Sri Lanka ended their nine-year-long wait to secure their first ODI win against New Zealand in New Zealand after securing a thrashing 140-run victory in the series-ending game at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

It was the third game of the three-match ODI series between the hosts New Zealand and the visitors Sri Lanka, where the Blackcaps already secured the home ODI series by winning the first two matches. 

See Also: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Indian squad announcement likely to be delayed

Sri Lanka scored 290/8 with the help of three half-centuries

Sri Lanka chose to bat first after winning the toss in the Auckland ODI. After Sri Lanka recorded their highest first innings ODI total in New Zealand with 290/8, New Zealand were bowled out for only 150 runs.

Lankan openers Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando set up a fine start with a 66-run opening partnership before Nissanka retired hurt due to his groin/hip area injury after scoring 50 off 31 balls.

Soon, Fernando was dismissed for 17 runs. However, the next two batters Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis set up an 87-run partnership for the second wicket. Kusal scored 54 off 48 balls while the skipper Charith Asalanka scored another duck. Kamindu also lost his wicket after scoring 46 off 71 balls, after which Nissanka returned with the bat. However, the Sri Lankan opener was still struggling to run and was majorly dealing with boundaries.

Nissanka scored 66 off 42 balls with the help of six fours and five sixes before Mitchell Santner dismissed him. 

In the slog overs, Janith Liyanage batted strongly and scored 53 off 52 balls to guide the Sri Lankan total to 290 runs.

Among the New Zealand bowlers, Matt Henry bagged four wickets (4/55) and Mitchell Santner picked up two wickets (2/55). 

Asitha Fernando's brutal start denied Mark Chapman's fighting knock

In reply, New Zealand lost the first five wickets only for 21 runs, where Asitha Fernando bagged three wickets. Only Mark Chapman managed to reply strongly while the late batters brought few supports without reaching the 20-run mark. 

Chapman was the last batter to be dismissed as Maheesh Theekshana bowled Chapman for 81 off 81 balls (10 fours and one six).

Among the Sri Lankan bowlers, Asitha Fernando (3/26), Maheesh Theekshana (3/35), and Eshan Malinga (3/35) picked up three wickets each. 

While Sri Lanka won the ODI by 140 runs, it was their second-largest ODI win (by runs) against New Zealand. Lanka’s previous ODI win against the hosts New Zealand was in December 2015 when they claimed an eight-wicket victory in the Nelson ODI.

Asitha Fernando won the Player of the Match award while the Blackcaps' fast bowler Matt Henry won the Player of the Series award for taking nine wickets in the ODI series. 

NZ vs SL Match Preview

New Zealand will face Sri Lanka in the third ODI of the Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand, which will be played at Eden Park in Auckland on January 11, 2025, at 6:30 AM IST. Sri Lanka is on tour in New Zealand, where they will play three T20Is and three one-day internationals. New Zealand won the T20I series of 2-1, and they now lead the series 2-0 against Sri Lanka with one match remaining. Sri Lanka lost both ODIs against New Zealand by large margins. It's difficult to defeat New Zealand in New Zealand.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 3rd Match, ODI Match

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Date & Time: 11th January 2025 at 06:30 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

Bowling conditions were ideal in the first innings. Both teams' seamers should be able to take advantage of bowling conditions that favour seam movement off the surface.

NZ vs SL Weather Report

There is a 10% chance of rain on matchday. You can expect some cloud cover from above. Auckland's temperatures will be warm and humid.

NZ vs SL Last Five Matches

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Nitish Kumar Reddy Honored with Hero's Welcome in Visakhapatnam After Stunning Heroics in Australia

NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, William ORourke

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Rachin Ravindra –  Rachin Ravindra went on to make 79 off 63 balls helping NZ seal 2nd ODI and making it 2-0 in favour of NZ.
• Matt Henry – Matt Henry took 4 wickets for just 19 runs, and will be one of the most potent seam bowlers in the world with conditions like these.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Kamindu Mendis – Kamindu Mendis scored valuable 64 runs to arrest the slide but Sri Lanka eventually lost by 113 runs.
• Mahesh Theekshana – Mahesh Theekshana did pull things back with some lower order wickets. He ended up getting 4 wickets for 44 runs in 8 overs.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Will Young(VC), Rachin Ravindra, Wanindu Hasaranga(C), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra(C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Mitchell Santner(VC), Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Rachin Ravindra, Wanindu Hasaranga

