Cornered and desperate, New Zealand cricket will look to save their pride in the third One Day International against Sri Lanka at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on November 19 after going down 0-2 in the series.
The Blackcaps have struggled with inconsistent performances, particularly in their top-order batting, which has repeatedly failed to build substantial partnerships.
Despite Michael Bracewell’s valiant bowling effort of 4-36 in the second ODI, the Kiwis could not avoid another defeat and will depend on their collective performance to salvage a victory in the third ODI.
New Zealand team:
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Adam Milne, Zak Foulkes, Dean Foxcroft, Mitch Hay (goalkeeper), Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Tim Robinson, Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Will Young .
New Zealand Playing 11 vs Sri Lanka – 3rd ODI, New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024
Openers: Will Young, Tim Robinson
Kiwi openers Will Young and Tim Robinson will be crucial in setting the tone for the third ODI. Young showed some promise in the second match with 26 runs off 40 balls playing a consistent knock, but will need to convert openings into big scoring.
Robinson didn’t trouble the scorers scoring just 4 runs and will be looking for a big score as he looks to put pressure on Devon Convay for a regular opening spot.
Also Read: Sri Lanka Playing 11 against New Zealand – 3rd ODI, New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Mark Chapman, Henry Nicholls, Glenn Phillips, Mitch Hay (w), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C)
Mark Chapman stood out in the second match and scored an impressive 76 off 81 balls with seven boundaries and three sixes. Your goal will be to replicate its shape and anchor the entries.
Henry Nicholls and Glenn Phillips struggled to make big contributions after a poor second ODI after scoring 8 and 15 respectively, but are capable of steadying the ship when required.
Lower order batsmen and all-rounder Michael Bracewell will be key in the third ODI and are coming off a 3-fer against Sri Lanka.
Kiwis captain Mitchell Santner has not been at his best in this series but will look to finish the series well.
Bowlers: Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi, Jacob Duffy
Kiwi bowlers Nathan Smith, Ish Sodhi and Jacob Duffy will play a key role in the third ODI. Smith had a decent outing in the second match, taking one wicket and conceding 21 runs in three overs, and will be looking to make a bigger impact.
Sodhi, known for his leg-spin, bowled economically with figures of 9-0-37-0 and will look to add wickets to his control. Duffy, despite not having wickets, has the pace to trouble batsmen and will look to strengthen his lines.