Cornered and desperate New Zealand cricket will look to salvage their pride in the third One Day International against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on November 19 after losing the series 0-2.
The Blackcaps have struggled with inconsistent performances, particularly in their top-order batting, which has repeatedly failed to form meaningful partnerships.
Despite Michael Bracewell’s valiant bowling effort of 4-36 in the second ODI, the Kiwis could not avoid another defeat and will depend on their collective performance to salvage victory in the third ODI.
New Zealand Squad:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (wicketkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Ish Sodhi , Will Young.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 11 Overs – 3rd ODI New Zealand Sri Lanka Tour 2024
Openers: Will Young, Tim Robinson
Kiwi openers Will Young and Tim Robinson will be instrumental in setting the tone for the third ODI. The youngster showed some promise in the second match, playing a steady innings with 26 runs off 40 balls, but will have to convert the starters into big scores.
Robinson didn’t trouble the scorers and scored just 4 runs and will be looking for a big score as he puts pressure on Devon Conway for the regular opening spot.
Also read: Sri Lanka Playing 11 vs New Zealand – 3rd ODI, New Zealand Sri Lanka Tour 2024
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (b), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C)
Mark Chapman excelled in the second match scoring an impressive 76 off 81 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes. He will aim to replicate his form and anchor the innings.
Henry Nicholls and Glenn Phillips struggled to make major contributions after a lackluster second ODI after scoring 8 and 15 respectively, but are capable of steadying the ship when needed.
Lower-order batsmen and all-rounder Michael Bracewell will be key in the third ODI and will be out of the 3rd against Sri Lanka.
Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner will look to finish the series well, if not the best in this series.
Bowlers: Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Kiwi bowlers Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy will play a key role in the third ODI. Smith performed decently in the second match, picking up one wicket while conceding 21 runs in three overs and will aim to make a bigger impact.
Known for his leg spin, Sodhi bowled economically with figures of 9-0-37-0 and will look to add wickets to his tally. Duffy, despite being uncapped, has the pace to trouble batsmen and looks to strengthen his lines.