Vice-captain – Will Young, Mitchell Santner

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

NZ vs SL Probable Winners:

New Zealand leads the series 2-0 against Sri Lanka at home. They rarely lose ODIs at home. They have only lost one in the past five years. Their head-to-head history against Sri Lanka is impressive. With their history and current form, we believe New Zealand has a lead over Sri Lanka in this third ODI, which they will win to sweep the opponents at home. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

New Zealand made easy work of Sri Lanka in the first game. They batted smoothly and their bowling was more than enough in wiping the Sri Lankan batters aside leaving Sri Lanka with some catching up to do.

NZ vs SL Match Details

Date: January 5th, 2025

Time:  6:30 AM IST

Venue: Seddon Park, Hamilton

NZ vs SL Weather Report

Rain seems to be staying away with clear weather likely.

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

The track was pretty balanced in the first game. Toss wise, batting second could be better with even purchase for both teams.

NZ vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SL Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Wickramasinghe, Lahiru Kumara, Ashitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana

NZ Playing XI

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

Key Players

Pathum Nissanka

2024 has been a solid year for Nissanka in all formats as he has seemingly settled the debates over his position. He looks at ease against the new-ball and place spin well, going at decent rates.

Daryl Mitchell

Mitchell continues to step up. He walked in at a dire situation for his side but was quick to put his side in a commanding position when he left.

NZ vs SL Match Tips

 Both sides are pretty good in the shortest format but a fightback from a young Sri Lankan side could be on the cards.

Match Prediction: Sri Lanka Will Win The Match

NZ vs SL Match Preview

After winning the first ODI very comfortably by 9 wickets, New Zealand will be looking to dominate this game as well with the same gameplay. The focus is now on the longer white-ball format, in which these teams ought to be evenly matched. There are similar lineups for both formats, with more close matches throughout the ODI series.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 2nd Match, ODI Match

Venue: Seddon Park - Hamilton

Date & Time: 08th January 2025 at 03:30 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

Bowling conditions were ideal in the first innings. Both teams' seamers should be able to take advantage of bowling conditions that favour seam movement off the surface.

NZ vs SL Weather Report

There is a 10% chance of rain on matchday. You can expect some cloud cover from above. Hamilton's temperatures will be warm and humid.

NZ vs SL Last Five Matches

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: South Africa vs Pakistan:South Africa Clinches Dominant 10-Wicket Victory Over Pakistan

NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay(w), Mitchell Santner(c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, William O'Rourke

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Will Young –  Young went on to make an unbeaten 90 runs off 86 balls helping NZ seal first ODI in just 27th over.
• Matt Henry – Matt Henry is one of the most potent seam bowlers in the world with conditions like these.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Avishka Fernando – Opener Avishka Fernando scored 56 off 63 balls and tried to take to a decent score for at least putting up a fight.
• Wanindu Hasaranga – Although Wanindu Hasaranga went wicketless last match, but still managed to bowl tighter lengths.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Charith Asalanka(C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Daryl Mitchell(VC), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka(VC), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra(C), Mark Chapman, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Charith Asalanka, Rachin Ravindra

Vice-captain – Daryl Mitchell, Pathum Nissanka

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

NZ vs SL Probable Winners:

When the hosts faced the Sri Lankans in Wellington, they won convincingly. With a full understanding of how to perform in New Zealand, the Black Caps are going to be firm favorites to win the next ODI. Sri Lanka is a strong team that will be able to recover. The visitors' batting will require significant improvement to challenge the New Zealanders. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

New Zealand has another chance to settle their Champions Trophy squad looking particularly at their fringe players. The tournament is coming close and with few ODIs left the chance here will help settle their eleven.

