New Zealand cricket team delivered a clinical performance to register a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Sunday (March 16). With this emphatic victory, the White Ferns leveled the three-match series at 1-1, setting up a thrilling decider in Dunedin on Tuesday. The hosts dominated with both bat and ball, restricting Sri Lanka to 1??13/7 before chasing the target comfortably with nine balls to spare.

Disciplined bowling restricts Sri Lanka to 113/7

Opting to bowl first, New Zealand’s bowlers set the tone early with tight lines and disciplined lengths, never allowing the Sri Lankan batters to settle. Young pacer Breearne Illing made an immediate impact, picking up a wicket in the opening over and another in the seventh to finish with impressive figures of 2 for 18 in just her second T20I match. Meanwhile, all-rounder Brooke Halliday (1/?11 in two overs) and Suzie Bates (4-0-16-0) applied pressure with their economical spells, ensuring that S?ri Lanka struggled to gain momentum.

The visitors relied on a 54-run partnership between Manudi Nanayakkara (35 off 32) and Nilakshika Silva (20 off 22) to stabilize their innings after early setbacks. However, wickets at crucial junctures, including the dismissal of captain Chamari Athapaththu (23 off 29) by Jess Kerr (2 for 29), kept Sri Lanka in check. A wicket on debut for Flora Devonshire further dented their ??progress, and they could only manage 113/7 in 20 overs, a total that seemed below par on a decent batting track.

Also READ: NZ-W vs SL-W 2025: New Z?ealand’s best playing XI for the T20I series against Sri Lanka

Suzie Bates and Brooke Halliday lead New Zealand’s chase

Chasing 114, New Zealand had a shaky start, losing Georgia Plimmer for just 4 in the second over and Emma McLeod for 11 off 13 in the seventh, as Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought hard to defend the modest target. However, experienced batter Suzie Bates anchored the innings with a well-paced 47 off 46 balls, ensuring that there were no unnecessary risks. She struck only four boundaries but rotated the strike efficiently, absorbing pressure and building a strong foundati??on.

Bates�?dismissal in the 15th over with 29 runs still required could have put New Zealand in a tricky situation, but Halliday stepped up brilliantly, playing an unbeaten knock of 46 off 40 balls. She struck multiple boundaries in the 16th and 18th overs, accelerating at the right moments to steer New Zealand to victory. Her composure and controlled aggression helped the hosts reach 114/3 in 18.3 overs, securing a comfortable win and ??ensuring the series would go down to the final match.

New Zealand Bounce Back in Style! 🔥

They win the second Women’s T20I in Christchurch to level the three-match series 1-1! 🏏💪#Cricket #NewZealand #SriLanka #T20I #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/73BrcYKYuF

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 16, 2025

Also READ: NZ-??W vs SL-W 2025: Sri Lanka’s best playing XI for the T20I series against New Zea?land

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in Christchurch follows a thrilling first T20I encounter. In the opening match of the series, Sri Lanka Women secured a convincing victory by 7 wickets, chasing down New Zealand’s total of 101 runs, which they managed to achieve despite New Zealand being bowled out for a modest score in 18.5 overs.

New Zealand Women, led by captain Suzie Bates, will look to bounce back from their disappointing performance in the first match. Their batting lineup, which includes experienced players like Maddy Green, will need to improve significantly to challenge Sri Lanka’s bowling. Jess Kerr‘s bowling will be crucial in exploiting the conditions at Hagley Oval, which generally favour fast bowlers.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka Women, captained by Chamari Athapaththu, will aim to build on their momentum from the first match. Athapaththu’s aggressive batting style can set the tone for Sri Lanka, while Kavisha Dilhari‘s all-round skills will be vital in both batting and bowling. Despite their recent success, Sri Lanka will face a challenge in adapting to the fast and bouncy conditions at Hagley Oval.

In terms of strategy, New Zealand will likely focus on using their pace bowlers to exploit the early conditions, while Sri Lanka will aim to counter this with their batting prowess. As the match progresses, both teams will look to capitalize on the easier batting conditions. This match is poised to be a closely contested affair, with both teams having the potential to dominate. New Zealand’s home advantage and familiarity with the pitch could give them an edge, but Sri Lanka’s recent form and the leadership of Athapaththu make them a formidable opponent.

