New Zealand Playing 11 vs Sri Lanka - 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25

New Zealand will be eyeing a whitewash when they lock horns against Sri Lanka in the third T20I of the ongoing series. The final match of the series is scheduled to be played on Thursday (January 2) at the Saxton Oval, Nelson.

The Black Caps have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. After winning the first game by 8 runs, New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka by 45 runs in the second T20I. Unlike the first game where they struggled with bat early on, New Zealand were in complete control in the second game.

Batting first, the home side posted a competitive total of 186/5 in the allotted 20 overs. The Black Caps bowlers then came up with a brilliant effort. Riding on Jacob Duffy's 4-wicket haul, the home side bowled out Sri Lanka for just 141 runs.

With high-flying Black Caps eyeing another win, we are taking a look at the New Zealand Playing 11 for the third T20I.

New Zealand Playing 11 vs Sri Lanka - 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, 2024-25:

Openers: Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra

Tim Robinson and Rachin Ravindra are set to be the openers in the New Zealand Playing 11 for the third T20I. Robinson scored 41 runs in the second game and will be eyeing another good outing in the second game. In the first game, he was out for just 8 runs.

Ravindra, on the other hand, failed to do well for the second game in a row. After his struggles in the Test series against England earlier this month, the Black Caps star has struggled with his form in the ongoing series as well.

He was out for only 8 runs in the first game before being dismissed for 1 run in the second game. Even though Ravindra is struggling with his form, he is likely to retain his spot in the Kiwi Playing 11.

Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell

Mark Chapman will be eyeing another good outing with the bat after playing a crucial knock in the second T20I. The right-handed batsman, who scored only 15 runs in the first game, scored 42 runs off 29 balls in the second game. He also shared a crucial 69-run stand with Robinson for the second wicket.

Glenn Phillips got the start with the bat but could not convert it into a big score. After scoring 8 runs in the series-opener, the New Zealand allrounder was out for 23 runs in the second game. With the ball, Phillips bowled one over and gave away 14 runs without taking any wicket.

Daryl Mitchell got the start and was looking set to score big once again but his innings was cut short by a run out. The senior batter, who scored 62 runs in the first T20I, departed for 18 runs in the second game.

Mitchell Hay impressed with the bat for New Zealand. After being dismissed for a duck in the first game, Hay scored an unbeaten 41 runs off just 19 balls to help his side cross the 180-run mark. Michael Bracewell faced just 3 balls in the game and scored 5 runs. With the ball, Bracewell picked up 1 wicket for 30 runs in 3 overs.

Bowlers: Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

The home side is once again set to play three frontline pacers and one spinner in the New Zealand Playing 11. Captain Mitchell Santner will be leading the spin attack with the likes of Bracewell and Phillips being the other spin bowling options.

Santner impressed with the ball in the second game, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs in his 4 overs. The three pacers in the team are likely to be Matt Henry, Zakary Foulkes and Jacob Duffy.

Duffy starred with the ball in the second game, taking 4 wickets for just 15 runs in his 4 overs. On the other hand, Henry picked up 2 wickets for 31 runs while Foulkes claimed 1 wicket for 27 runs.