NZ vs SL Match Details

Date: January 5th, 2025

Time:  3:30 AM IST

Venue: Basin River, Wellington

NZ vs SL Weather Report

Rain seems to be staying away with clear weather likely.

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

The track was pretty balanced in the first game. Toss wise, batting second could be better with even purchase for both teams.

NZ vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SL Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Wickramasinghe, Lahiru Kumara, Ashitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana

NZ Playing XI

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

Key Players

Pathum Nissanka

2024 has been a solid year for Nissanka in all formats as he has seemingly settled the debates over his position. He looks at ease against the new-ball and place spin well, going at decent rates.

Daryl Mitchell

Mitchell continues to step up. He walked in at a dire situation for his side but was quick to put his side in a commanding position when he left.

NZ vs SL Match Tips

 Both sides are pretty good in the shortest format but a fightback from a young Sri Lankan side could be on the cards.

Match Prediction: Sri Lanka Will Win The Match

NZ vs SL Match Preview

New Zealand, fresh off a 2-1 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka, is ready to focus on the ODI series, which begins this Sunday. This series gives the home team a valuable opportunity to prepare for the Champions Trophy, which is scheduled for February. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, which is not going to compete in that tournament, will provide an opportunity to restructure its team for the upcoming World Cup to improve on the potential it demonstrated last year.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 1st Match, ODI Match

Venue: Basin Reserve, Wellington

Date & Time: 05th January 2025 at 03:30 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

Fast bowlers will thrive at this pitch due to the green patch. They get a ball to seam and swing across this surface. However, the venue's smaller dimensions make it easier for batsmen to play their strokes.

NZ vs SL Weather Report

The weather forecast calls for cloudy skies for the day, with rain chances as well.

NZ vs SL Last Five Matches

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Virat Kohli fined with a demerit point for Boxing Day incident with Aussie Test debutant

NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Janith Liyanage

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Will Young, Mark Chapman, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Hay (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Will O’Rourke, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith/ Michael Bracewell

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Will Young –  Will Young, who led the run charts during the previous ODI series versus Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, is a key player to watch.
• Jacob Duffy – Jacob Duffy, who took eight wickets in the two-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, is expected to get a shot in the current match to continue his impressive form.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Charith Asalanka – Skipper Charith Asalanka provides a consistent presence in the middle of the order and can contribute with his spin.
• Lahiru Kumara – Lahiru Kumara's speed and distinctive action make them a threat to New Zealand batters. In his last nine games, the right-arm quick has taken 17 T20I wickets.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Charith Asalanka(C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Daryl Mitchell(VC), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka(VC), Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra(C), Mark Chapman, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Charith Asalanka, Rachin Ravindra

Vice-captain – Daryl Mitchell, Pathum Nissanka

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

NZ vs SL Probable Winners:

Sri Lanka has recently had a successful run in one-day internationals, winning 3 consecutive series at home. However, the challenges they will face in New Zealand will be quite different, as adapting to different pitches and climates will be critical to their success. While New Zealand's ODI record has not been perfect, recent home series victories ought to provide them with the momentum to continue their progress. Given typical conditions, the Kiwis have a strong advantage. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

The series has been wrapped up. Sri Lanka did compete but the small concerns overseas were visible.

NZ vs SL Match Details

Date: January 2nd, 2025

Time: 11:45 AM IST

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

NZ vs SL Weather Report

Rain seems to be staying away with clear weather likely.

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

The track was pretty balanced in the first game. Toss wise, batting second could be better with even purchase for both teams.

NZ vs SL Predicted Playing XI

SL Playing XI

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

NZ Playing XI

Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay, Mitchell Santner, Zachary Foukes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

See Also: Today’s Cricket Match Predictions – Cricket Winner

Key Players

Pathum Nissanka

2024 has been a solid year for Nissanka in all formats as he has seemingly settled the debates over his position. He looks at ease against the new-ball and place spin well, going at decent rates.

Daryl Mitchell

Mitchell continues to step up. He walked in at a dire situation for his side but was quick to put his side in a commanding position when he left.

NZ vs SL Match Tips

 Both sides are pretty good in the shortest format but a fightback from a young Sri Lankan side could be on the cards.

