Saxton Oval Nelson Pitch Report For New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20I

Debashis Sarangi∙ Updated: Jan 1 2025, 11:00 AM

Saxton Oval, Nelson [Source: @tmsproducer/X]Saxton Oval, Nelson [Source: @tmsproducer/X]

On Thursday, New Zealand will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the final T20 International of the ongoing three-match series on home soil. The much-awaited encounter will take place at Saxton Oval in Nelson, New Zealand. 

Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand exhibited commendable fighting spirit, swatting aside a formidable Lankan lineup on two consecutive occasions. The Kiwis have already taken an unassailable lead and would be keen to make it three wins in a row when they take the field in Nelson. 

On the other hand, Sri Lanka must be disappointed after losing the first couple of matches. They incurred a heartbreaking eight-run defeat in the opening game before surrendering once again to Jacob Duffy in the subsequent affair at Bay Oval. So, the visitors would be desperate to get back on winning track and regain their mojo before the ODI leg. 

Ahead of the high-voltage clash, let's see how the surface at Saxton Oval in Nelson will behave throughout the contest. 

Saxton Oval Nelson Stats And Records In T20Is

Criterion
Data
Matches played8
Matches won batting 1st6
Matches won bowling 1st2
Average 1st innings score138
Average 2nd innings score126


Saxton Oval Nelson Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The Saxton Oval in Nelson has hosted two men's T20Is, with the average run rate at the venue reading a decent 8.52. Teams have breached the 165-run mark on three out of four occasions in men's T20Is at this venue, signifying the pitch has offered good batting conditions in the past. 

However, considering Nelson will host a men's T20I after five years, we might see a fresh pitch with a hint of seam movement and extra bounce for the fast bowlers. Having said that, we reckon the conditions will offer a balanced contest between bat and ball, with batters and seam bowlers playing a crucial role. 

It's wort mentioning that teams batting first have been more successful at this venue, winning both men's T20Is. However, if a fresh pitch is dished out, the toss-winner might be tempted to bowl first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Saxton Oval In Nelson

Jacob Duffy

  • New Zealand's ace seamer Jacob Duffy has wreaked havoc in the Lankan camp, scalping seven wickets in two outings. He has troubled the visiting batters and could once again be the hosts' game-changer with the ball. 

Wanindu Hasaranga

  • Sri Lanka's experienced all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been their most successful bowler in this series. He has outfoxed the Kiwi batters with his guile, scalping four wickets in two outings. 

Pathum Nissanka

  • Sri Lanka's Mr consistent Pathum Nissanka has been impressive in the series, slamming the most runs, including a blistering fifty. So, considering his red-hot form and how he has tackled New Zealand's bowling unit, Nissanka could be a key player in this game. 

P.S: Apart from the aforementioned players, the eyes will be on Mark Chapman, Mitchell Santner, Kusal Mendis and Matheesha Pathirana.