New Zealand Opt to Bat First in Final ODI Against Sri Lanka

New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, have opted to bat first in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. The Black Caps are looking to avoid a series sweep after losing the first two matches.

Sri Lanka, who have already secured the series win, have made five changes to their lineup. Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, and Asitha Fernando have all been dropped, while Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Mohamed Shiraz, and Chamindu Wickramasinghe have been brought in.

New Zealand have also made two changes, with Zakary Foulkes and Adam Milne replacing Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy. Foulkes, who impressed in the T20 leg of the tour, will make his ODI debut.

The weather forecast in Pallekele is not ideal, with rain expected at some point. However, conditions are currently hot and humid. The pitch is a new one and has more grass on it than the first two ODIs, which should favor the batters.

Sri Lanka:

1. Nishan Madushka

2. Avishka Fernando

3. Nuwanidu Fernando

4. Sadeera Samarawickrama

5. Charith Asalanka (capt.)

6. Janith Liyanage

7. Chamindu Wickramasinghe

8. Maheesh Theekshana

9. Jeffrey Vandersay

10. Dilshan Madushanka

11. Mohamed Shiraz

New Zealand:

1. Tim Robinson

2. Will Young

3. Henry Nicholls

4. Mark Chapman

5. Glenn Phillips

6. Mitchell Hay (wk)

7. Michael Bracewell

8. Mitchell Santner (capt.)

9. Zakary Foulkes

10. Ish Sodhi

11. Adam Milne

Tags: #Cricket, #NewZealand, #SriLanka, #ODISeries, #Toss