New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first in the final ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Despite Sri Lanka already securing the series win with victories in the first two games, both teams made changes to their lineups. New Zealand saw the debut of seamer Zakary Foulkes, who had shown promise in the T20 matches. Another newcomer, Adam Milne, also got his first game on the tour, replacing Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka made significant changes with five new players coming in. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, and Asitha Fernando were all replaced by Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz, and debutant Chamindu Wickramasinghe. The weather in Pallekele was forecasted to have rain later on, but conditions at the start of the match were hot and humid. The pitch had more grass than before, which could favor the batters initially, as mentioned by Santner during the toss. However, dew might become a factor as the evening progresses.
The Sri Lankan lineup featured Nishan Madushka, Avishka Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka, and Mohamed Shiraz. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s playing XI included Tim Robinson, Will Young, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Zakary Foulkes, Ish Sodhi, and Adam Milne.
With Sri Lanka potentially turning a corner in ODIs, the match promised to be an exciting showdown between the two teams. Despite the challenges posed by the weather and pitch conditions, both sides were geared up to give their best performance in the final ODI. Fans were eagerly anticipating the outcome of the game, hoping for an exciting contest between the bat and ball.
As the match unfolded, it became clear that both teams were determined to make their mark. The debutants, Foulkes and Wickramasinghe, showcased their skills on the field, making valuable contributions to their respective teams. The spectators were treated to a display of talent and sportsmanship as the players battled it out in the middle.
In the end, New Zealand put up a competitive total on the board, thanks to some stellar performances by their top-order batsmen. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, faced some early setbacks but fought back valiantly to keep the match in the balance. The final outcome hung in the balance as the game reached its climax, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats till the last ball was bowled.
Overall, the third ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka turned out to be a thrilling contest, showcasing the competitive spirit and skill of both teams. The players’ commitment and determination were evident throughout the match, making it a memorable encounter for cricket enthusiasts around the world.