Sri Lanka Women tour of New Zealand 2025: 2nd T20I

• Date and Time: March 16; 10:15 am local/ 02:45 am IST / 09:15 pm GMT (March 15)
• Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Hagley Oval Pitch Report

The Hagley Oval in Christchurch is widely recognized for its balanced pitch, offering conditions that favor both batters and bowlers. The surface is typically flat and even, allowing batters to play their shots freely, especially as the match progresses. E??arly on, the pitch provides good bounce and pace, which fast bowlers can exploit effectively. However, as the game unfolds, the pitch becomes more conducive to batting, making it challenging for bowlers to restrict runs. The quick outfield further benefits batters, enabling boundaries to be scored rapidly when gaps are found. Overall, the Hagley Oval tends to favour teams with strong batting lineups capable of setting or chasing competitive totals while also leveraging their pace bowlers early in the innings.

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Picks:

• Wicketkeeper: Anushka Sanjeewani
• Batters: Harshitha Samarawickrama, Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer
• All-rounders: Chamari Athapaththu, Suzie Bates, Kavisha Dilhari, Jess Kerr
• Bowlers: Sugandika Kumari, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

• Choice 1: Georgia Plimmer (c), Kavisha Dilhari (vc)
• Choice 2: Maddy Green (c), Chamari Athapaththu (vc)

Also READ: NZ-W vs SL-W 2025: New Zealand’s bes?t playing XI for the T20I series?? against Sri Lanka

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Emma McLeod, Brooke Halliday, Udeshika Prabo?dhani??, Chethana Vimukthi

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Team for today’s match (March 16, 09:15 pm GMT):

Squads:

New Zealand: Izzy Sharp, Suzie Bates (c), Georgia Plimmer, Emma McLeod, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing, F?lora Devonshire

Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasuriya, Chethana Vimukthi, Manudi Nanay??akkara, Rashmika Sewwandi, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Kaushani Nuthyangana

Also READ: NZ-W vs SL-W 2025:? Sri Lanka’s best playing XI for the T??20I series against New Zealand

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Sri Lanka Women registered a commanding seven-wicket victory over New Zealand Women in the first T20I at Hagley Oval, chasing down a paltry target of 102 runs in just 14.1 overs. Led by a stunning knock from skipper Chamari Athapaththu and an inspired bowling performance from Malki Madara, the visitors dominated both departments to take a 1-0 lead ?in the three-match series.

Sri Lanka restricts New Zealand for 101

Electing to bat first, New Zealand struggled against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack, managing only 101 runs before being bowled out in 18.5 overs. No.3 Emma McLeod was the standout performer with a patient 44 off 46 balls, while captain Suzie Bates provided a brisk start with 21 off 14 balls?. However, frequent wickets derailed their innings, as no other batter managed to settle.

Malki Madara was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming 3 wickets for just 14 runs in 3.5 overs. Inoshi Priyadharshani (2/25) and Kavisha Dilhari (2/18) also made crucial breakthroughs, while Chamari Athapaththu and Sugandika Kumari contri????buted with a wicket each to restrict the hosts.

Chamari Athapaththu guides Sri Lanka to victory

Chasing 102, Sri Lanka got off to a steady start, but it was captain Athapaththu who took charge, playing a blistering knock of 64 not out off 48 balls, including nine fours and two sixes. Despite losing Vishmi Rajapaksha Gunaratne (7 off 11), Harshitha Samarawickrama (2 off 7) and Kavisha Dilhari (12 off 10) in quick succession, Athapaththu’s aggressive stroke play kept Sri Lanka in control.

Athapaththu and Nilakshi de Silva (12 not out off 9) ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding the visitors to victor??y with 35 ball??s to spare.

