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

The third T20I of the ongoing series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka will take place on Thursday (January 2, 2025). The game is scheduled to be played at the Saxton Oval, Nelson.

New Zealand have already sealed the series by winning the first two games. The hosts won the first game by 8 runs before winning the second game by 45 runs to go 2-0 up. New Zealand thoroughly outplayed the visitors in the second T20I.

Batting first, the hosts posted a competitive total of 186/5 in the allotted 20 overs. In reply, Sri Lanka were all out for 141 runs in 19.1 overs. Lanka will be looking to win the upcoming game to end the series on a good note.

As Lanka look to restore their pride, we are taking a look at the Sri Lanka Playing 11 for the third T20I against New Zealand.

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

Openers: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk)

Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are set to be the openers in the Lankan Playing 11 for the third T20I. Nissanka got the start but could not convert it into a big score in the second T20I. After scoring 90 runs in the first T20I, the right-handed batsman was out for 37 runs in the second game.

Kusal Mendis could not get going in the second T20I and will be looking to bounce back in the third T20I. The right-handed batsman had scored 46 runs in the series-opener before being dismissed for only 10 runs in the second game.

Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga

Kusal Perera was the pick of the Lankan batters in the second T20I. The left-handed batsman top-scored for his side in the game. After being dismissed for a duck in the first game, Perera scored 48 runs in the second game. No other Lankan batter could reach the 40-run mark.

Kamindu Mendis once again disappointed with the bat. After being dismissed for a duck in the first T20I, Mendis could score only run-a-ball 7 in the second game. However, he is likely to retain his spot in the Sri Lanka Playing 11.

Captain Charith Asalanka once again failed to lead from the front. In the must-win clash for his side, Asalanka could score only 20 runs. He will be eyeing a better display in the upcoming T20I. Avishka Fernando failed to impress too, scoring just 5 runs.

Wanindu Hasaranga could not do well with the bat, scoring just 1 but was the pick of the bowlers from Sri Lanka. The leg-spinner picked up 2 wickets and conceded just 28 runs in his 4 overs.

Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

The visitors are set to include three frontline pacers and one spinner in the Sri Lanka Playing 11. Matheesha Pathirana will be leading the attack. The right-arm pacer picked up 1 wicket for 37 runs in the second game and will be eyeing a better display.

Nuwan Thushara and Binura Fernando are expected to be the other pacers in the team. Fernando had a poor outing in the previous game as he conceded 37 runs and could not take any wicket. On the other hand, Thushara picked up 1 wicket for 25 runs.

Maheesh Theekshana is set to be the sole frontline spinner in the Sri Lanka Playing 11. The right-arm spinner will be looking to bounce back after his poor display in the previous game where he gave away 52 runs and could not take any wicket.