NZ vs SL Match Prediction- 3rd ODI, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25

The ongoing three-match series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will conclude this week. The final game of the NZ vs SL series will be played on Saturday (January 11, 2025) at Eden Park, Auckland.

With the NZ vs SL series already decided, the upcoming game is just a dead rubber. The hosts have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series following their wins in the first two games. The Mitchell Santner-led side won the first game by 9 wickets before registering a 113-run victory in the second game.

Batting first, New Zealand scored 255/9 in the allotted 37 overs. Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman led the charge with the bat for the home side by scoring half-centuries. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 142 runs.

With both the teams now gearing up for the third ODI, here are all the predictions for the game.

NZ vs SL Match Prediction- 3rd ODI, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25:

Pitch Conditions

The upcoming third ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be played at Eden Park. It is a venue where Sri Lanka would like the conditions. The pitch at Eden Park has traditionally supported slow bowlers and spinners more. While the pacers will also get good support from the surface, the spinners can have a bigger say.

The average first innings total at the venue is 219 runs. Both teams will be looking to bat first and post more than 250 runs to get into the driver's seat.

Form and Fitness

There are no injury concerns for either of the two teams.

Score Prediction

NZ vs SL Players to perform prediction

NZ - Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, and Jacob Duffy will be the key players for New Zealand.

SL - Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Maheesh Theekshana 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: Rachin Ravindra or Will Young

Who will score the most runs for SL in the match: Kamindu Mendis or Pathum Nissanka

NZ vs SL Best Bowler Prediction

Who will pick the most wickets for NZ in the match: Jacob Duffy or Mitchell Santner

Who will pick the most wickets for SL in the match: Asitha Fernando or Wanindu Hasaranga

Conclusion - Who will win the Match?

While Sri Lanka have a decent record at Eden Park, New Zealand will start the game as firm favorites and are expected to win it. New Zealand have completely outplayed the visitors in the series so far and it is tough to see them losing the forthcoming game.

While Sri Lanka does have the potential to beat New Zealand, they will need something special to get back to winning ways. With the way New Zealand have performed so far, it looks highly unlikely that Sri Lanka will be able to win the third ODI.