Also READ: ???Fans erupt as Mumbai Indians crush Gujarat Giants to storm into WPL 2025 final

Sri Lanka take a 1-nil T20I series lead. A 13th T20I half-century from captain Chamari Athapaththu led Sri Lanka's run chase. Scorecard | //t.co/f9VDjmTdhe #NZvSL #CricketNation 📷 = @PhotosportNZ pic.twitter.com/Im3hoac0cX

— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) March 14, 2025

For New Zealand, Jess Kerr was the only bowler who made an impact, picking up two wickets for 18 runs in her fo??ur-over spell.

Player of the Match

Malki Madara ?was adjudg?ed Player of the Match for her brilliant bowling display.

Also READ: The Hundred Women’s 2025 – Full squads of all 8 teams after the players draft ft. Nat Sciver-Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The stage is set for an exciting T20I match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place on March 14, 2025, at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. The match is part of Sri Lanka Women’s tour of New Zealand in 2025. New Zealand, led by the experienced Suzie Bates, boasts a strong squad that includes talented players like Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, and Maddy Green. Their bowling attack will be spearheaded by Jess Kerr and Fran Jonas, w?ho have shown impressive form in ?recent matches.

Sri Lanka, captained by the dynamic Chamari Athapaththu, will look to challenge New Zealand’s dominance. Athapaththu is known for her aggressive batting style and will be crucial in setting the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings. Other key players for Sri Lanka include Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari, who have shown promise in their recent performances. Despite Sri Lanka’s potential, New Zealand’s strong record against them, combined with the home advantage, makes them favourites to win.

Sri Lanka Women tour of New Zealand 2025: 1st T20I

• Date and Time: March 14; 07:45 pm local/ 11:45 am IST / 06:15 am GMT
• Venue: Hagley Oval, Christchurch

Hagley Oval Pitch Report

The Hagley Oval in Christchurch is renowned for its batting-friendly conditions, offering a flat and even surface that allows batters to play their shots freely. The pitch typically provides good bounce and pace, which can also assist? fast bowlers early on. However, as the match progresses, the su??rface tends to become more conducive to batting, making it challenging for bowlers to contain runs. The outfield is generally quick, which can result in boundaries being scored quickly if the baters manage to find the gaps. Overall, the Hagley Oval is expected to favour teams that bat well and manage to set or chase competitive totals effectively.

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Picks:

• Wicketkeeper: Polly Inglis
• Batters: Harshitha Samarawickrama, Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer
• All-rounders: Chamari Athapaththu, Suzie Bates, Kavisha Dilhari, Jess Kerr
• Bowlers: Achini Kulasuriya, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

• Choice 1: Georgia Plimmer (c), Kavisha Dilhari (vc)
• Choice 2: Maddy Green (c), Chamari Athapaththu (vc)

Also READ: NZ-W vs SL-W 2025: New Zealand’s best playing XI for the ?T20I series ??against Sri Lanka

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Emma Mc??Leod, Brooke Halliday, Anushka Sanjeewani, Chethana Vimuk??thi

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Team for today’s match (March 14, 06:15 am GMT):

Squads:

New Zealand Squad: Izzy Sharp, Suzie Bates (c?), Georgia Plimmer, Emma McLeod, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas, Rosemary Mair, Br??ee Illing, Flora Devonshire

Sri Lanka Squad: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickr??ama, Imesha Dulani, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasuriya, Chethana Vimukthi, Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmika Sewwandi, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Kaushani Nuth??yangana

Also READ: NZ-W vs SL-W 2025: Sri Lanka’s best playing XI for the T20I ser??ies agains?t New Zealand

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

After the emphatic win in the ODI series, New Zealand will be up against Sri Lanka in the 3-match T20I series. The first encounter between two nations will take place at the Hagley Oval with the series concluding at Dunedin. The visitors would like to take some sort of redemption after a series white-wash in the 50-over format. New Zealand, on the ??other hand, will aim to continue with their winning momentum and bring another triumph to their name.

New Zealand’s domination in the ODI series

The Black Caps have dominated Sri Lanka in the ODI series. The Sri Lankan batting order crashed like a pack of cards and were wrapped up by New Zealand on meager totals of 167 and 182 runs respectively. New Zealand not only dominated Sri Lankans with the bowl, they were also outperformed with the bat and were thrashed completely in the series. Georgia Plimmer and Maddy Green scored centuries to empower Blac?k Caps with the bat an?d further cornered Sri Lanka during the course of the series. In light of their majestic win against Sri Lanka here is the best XI for New Zealand during the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka.

