NZ vs SL 3rd ODI Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s 3rd ODI Match Between New Zealand And Sri Lanka?

New Zealand will face Sri Lanka for the 3rd ODI at Eden Park [Source: @Kiwiscricketfan/X.com]

After bagging two comfortable wins, New Zealand is heading towards the third ODI against Sri Lanka on January 11 at Eden Park, Auckland. Though New Zealand have already bagged the series with two straight wins, Sri Lanka will try to avoid the clean sweep as the match begins at 6:30 AM IST.

New Zealand

New Zealand's dominant performance in the rain-affected second ODI has gifted them a series win, as they defeated Sri Lanka by 113 runs to take a 2-0 lead. After being put in to bat, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 255/9, thanks to solid contributions from Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman, who helped steady the innings after early setbacks. Despite Maheesh Theekshana's stunning hat-trick for Sri Lanka, the Kiwi top order's resilience ensured they posted a challenging total. 

In response, New Zealand's bowlers were in sublime form, with William O'Rourke (3/31), Jacob Duffy (2/30), and others wreaking havoc on the Sri Lankan top order bowling out for just 142. With the series now secured, New Zealand will head into the third ODI full of confidence, looking to complete a clean sweep.

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka's hopes of levelling the series were dashed as they succumbed to a huge defeat in the rain-hit second ODI. Despite a valiant 64 from Kamindu Mendis, who stood firm amid a collapsing top order, the visitors struggled to cope with the swinging conditions and relentless pressure from New Zealand's bowlers. While chasing 256 runs, Sri Lanka faced an uphill task, losing four wickets for just 31 runs during the reduced powerplay. 

Though Mendis fought back with useful partnerships, Sri Lanka's inability to build substantial partnerships meant they were eventually bundled out for 142. With the series now at 2-0 in New Zealand's favour, Sri Lanka will need to regroup and put up a stronger fight in the third ODI to avoid a clean sweep.

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Records in ODIs

How Will The Eden Park Pitch Behave?

The Eden Park in Auckland is renowned for its fast and bouncy pitch, offering ample assistance to fast bowlers. While the new ball can be challenging for batters, the surface generally becomes more conducive for batting as the match progresses. The relatively small dimensions of the ground further encourage aggressive stroke play, potentially leading to high-scoring encounters. However, as the game unfolds, spinners are likely to come into play, exploiting the gradual loss of pace in the pitch. Hence, the toss winning captain would like to bat first.

Players To Watch Out For In NZ vs SL 3rd ODI

New Zealand

Matt Henry: The 33-year-old veteran Kiwi pacer, Matt Henry bamboozled Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI with his 4-19. Scalping the top and the middle order, he was the pick of the bowlers from New Zealand. He bowled 10 overs at an economy rate of 1.90 and will be important for the Black Caps in the upcoming clash too.

Mitchell Santner: Santner rose with both the bat and the ball in the last two matches and also scalped one wicket each in the last two encounters. He will be expected to perform big on the Eden Park pitch giving the Sri Lankan team a tough time with the bat.

Rachin Ravindra: Rachin Ravindra was the star of the Kiwis with the bat as he built a solid partnership with Mark Chapman to hand the Lankans a defeat in the 2nd ODI. The rising star also performed well in the 1st ODI with his 45-run knock and the in-form batter might be a standout player for his team again in the 3rd ODI as well.

Sri Lanka

Wanindu Hasaranga: Hasaranga played a crucial role in dismissing Rachin Ravindra during the second ODI, disrupting the Kiwi innings as Ravindra and Mark Chapman were building a strong partnership. In that match, Hasaranga took 2 wickets for 39 runs. In the first ODI too, he made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring 35 runs off 33 balls.

Maheesh Theekshana: Maheesh Theekshana was phenomenal in the 2nd ODI against New Zealand where he orchestrated New Zealand's quick downfall with his 4-fer. He conceded 44 runs in his 8 overs at an economy rate of 5.50 and will be expected to repeat his heroics with the ball again in the 3rd ODI.

Kamindu Mendis: Mendis showed resilience with the bat and offered resistance for the Sri Lankan innings with his gritty 64-run knock in the 2nd ODI when the Sri Lankan top-order failed to put up against the Kiwi bowler's heat. For the 3rd ODI too, Asalanka will be depending on Mendis for a stellar inning.

Today's Match Prediction: NZ vs SL 3rd ODI

Predicted Top Performers

New Zealand – Matt Henry, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra

Sri Lanka – Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana

NZ vs SL 3rd ODI: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 250-270

Predicted second innings score: 200-220

Predicted Result: The team batting first will likely have the upper hand in this match.

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