Sri Lanka and New Zealand await to play one last time in Dambulla, this time, though, in the ODI format.
Match Preview:
After both teams won one game each in the T20 series and leveled it at 1-1, its time to play a longer format. New Zealand will play their first ODI game since December 2023. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have played this format more than any other team since the conclusion of the ODI World Cup in 2023. Beating India recently in India would definitely have raised their spirits. However, a mood-dampener came for the visiting side in the form of a calf injury that struck their main pacer, Lockie Ferguson. Adam Milne has been called to replace Ferguson, who will join the younger pacers. Anyway, the Mitchell Santner-led men would want to do as much damage to Sri Lanka as they can using their spin prowess. Although they might not have as lethal spinners as their opponents, they have plenty of spin options available.
Since the last time the Kiwis played an ODI game, Sri Lanka have defeated India, Afghanistan, West Indies, and Zimbabwe at home. But its difficult to say whether the team has improved overall, or is it just the home dominance that is inflating the team’s image in the ODI format? There is no doubt that the Sri Lankan spinners and pacers have been class apart, not only in this series but also for quite some time now. The batting side has also done what was asked of them very adeptly. The hosts will be without the services of Wanindu Hasaranga, who has been ruled out of the series with a hamstring injury. Dushan Hemantha will replace him in the squad and might get called on to the team as well.
Probable Playing XI:
Sri Lanka:
K Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, C Asalanka (C), A Fernando, PHKD Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, M Theekshana, K Perera, Matheesha Pathirana, B Rajapaksa, D Chandimal
New Zealand:
Mitchell Hay (wk), HM Nicholls, Tim Robinson, WA Young, MS Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Ish Sodhi, Zak Foulkes, AF Milne
Head-to-Head Record:
In 102 ODI games, both nations have played against each other, and New Zealand has a better record. The Kiwi team won 52 matches while Sri Lanka came out as the winners in 41 matches. Nine games ended without a win or loss as a result.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Dambulla should be your favorite place if you are a spinner. The surface offers plenty of spin and carry to the spinners who make life difficult for the batters. Fast bowlers can hope to take wickets during the first powerplay, especially when bowling first. Dambulla is forecasted to see rainfall and disturb the match even, but ODI games have a greater resistance against losing overs than T20Is.
Prediction:
The game can be expected to be bested by the hosts as they seem to be in wonderful form despite losing the last T20I game.
Where to Watch:
India: SonyLiv App
Pakistan: Tapmad
Sri Lanka: Supreme TV, Sony Sports Ten 5 HD – Ch no.124, Ten Cricket – Ch no.65, Sony Sports Ten 5
New Zealand: Sky Sports
UK: TNT Sports 2
Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan: Sony Liv