New Zealand’s best playing XI against Sri Lanka in the T20I series

1. Suzie Bates

• Role: Captain of the team, a right-handed batter and medium-pace bowler
• Strength: Suzie Bates is known for her ability to deliver for the team with the bat and the bowl. Bates is a power hitter and known for her disciplined line and length.

2. Brooke Halliday

• Role: Left-handed batter and right arm medium pacer
• Strength: Brooke Halliday is an important addition to the Black Caps team. She is a fine pacer with the ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs particularly during middle overs. Halliday is also handy with the bat.

Also Watch: “You’re in the list of hottest cricketers�? Ellyse Pe??rry blushes on Mayanti Langer’s bold remark �?WATCH

3. Georgia Plimmer:

• Role: Hold the innings and maintain the momentum of the innings.
• Strength: One of the major component of Black Caps batting unit, she can develop innings and lead the team towards gigantic totals.

4. Maddy Green

• Role: Right-handed middle-order batter with emphatic stroke play
• Strength: She is known for keeping the pace of the game steady and bat throughout the innings to support power hitters from the other end.

5. Izzy Sharp

• Role: Right-handed batter with the ability to play temperamental innings.
• Strength: Izzy Sharp is technically sound with the bat and can stay on the crease for a sustained period of time while scoring runs on the board simultaneously

6. Polly Inglis

• Role: Right-handed wicket-keeper batter
• Strength: Known for her relentless shots and fine technique behind the stumps, Polly Inglis can dictate the flow of the innings.

7. Emma McLeod

• Role: Right-handed batter and right-handed off break option for the Black Caps
• Strength: Emma McLeod provides crucial support to more traditional spinners from the other hand and can also play important innings with the bat particularly during the end of the innings.

8. Fran Jonas

• Role: Left-arm orthodox bowler and a handy right-handed batter
• Strength: Fran Jonas has the ability to bring down the speed of the game and take crucial breakthroughs as the game progresses.

9. Rosemary Mair

• Role: Right arm medium pacer with the ability to lead the pace attack.
• Strength: Rosemary Mair has the ability to provide early breakthroughs and apply pressure on the rival batting unit.

10. Eden Carson

• Role: Off-spinner with the ability to stop the run flow
• Strength: Eden Carson was the leading wicket-taker in the ODI series against Sri Lanka. She has the ability to restrict batters and break crucial partnerships.

11. Jess Kerr

• Role: Seasoned pacer with long-standing experience in T20Is
• Strength: Jess Kerr has the ability to apply pressure from the other end and stop batters towards the end to score big runs.

Also Read: NZ vs SL: Isabella Gaze and two other stars ruled out of the Women’s T20I series; replacement an?nounced

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Sri Lanka are set to face off against New Zealand in a three-match T20I series starting on March 14. This series comes on the heels of a recently concluded ODI series, where New Zealand dominated, winning two out of three matches after the first was washed out due to rain. The New Zealand women’s team, led by Suzie Bates, will look to continue their winning streak, while Sri Lanka, under the leadership of veteran all-rounder Athapaththu, aims to turn the tide in their f??avour.

Sri Lanka’s cricket team struggles in T20I format

The Sri Lanka Women’s cricket team is currently ranked seventh in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings, but their recent performances have been far from ideal. The team ha??s faced a string of disappointing results, having lost their last three completed T20?I matches. This slump in form has raised concerns about their consistency and ability to compete at the highest level.

Sri Lanka Women have struggled to find momentum in T20I cricket, with their batting and bowling departments failing to click simultaneously. Their batting lineup, which has relied heavily on skipper Chamari Athapaththu, has not provided the necessary support in crunch situations. While Athapaththu remains one of the standout performers, a lack ?of stability in the middle order has made it difficult for Sri Lanka to post or chase competitive totals. On the bowling front, Sri Lanka’s attack has been inconsistent, failing to apply pressure on opposition batters. Their inability to defend totals and contain runs in the middle overs has been a major concern.

