NZ-W Vs SL-W, 3rd T20I: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Cricket Tips & Pitch Report

The much-anticipated three-match T20I series between New Zealand Women (NZ-W) and Sri Lanka Women (SL-W) is set for an electrifying conclusion, with both teams locked at 1-1. The series decider will take place on Tuesday, March 18, at University Oval in Dunedin, promising an intense battle as both teams look to clinch the series.

After Sri Lanka suffered a 2-0 defeat in the ODI series, they made a remarkable comeback in the first T20I with a convincing seven-wicket win. However, the hosts, New Zealand, responded strongly in the second match, leveling the series with a dominant performance. With the final showdown on the horizon, both teams will aim to bring their A-game in a winner-takes-all contest.

Series Recap: A Tale of Two Matches

1st T20I: Sri Lanka’s Stunning Comeback

Having lost the ODI series, Sri Lanka was under pressure heading into the T20Is. However, they put on a spirited display in the first match, registering a seven-wicket victory to take an early lead in the series.

Bowling Brilliance: Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Sugandika Kumari and Achini Kulasuriya, restricted New Zealand to a below-par total. Their disciplined line and length made scoring difficult for the hosts.
Batting Dominance: In response, Chamari Athapaththu led from the front, scoring a fluent knock to guide her team to a comfortable chase. Harshitha Samarawickrama also played a crucial role in finishing the game.

This win showcased Sri Lanka’s adaptability and resilience, proving they could bounce back from setbacks.

2nd T20I: New Zealand Strikes Back

With the series on the line, New Zealand stormed back with a dominant performance in the second match, leveling the series at 1-1.

Batting Fireworks: The Kiwi batters, led by Suzie Bates and Maddy Green, took an aggressive approach, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under pressure from the outset.
Clinical Bowling Performance: Jess Kerr and Eden Carson delivered with the ball, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup and sealing an emphatic win.

This victory not only kept New Zealand alive in the series but also shifted momentum in their favor ahead of the decider.

Match Preview: 3rd T20I – The Grand Finale

The stage is set for a thrilling final encounter between these two competitive sides. Both teams have shown their strengths in the first two matches, and the series now comes down to one last battle to determine the winner.

Match Details:

Date & Time: March 18, 2025 | 10:15 AM Local | 02:45 AM IST | 09:15 PM GMT (March 17)
Venue: University Oval, Dunedin

University Oval Pitch Report

The University Oval in Dunedin is a well-balanced pitch that provides assistance to both batters and bowlers.

Batting Paradise: The surface is generally good for batting, allowing stroke-makers to play their shots freely.
Early Swing for Pacers: Seam bowlers can extract movement in the initial overs, making early breakthroughs crucial.
Spinners Could Play a Role: As the match progresses, spinners might come into play, especially if there is some grip in the surface.

Expect a high-scoring thriller, but bowlers who hit the right areas can make a difference.

Key Players to Watch

New Zealand Women (NZ-W)

Suzie Bates (Captain)
- The experienced batter and skipper will be crucial at the top of the order.
- She has been in good form and will look to anchor the innings in the decider.
Maddy Green
- A dependable middle-order batter who can accelerate when needed.
- Played a key role in New Zealand’s victory in the second T20I.
Jess Kerr
- The fast bowler has been among the wickets and will be crucial with the new ball.
Eden Carson
- A wily spinner who can trouble the Sri Lankan batters in the middle overs.

Sri Lanka Women (SL-W)

Chamari Athapaththu (Captain)
- Sri Lanka’s most experienced and dangerous batter.
- She was instrumental in their win in the first T20I and will need to lead from the front again.
Harshitha Samarawickrama
- A consistent performer who provides stability to the Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Kavisha Dilhari
- A valuable all-rounder who contributes with both bat and ball.
Sugandika Kumari
- The left-arm spinner played a key role in Sri Lanka’s first T20I victory and will be expected to deliver again.

Dream11 Fantasy Predictions

For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, here are the best picks for your Dream11 team:

Wicketkeepers:

Anushka Sanjeewani (SL-W)
Polly Inglis (NZ-W)

Batters:

Harshitha Samarawickrama (SL-W)
Maddy Green (NZ-W)
Georgia Plimmer (NZ-W)

All-rounders:

Chamari Athapaththu (SL-W)
Suzie Bates (NZ-W)
Kavisha Dilhari (SL-W)
Jess Kerr (NZ-W)

Bowlers:

Sugandika Kumari (SL-W)
Eden Carson (NZ-W)

Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:

Option 1: Chamari Athapaththu (C), Suzie Bates (VC)
Option 2: Maddy Green (C), Kavisha Dilhari (VC)

Squads for the 3rd T20I

New Zealand Women (NZ-W)

Suzie Bates (c)
Georgia Plimmer
Emma McLeod
Brooke Halliday
Maddy Green
Polly Inglis (wk)
Jess Kerr
Eden Carson
Fran Jonas
Rosemary Mair
Bree Illing
Flora Devonshire
Izzy Sharp

Sri Lanka Women (SL-W)

Chamari Athapaththu (c)
Vishmi Gunaratne
Harshitha Samarawickrama
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 Nuthyangana

Final Thoughts: Who Will Lift the Trophy?

With both teams showing glimpses of brilliance in the first two matches, the third T20I is set up perfectly for a dramatic conclusion.

New Zealand will rely on their strong batting lineup and home conditions to outclass their opponents.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will bank on their bowling strength and experienced campaigners like Athapaththu to step up under pressure.

This final match is not just about winning a series but also about momentum heading into future tournaments. Will New Zealand hold their nerve at home, or can Sri Lanka pull off a stunning series victory?

Cricket fans, get ready for an edge-of-the-seat thriller as New Zealand Women take on Sri Lanka Women in the ultimate T20 showdown!

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