Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

SL vs NZ 3rd T20I Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 3rd T20I Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11 Prediction

No one could have possibly imagined that a T20I series could cause such a span of injuries that both sides have had to scramble for replacements.

Indeed, it is a real shame for Sri Lanka that the series is over. With the likes of Martin Guptill injured, Ross Taylor just about fit, Tom Bruce carrying a knock and Lockie Ferguson ruled out, they could have really fancied themselves to take the series, despite their own injury worries. Instead, they will be fighting for pride, looking to avoid their fourth straight T20I loss at home: only once before have they lost so many in a row in their own den.

Also read: Tips on how to make some money from a cricket blog/website

Key to a Sri Lanka win

Sri Lanka have had their moments. However, it is has been in the crunch periods where they have fallen short. Finishing was their strong suit in the opening T20I, but a let down in the following game, reaching 161/9 after being well-placed at 108/2 in the 14th over. In what has eluded them so often in limited overs cricket over the past four years, Sri Lanka need a complete batting display, beginning with more from Kusal Perera, who has underwhelmed in New Zealand’s tour. Can the likes of Avishka Fernando and Niroshan Dickwella build on their efforts from the last game, with the likes of Dasun Shanaka and Isuru Udana finishing well?

Also, one more high-performing bowler would have been enough to take out the first T20I. Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan and Isuru Udana took 4/70 combined in 11 overs, which is significant when you have Lasith Malinga up your sleeve in a 160+ chase. However, the remaining bowlers couldn’t quite have the same impact, again putting onus on Sri Lanka’s ability to deliver as a unit in the field.

Key to a New Zealand win

Colin de Grandhomme has been outstanding for New Zealand in recent times. His strong form has held his side in good stead, delivering crucial middle order runs in the absence of Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor last game. However, can New Zealand get more out of their top order? Colin Munro, in his favoured format, is yet to fire, and there is no better time than a pressure-less third T20I to deliver. With players in good form in the middle order, a strong powerplay from New Zealand can be huge.

Also, Tim Southee has really warmed to the captaincy. His bowling in white-ball cricket has left a lot to be desired over the past 18 months, but this series has seen him find a new lease of life. With 4/38 in eight overs combined this series, the likes of Seth Rance and Scott Kuggeleijn – both in the wickets last time out – have a crucial role to play in supporting their captain and spinners.

Pitch and conditions

Rain is a possibility but the forecast of mostly cloudy makes a full game likely. Another even battle between bat and ball should be expected on a Pallekele surface that has had something in it for everyone.

Possible Playing 11

Kusal Mendis’ leg injury from his collision with Shehan Jayasuriya could even rule him out of the upcoming Pakistan tour. Jayasuriya is also likely to miss out through injury in this one. Also, pace bowling all-rounder Lahiru Madushanka could get the nod for a seamers’ position.

Sri Lanka: 1. Danushka Gunathilaka, 2. Kusal Perera (wk), 3. Avishka Fernando, 4. Niroshan Dickwella, 5. Dasun Shanaka, 6. Wanindu Hasaranga, 7. Isuru Udana, 8. Lahiru Madushanka 9. Akila Dananjaya, 10. Lasith Malinga (c), 11. Lakshan Sandakan

Martin Guptill is out for New Zealand. Tom Bruce is in doubt with his own leg knock. Hamish Rutherford has been flown in as cover should Tom Bruce fail a fitness test. However, Ross Taylor is set to go after missing the second T20I.

New Zealand: 1. Hamish Rutherford/Tom Bruce, 2. Colin Munro, 3. Tim Seifert (wk), 4. Colin de Grandhomme, 5. Ross Taylor, 6. Daryl Mitchell, 7. Mitchell Santner, 8. Scott Kuggeleijn, 9. Seth Rance, 10. Tim Southee (c), 11. Ish Sodhi

Stats and Facts

• Lasith Malinga remains one away from 100 wickets in T20Is.
• Ross Taylor batting at number five and six in T20Is: average: 38.18, strike rate: 131.39. His numbers are very similar in T20Is in Sri Lanka, averaging 39.28 and striking at 135.
• Sri Lanka have now lost their past five T20Is to New Zealand.
• Colin Munro’s longest streak without reaching 20 in T20Is is three matches. He is currently on a run of two. Big one coming?

Fantasy Cricket Prediction

Also read: MyTeam11 vs Dream11 – which is better for you?

MyTeam11 (regular) Prediction: Kusal Perera (wk), Ross Taylor, Colin Munro, Avishka Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella (vc), Mitchell Santner, Colin de Grandhomme (c), Isuru Udana, Tim Southee, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Malinga

Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

Match Prediction

Two closely fought matches makes this one difficult to predict, again. However, the likely absence of Kusal Mendis could be a big blow for Sri Lanka, coupled with New Zealand’s reliability in crunch moments.

Thanks for reading!

Also read: Tips on how to make some money from a cricket blog/website