Match Prediction: Sri Lanka Will Win The Match

NZ vs SL Match Preview

New Zealand will face Sri Lanka in the third T20I of the three-match series on January 2, 2024, at 5:45 a.m. IST, at Saxton Oval in Nelson. Sri Lanka is on a tour of New Zealand, where they will play three ODIs and three T20 internationals. The tour began with a series of T20Is, followed by three ODIs. New Zealand has an unassailable 2-0 lead over Sri Lanka after winning the first two T20 internationals of the three-match series. New Zealand won both games convincingly, batting first against Sri Lanka.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 3rd Match, T20I Match

Venue: Saxton Oval Nelson Cricket Ground, Nelson

Date & Time: 02nd January 2025 at 05:45 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

Fast bowlers will thrive at this pitch due to the green patch. They get a ball to seam and swing across this surface. However, the venue's smaller dimensions make it easier for batsmen to play their strokes.

NZ vs SL Weather Report

The weather forecast calls for cloudy skies for the day, with rain chances as well.

NZ vs SL Last Five Matches

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Virat Kohli fined with a demerit point for Boxing Day incident with Aussie Test debutant

NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Tim Robinson, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Zakary Foulkes, Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Mitchell Hay –  Mitchell Hay, the wicketkeeper, adds consistency behind his stumps and punches in the lower order.
• Mitchell Santner – Mitchell Santner leads the team, and his sharp left-arm spin and calm management make him an invaluable asset. He has nearly 120 T20I wickets and slightly more than 700 T20I runs.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka – In his final T20I innings against New Zealand, he hit a half-century at just over a run per ball, leading the run-scoring charts with two centuries and a fifty in the last series.
• Matheesha Pathirana – Matheesha Pathirana's speed and distinctive action make them a threat to New Zealand batters. In his last nine games, the right-arm quick has taken 17 T20I wickets.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra(C), Charith Asalanka(VC), Wanindu Hasaranga, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga(C), Daryl Mitchell(VC), Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Wanindu Hasaranga, Rachin Ravindra

Vice-captain – Daryl Mitchell, Charith Asalanka

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

NZ vs SL Probable Winners:

Sri Lanka is struggling in New Zealand, and their batsmen will face difficult conditions. The onus is on the batting lineup to perform well on these fast and bouncy pitches. New Zealand is competing at home and has some good hitters in their lineup. New Zealand is going in with an advantage in this game. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.

In the second T20I between Sri Lanka and New Zealand on December 30, 2024, Sri Lanka had a strong chance to level the series and create history. Chasing 187, they were 69 runs away from victory with seven wickets in hand after 14 overs, a scenario that was quite promising. Kusal Perera’s brilliant batting gave Sri Lanka hope as they aimed to pull off a thrilling win, which would have tied the series at 1-1. At that stage, the Sri Lankan team seemed confident of chasing down the target.

It's all on at Bay Oval! How things stand with six overs remaining in the Sri Lanka chase. Follow play LIVE in NZ with TVNZ 1, TVNZ+, Sport Nation and The ACC. LIVE scoring | https://t.co/7h7R8dYvTv 📲 #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/GNJmHYttUx

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) December 30, 2024

Kusal Perera's exceptional knock of 48 from 35 balls gave the team a solid chance to pull off an historic victory.He tackled New Zealand’s bowlers with ease, delivering boundaries and rotating the strike effectively. With him at the crease, Sri Lanka seemed to be building a solid platform to chase down New Zealand's total. His resilience was evident as he played through some challenging moments and looked set to guide his team to victory.

The Turning Point: Perera’s Dismissal

However, things took a sharp turn when Perera was dismissed. His departure marked the start of Sri Lanka’s collapse, and momentum quickly shifted in favor of New Zealand. Jacob Duffy, a standout performer for the BlackCaps, claimed 4/15, continuing his excellent form. Sri Lanka, once in control, lost wickets rapidly, and the chase unraveled. New Zealand’s bowlers seized on Sri Lanka’s vulnerabilities, maintaining pressure with every over, ultimately guiding their team to victory as the match slipped away from Sri Lanka.

