New Zealand They will be looking to get a whitewash when they lock in 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 Saxton Oval, Nelson.
The Black Caps have already taken a 2-0 lead in the series. After winning the first match by eight runs, New Zealand thrashed Sri Lanka by 45 runs in the second T20I. Unlike the first match where they had difficulty with the bat early on, New Zealand were in complete control in the second match.
Batting first, the home team posted a competitive total of 186/5 in the allotted twenty overs. Then the Black Caps players put in a great effort. Riding on Jacob Duffy's 4-wicket haul, the home team bowled out Sri Lanka for just 141 runs.
With the high-flying Black Caps eyeing another win, we take a look at the New Zealand Playing 11 in the third T20I.
New Zealand playing 11 vs Sri Lanka – 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand, 2024-25:
Editorials: Tim Robinson, Rasheen Ravindra
Tim Robinson and Rasheen Ravindra are set to be New Zealand's openers playing 11 for the third T20I. Robinson scored 41 points in Game 2 and will look to have another good outing in Game 2. In the first match, he was out for just 8 runs.
On the other hand, Ravindra failed to perform well for the second match in a row. After struggling 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 only out for 8 runs in the first game before being dismissed for one run in the second game. Although Ravindra is struggling with his form, he is likely to retain his place in the Kiwi Playing 11 squad.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Darryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell
Mark Chapman will be looking forward to another good outing with the bat after playing a crucial knock in the second T20I. The right-handed batsman, who scored just 15 runs in the first match, scored 42 runs off 29 balls in the second match. He was also involved in a crucial 69-run stand with Robinson for the second wicket.
Glenn Phillips started with the bat but was unable to convert it into a big score. After scoring 8 runs in the series opener, the New Zealand all-rounder was bowled out for 23 runs in the second match. With the ball, Phillips bowled one over and gave away 14 runs without taking any wickets.
Darryl Mitchell got the start and looked set to score big again but his innings was interrupted by a run out. The senior batsman, who scored 62 runs in the first T20I, departed for 18 in the second match.
Mitchell Hay impressed with the bat for New Zealand. After being dismissed for a duck in the first match, Hay scored an unbeaten 41 runs off just 19 balls to help his team cross the 180-run mark. Michael Bracewell faced only 3 balls in the game and scored 5 runs. With the ball, Bracewell picked up one wicket for 30 runs in 3 overs.
Bowling: Mitchell Santner (c), Zachary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy
The home team is once again scheduled to field three forward players and one in the New Zealand Playing 11. Captain Mitchell Santner will lead the spin attack with the likes of Bracewell and Phillips being other bowling options.
Santner impressed with the ball in the second match, taking 2 wickets for 22 runs in 4 overs. The three players on the team will likely be Matt Henry, Zachary Foulkes and Jacob Duffy.
Duffy shined with the ball in the second match, taking 4 wickets for just 15 runs in 4 overs. On the other hand, Henry took 2 wickets for 31 runs while Foulkes took 1 wicket for 27 runs.