Also READ: NZ-W vs SL-W: Georgia Plimmer s??izzles as New Zealand seal series against Sri Lanka with 3rd ODI Win

Sri Lanka’s best playing XI for the T20I series against New Zealand

1. Vishmi Gunaratne

• Role: Vishmi Gunaratne is an aggressive top-order batter who can quickly change the course of the game. Her role is to score runs at a high strike rate, putting pressure on the opposition from the very start.
• Strength: Gunaratne’s aggressive batting style is her biggest strength. She can hit big shots and score boundaries, which is crucial in the powerplay overs. Her ability to take the game away from the opposition early on can be a significant advantage for Sri Lanka.

2. Chamari Athapaththu (c)

• Role: As captain and all-rounder, Athapaththu plays a dual role. She leads the team with her experience and tactical acumen, while also contributing significantly with both bat and ball.
• Strength: Athapaththu is a powerful hitter who can dominate any bowling attack. She is also an effective bowler, capable of picking up crucial wickets. Her leadership and all-round skills make her a key player in turning matches in Sri Lanka’s favor.

3. Harshitha Samarawickrama

• Role: As a top-order batter, Harshitha Samarawickrama is crucial in setting the tone for the innings. She provides stability and ensures that Sri Lanka gets off to a solid start, which is essential in the T20 format where momentum can quickly shift.
• Strength: Samarawickrama is known for her solid defensive skills, which allow her to rotate the strike effectively and build partnerships. Her ability to play long innings can anchor the Sri Lankan batting lineup, providing a foundation for more aggressive batters to follow.

4. Anushka Sanjeewani (wk)

• Role: Anushka Sanjeewani serves as a wicketkeeper-batter, providing solidity in the middle order. She handles the gloves effectively, ensuring that Sri Lanka doesn’t lose wickets due to poor keeping.
• Strength: Sanjeewani offers a safe pair of hands behind the stumps, which is vital in preventing extras and ensuring that the opposition doesn’t get easy runs. She can also contribute valuable runs in the middle order, stabilizing the innings when needed.

5. Nilakshika Silva

• Role: Nilakshika Silva is a middle-order batter known for her ability to stabilize the innings. She plays a crucial role in ensuring that Sri Lanka maintains a steady run rate throughout the innings.
• Strength: Silva provides depth to the batting lineup with her consistent performances. She can rotate the strike effectively and build partnerships, which is essential for maintaining momentum in the middle overs.

6. Kavisha Dilhari

• Role: Kavisha Dilhari is an all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball. Her role is to provide balance to the team by offering options in both departments.
• Strength: Dilhari’s all-round skills make her a valuable asset in the T20 format. She can score crucial runs in the lower order and pick up wickets at important junctures, making her a game-changer for Sri Lanka.

7. Rashmika Sewwandi

• Role: Rashmika Sewwandi is a bowling all-rounder who can score runs and pick up wickets. Her role is to provide a surprise element with her pace and contribute in the lower order.
• Strength: Sewwandi offers a different dimension with her pace, which can trouble the opposition batters. She can also score crucial runs in the lower order, providing a late surge to the innings.

8. Sugandika Kumari

• Role: Sugandika Kumari is an orthodox spinner known for her wicket-taking ability. Her role is to break crucial partnerships and control the middle overs.
• Strength: Kumari can be very effective in controlling the run rate and picking up wickets. Her ability to break partnerships can put pressure on the opposition, making it difficult for them to accelerate.

9. Udeshika Prabodhani

• Role: Udeshika Prabodhani is an experienced bowler who provides depth to the bowling attack. Her role is to bowl economically and restrict the opposition.
• Strength: Prabodhani’s experience and ability to bowl economically can restrict the opposition’s scoring rate. She can also pick up wickets, making her a reliable option in the Sri Lankan bowling lineup.

10. Achini Kulasooriya

• Role: Achini Kulasooriya is a pace bowler capable of picking up early wickets. Her role is to provide a different dimension with her pace.
• Strength: She offers a different challenge with her pace, which can trouble the opposition batters early on. This can lead to early wickets, putting pressure on the opposition from the start.