After Perera’s wicket, the Sri Lankan middle and lower order struggled to build partnerships, and the required run rate started to climb. Despite a valiant effort from other batsmen, the task proved too difficult. New Zealand's bowlers bowled with precision, and the fielding was sharp, making it increasingly hard for Sri Lanka to get back on track. In the end, Sri Lanka’s hopes were dashed, and they lost the match, leaving New Zealand to take a 2-0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka’s Challenge Ahead

This defeat leaves Sri Lanka with a tough task in the final match of the series.they will need to put in a complete performance. While Kusal Perera’s innings was the bright spot for Sri Lanka, the collapse afterward highlights the fragile nature of their batting lineup. The team will need to regroup and find a way to sustain pressure throughout the entire innings in the upcoming match.

Also Read:Happy Retirement, Rohit Sharma: Fans Call for the Captain to Step Down

New Zealand’s Upper Hand in the Series

For New Zealand, this victory strengthens their position in the series and gives them the upper hand. Their bowling attack, especially after Perera's dismissal, showed their depth and ability to recover under pressure. The Kiwis will look to maintain their momentum in the final match to secure a clean sweep series win, while Sri Lanka will be hoping to bounce back with a more complete performance.

NZ vs SL Match Preview

The first T20I of this series was fascinating, with Sri Lanka appearing to be cruising toward their target of 173 when they were 121 without loss halfway through the 14th over. However, Jacob Duffy had other plans, dismissing Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, and Kamindu Mendis in the space of four deliveries to shift the momentum in New Zealand's favor. Sri Lanka were ultimately unable to turn the tide following that triple-strike, and the hosts won by eight runs in Mount Maunganui.

NZ vs SL Match Details

New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – 2nd Match, T20I Match

Venue: Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui

Date & Time: 30th December 2024 at 11:45 AM IST 

Live Streaming: FanCode

NZ vs SL Venue Stats

NZ vs SL Pitch Report

Fast bowlers will thrive at this pitch due to the green patch. They get a ball to seam and swing across this surface. However, the venue's smaller dimensions make it easier for batsmen to play their strokes.

NZ vs SL Weather Report

The weather forecast calls for cloudy skies for the day, with rain chances as well.

NZ vs SL Last Five Matches

NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Virat Kohli fined with a demerit point for Boxing Day incident with Aussie Test debutant

NZ vs SL Probable Playing XIs:

Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs

Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

Mitchell Santner (c), Mitchell Hay (wk), Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell, Jacob Duffy, Matt Henry, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Tim Robinson, Zakary Foulkes

Topmost Picks for NZ vs SL Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Mitchell Hay –  Mitchell Hay, the wicketkeeper, adds consistency behind his stumps and punches in the lower order.
• Mitchell Santner – Mitchell Santner leads the team, and his sharp left-arm spin and calm management make him an invaluable asset. He has nearly 120 T20I wickets and slightly more than 700 T20I runs.

Top Picks – Sri Lanka

• Pathum Nissanka – In his final T20I innings against New Zealand, he hit a half-century at just over a run per ball, leading the run-scoring charts with two centuries and a fifty in the last series.
• Matheesha Pathirana – Matheesha Pathirana's speed and distinctive action make them a threat to New Zealand batters. In his last nine games, the right-arm quick has taken 17 T20I wickets.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra(C), Charith Asalanka(VC), Wanindu Hasaranga, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for NZ vs SL Dream11 Team:

Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga(C), Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner(VC), Matt Henry, Matheesha Pathirana

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Wanindu Hasaranga, Rachin Ravindra

Vice-captain – Mitchell Santner, Charith Asalanka

Wicketkeeper – Kusal Mendis

NZ vs SL Probable Winners:

Sri Lanka is struggling in New Zealand, and their batsmen will face difficult conditions. The onus is on the batting lineup to perform well on these fast and bouncy pitches. New Zealand is competing at home and has some good hitters in their lineup. New Zealand is going in with an advantage in this game. Considering the team combination, New Zealand is expected to win this match.