NZ vs SL Match Prediction- 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25

New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be facing each other in the third T20I of the ongoing series on Thursday (January 2, 2025). The final match of the NZ vs SL series is scheduled to be played at the Saxton Oval, Nelson.

The Black Caps have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. The Mitchell Santner-led side started the series with a hard-fought 8-run win. In the second game, New Zealand came up with an all round display and completely outplayed Sri Lanka, winning the game by 45 runs.

Batting first, New Zealand scored 186/5 in allotted 20 overs thanks to useful knocks from Mark Chapman (42), Tim Robinson (41) and Mitchell Hay (41*). In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 141 runs with Jacob Duffy taking 4 wickets for just 15 runs.

With both the teams now gearing for the third T20I, here are all the predictions for the game.

NZ vs SL Match Prediction- 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25:

Pitch Conditions

The match will be played at the Saxton Oval, a venue that has hosted only two T20Is so far and not a single T20I since 2019. Both the games were high-scoring games and the conditions are likely to remain same for the upcoming NZ vs SL T20I as well.

In both the games, the team batting first won the game. Both the teams will keep that in mind and will be looking to bat first and post a good total. The average first innings total at the venue is 184 runs. Anything above 180 is likely to be a winning total.

Form and Fitness

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

Score Prediction

NZ vs SL Players to perform prediction

NZ - Tim Robinson, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, and Jacob Duffy will be the key players for New Zealand.

SL - Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, and Nuwan Thushara 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: Tim Robinson or Mark Chapman

Who will score the most runs for SL in the match: Kusal Perera or Pathum Nissanka

NZ vs SL Best Bowler Prediction

Who will pick the most wickets for NZ in the match: Jacob Duffy or Zak Foulkes

Who will pick the most wickets for SL in the match: Matheesha Pathirana or Wanindu Hasaranga

Conclusion - Who will win the Match?

New Zealand will start the upcoming third T20I against Sri Lanka as favourites and are expected to win the game. The form and momentum are with New Zealand and they will be looking to make the most of it.

Sri Lanka have had their chances in the first two games but they failed to capitalise on them. They will be needing a complete performance in the third T20I to end up on the winning side.