11. Inoshi Priyadharshani

• Role: Inoshi Priyadharshani is a bowling option who provides variety to the attack. Her role is to control the run rate and pick up wickets.
• Strength: She can be effective in controlling the run rate and picking up wickets, which helps in maintaining pressure on the opposition throughout the innings.

Also WATCH: Emma McLeod takes a breatht?aking catch to dismiss Achini Kulasur?iya in the 2nd ODI

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

New Zealand are gearing up to face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series, starting on March 14 in Christchurch. The series will serve as crucial preparation for both teams as th?ey fine-tune their strategies in the shortest format of the game. With the second game scheduled for March 16, also in Christchurch, and the final match set for March 18 in Dunedin, fans can expect an exciting contest between the White Ferns and Sri Lanka.

Injuries hit New Zealand squad as three players get ruled out

New Zealand’s preparations for the series have been hampered by injuries to key players. Wicketkeeper-batter Isabella Gaze (hip flexor), seamer Hayley Jensen (hip flexor), and batter Bella James (quadric?ep) have all been ruled out. Gaze sustained her injury while fielding during the third ODI against Sri Lanka, while Jensen and James were? already sidelined.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed that Gaze’s rehabilitation timeline is still being assessed, and both Jensen and James are yet to regain full fitness. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his disappointment over the setbacks but remained hopeful about the players’ recovery.

“We’re all feeling for Izzy, Hayley, and Bella. It’s disappointing for the team and the players, but I know those three have the determination and resilience to bounce back,” Sawyer said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Also WATCH: NZ-W vs SL-W – Emma McLeod takes a breathtaking catch to dismiss Achini Kulasuriya in the 2nd ODI

Replacements announced for the trio

To cover for the injuries, the White Ferns have called up wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, left-arm seamer Bree Illing, and allrounder Flora Devonshire. Inglis and Illing made their international debuts in the recently concluded ODI series against Sri Lanka, where both impressed with their performances. Inglis took five catches in three matches and contributed with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 34 and 9 not out. Illing, on the other hand, claimed four wickets, including twice dismissing Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu.

Devonshire, who is yet to make her international debut, has been included in the squad based on her strong performances at the domestic level. Coach Sawyer highlighted her potential, stating, “Flora has shown a lot of all-round potential at the domestic level and is another exciting young player that has qualities consistent with what we’re looking for in the White Ferns.”

With both teams eager to dominate in the T20I series, expectations are high for an entertaining contest. New Zealand, having secured a 2-0 victory in the ODI series, will be keen to extend their winning m?omentum, while Sri Lanka will be looking to bounce?? back and challenge the White Ferns in the fast-paced format.

Also READ: Form?er Pakistan captain Sana Mir applauds Rohit Sharma’s capta?incy after India’s Champions Trophy 2025 victory

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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New Zealand clinched the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with a commanding 98-run victory in the third and final match at Nelson. The first ODI was abandoned due to rain, but the hosts dominated the remaining two fixtures to secure a 2-0 series win. Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 280/6, powered by Georgia Plimmer’s brilliant century. Sri Lanka’s chase never gained momentum as their top order collapsed against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. Jess Kerr and Fran Jonas led the charge with three wickets each, bundling out Sri Lanka for 182 in 50 overs. With this win, New Zealand completed a conv??incing series whitewash, showcasing their dominance in home conditions.

Georgia Plimmer’s sensational century guides New Zealand to 280/6

New Zealand got off to a steady start with captain Suzie Bates (53) and Georgia Plimmer (112) stitching together a 108-run opening partnership. Plimmer, in sublime form, crafted her maiden international century, anchoring the innings with precise stroke play. Despite losing Emma McLeod cheaply, Brooke Halliday (36) and Maddy Green (32) provided valuable contributions in the middle order. Plimmer’s dismissal in the 45th over slowed the scoring rate, but Isabella Gaze’s late flourish (24 not out off 18) ensured the hosts f??inished with a strong total of 280/6. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Sugandika Kumari picking up three wickets but conceding 70 runs in her 10 overs.

