Sri Lanka vs New Zealand – 3rd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sri Lanka vs New Zealand taking place? Friday 6th September, 14:30 (UK)
Where is Sri Lanka vs New Zealand taking place? Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
What is the expected weather for Sri Lanka vs New Zealand? Temperatures of around 26c with clouds above but the thunderstorms should have subsided by the start of play
What channel is Sri Lanka vs New Zealand on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Sri Lanka vs New Zealand? This match cannot be streamed live in the UK
Where can I get tickets for Sri Lanka vs New Zealand? Tickets for this match can be purchased directly from the stadium
LAST MEETING
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 4 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
SRI LANKA
- Sri Lanka looked to have the momentum with them in the second match of the T20 series with New Zealand but a freak on-field clash turned the game on its head and played its part in condemning the hosts to a series loss.
- They now look set to be without Kusal Mendis and Shehan Jayasuriya for this final match after the pair picked up knee injuries following that an on-field collision in the second game with Danushka Gunathilaka likely to come in to the side.
- The other spot in the team is up for grabs with Sri Lanka having no other specialist batsmen in their squad but 22-year-old Lahiru Kumara could be the man to add an extra bowling option whilst Lahiru Madushanka will be hoping to make his international T20 debut.
NEW ZEALAND
- New Zealand backed up their victory in the first T20 by claiming another hard-fought win as they claimed a four-wicket win over Sri Lanka with just two balls of their innings remaining to seal the series with a game to spare.
- Colin de Grandhomme was the star with the bat as he hit 59 from 46 balls whilst he also shared a 109 partnership with Tom Bruce for the fourth wicket but Tim Southee claimed man of the match thanks to a superb showing with the ball, claiming 2-18 from his four overs.
- Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the final game of the series after suffering a stomach strain whilst fielding in the second match with Hamish Rutherford receiving a late call-up to the squad to provide batting cover whilst Ross Taylor has been declared fit to play.
THE PREDICTION
New Zealand have some injury issues to overcome for this final game as they look to secure a series whitewash over Sri Lanka. Martin Guptill has joined Lockie Ferguson on the sidelines whilst Tom Bruce will also need to overcome some discomfort in his knee to take his place in the side following a half-century in the second game. Sri Lanka have injury issues too and having already been edged out in the first two games, the Blackcaps should be able to make it a 3-0 series win.
