland on match day.
There is no forecast for rain and the match is likely to be played without major interruptions. As for the temperature, it will be around 20 degrees during the first half. In the evening, the temperature will range between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.
NZ vs SL Pitch Report:
Here are the statistics of Eden Park, Auckland:
| First ODI match | 22.2.1976 |
| Last ODI match | 25.3.2023 |
| Matches played | 79 |
| Matches won by the home team | 37 (46.84%) |
| Matches won by the touring side | 35 (44.30%) |
| Matches won by neutral side | 2 (2.53%) |
| Matches won by kicking | 31 (38.75%) |
| Matches won | 43 (53.75%) |
| Matches won Winning draw | 38 (47.50%) |
| Matches won Throws lost | 36 (45.00%) |
| Even matches | 2 (2.53%) |
| Matches without results | 3 (3.80%) |
| Greatest team innings | 340/5 (New Zealand) |
| Lowest team innings | 73 (New Zealand) |
| The biggest chase achieved | 340/5 (New Zealand) |
| Average runs per wicket | 28.36 |
| Average runs per over | 4.78 |
| Average score batting first | 219 |
The third NZ vs SL ODI will be played at Eden Park, a venue not known for displaying typical New Zealand pitches.
While New Zealand pitches usually offer good bounce and swing, Eden Park traditionally favors slow and spin bowlers due to the region’s humid and subtropical conditions. However, the pacers will also get enough help to make an impact, especially with the new ball.
The average first innings at the venue is 219 runs. So anything over 250 will be a very challenging total. Incidentally, the last ODI played at this venue was between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. In that match, New Zealand scored 274 runs before beating Sri Lanka by just 76 runs.
Conclusion:
With no rain in the forecast, the third ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand is set to go ahead without any major interruptions. With the series already decided, both teams will play freely and that could spice things up.