Also READ: From Kim Garth to Sophie Devine: Complete list of play??ers who registered for The Hundred 2025 draft

Jess Kerr and Fran Jonas decimate Sri Lanka’s batting lineup

Chasing 281, Sri Lanka got off to a disastrous start as Kerr dismissed both openers inside seven overs. Harshitha Samarawickrama followed soon after, leaving the visitors reeling at 23/3. Imesha Dulani (11 off 42) and Kavisha Dilhari (45 off 54) tried to rebuild but found it tough against a disciplined New Zealand bowling attack. Nilakshika Silva also chipped in with 45, but wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals. Jonas (3/40) and Eden Carson (2/29) ensured Sri? Lanka never got close to the target, restricting them to 182 all out in 50 overs. With this emphatic victory, New Zealand sealed the series 2-0, reinforcing their dominance over Sri Lanka in ODI cricket.

Ne??w Zealand Dominate with a 98-Run Victory in the final game! 🔥

They seal the 3-match series 2-0 in commanding fashion! 🏏💪#Cricket #NewZealand #SriLanka #ODI #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/MwKfHWe5xw

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) March 9, 2025

Also READ: Not?? MS Dhoni! Beth Mooney picks the greatest wicket keeper of all-time

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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New Zealand will take on Sri Lanka in the third and final ODI of the three-match series at Saxton Oval in Nelson. The series opener was washed out due to persistent rain, leaving both teams without a chance to gain e??????????????????????????arly momentum. However, in the second ODI, the Black Caps showcased their dominance, registering a convincing win to take a 1-0 lead. With the series on the line, Sri Lanka will have no other option but to secure a victory and level the series. The visitors will be looking to rectify their mistakes from the previous game, focusing on improving their batting depth and tightening their bowling attack.

Sri Lanka Women tour of New Zealand 2025: 3rd ODI

• Date and Time: March 9; 11:00 am local/ 03:30 am IST /10:00 pm GMT (March 8)
• Venue: Saxton Oval, Nelson

Saxton Oval Pitch Report 

Saxton Oval is recognized for its balanced playing conditions, providing equal assistance to both batters and bowlers, making it a venue where both skills are tested. Batting first can be challenging, especially in the morning session, as the conditions tend to favor seam bowlers. The pitch offers early movement, making it difficult for batters ?to score freely. However, as the match progresses, the surface settles, allowing the ball to come onto the bat more smoothly, creating better opportunities for stroke play.

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Picks:

• Wicketkeeper: Polly Inglis
• Batters: Harshitha Samarawickrama, Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer
• All-rounders: Chamari Athapaththu, Suzie Bates, Kavisha Dilhari, Jess Kerr
• Bowlers: Eden Carson, Bree Illing, Inoshi Priyadharshani

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

• Choice 1: Maddy Green (c), Chamari Athapaththu (vc)
• Choice 2: Suzie Bates (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama (vc)

Also Read: Maddy Green’s hundre????d powers New Zealand to a thumping win over Sri Lanka in 2nd ODI

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Emm?a McLeod, Brooke Ha??lliday, Anushka Sanjeewani, Chethana Vimukthi

NZ-W vs SL-W Dream11 Team for today’s match [March 9, 10:00 pm GMT (Mar 08)]:

Squads:

New Zealand: Suzie Bates (c), Georgia Plimmer, Emma McLeod, Brooke Ha?lliday, Maddy Gre??en, Isabella Gaze, Jess Kerr, Polly Inglis (wk), Hannah Rowe, Eden Carson, Bree Illing, Fran Jonas, Lauren Down

Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Manudi Nanayakkara, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Chethana Vimukthi, Sugandika Kumari, Inoshi Priyadh??arshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Imesha Dulani, Sachini Nisansala, Kaushani Nuthyangana, Rashmika Sewwandi, Udeshika Prabod??hani

Also WATCH: NZ-W vs SL-W – Emma McLeod takes a breathtaking catch to dismiss Achini Kulasuriya in the 2nd ODI

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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