Both Sri Lanka and New Zealand have had an equal share of success in the 3-match series, each notching a victory against the other. The highly anticipated series decider will take place at the Galle International Stadium on the 3rd of July, 2023, at 10:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
In the second ODI, New Zealand staged a strong comeback after their defeat in the opener. Brilliant centuries from Amelia Kerr (108) and skipper Sophie Devine (137) propelled New Zealand to a commanding total of 329. Sri Lanka faced early challenges as Lea Tahuhu and Eden Carson struck early blows. Despite Kavisha Dilhari’s courageous 84 (98), Sri Lanka’s resistance was in vain as they were eventually bowled out for 213.
Squads:
Sri Lanka – Chamari Athapaththu (C), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Kawya Karvindi, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhan, Hansima Karunaratne, Inoshi Fernando, Imesha Dulani, Hasini Perera
New Zealand – Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Leigh Kasperek, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu
Players to watch out:
Harshitha Samarawickrama
The 25-year-old batter in 22 ODIs has scored 477 runs, including the highest of 75. Harshitha in the opener didn’t have a lot to do, while did have the opportunity to play a big knock in the 2nd ODI, but departed cheaply. However, the talented batter will want to make significant contributions in the remainder of the series.
Udeshika Prabodhani
The 37-year-old left-arm pacer, in ODIs, in 56 bowling outings has struck 33 wickets, while has also contributed with the bat scoring 210 runs in 30 innings. Udeshika has had a good couple of games finishing on figures of 0/38 (6) and 2/38 (9).
Sophie Devine
The 33-year-old all-rounder in 136 ODIs has scored 3486 runs and struck 91 wickets. Sophie has had a brilliant series both with the bat and ball scoring over 150 runs and scalping a couple of wickets. Sophie’s form will remain crucial in the 3rd ODI and could well decide the series outcome.
Eden Carson
The 21-year-old off-spinner has sent down her spells at an economy rate of 3.96 and has struck 5 wickets in 3 ODIs and got the best of 3/31. Eden had a good game during the 2nd ODI and will eye to carry forward the same momentum to the 3rd ODI.
Pitch:
The Galle International Stadium dishes a well-balanced center wicket that’s favourable for both batters and bowlers, especially the spinners to make an impact on the game. The average score of over 230 at this venue suggests favorable conditions for run-scoring.
Weather:
With thundershowers on the radar and 95% chances of rain throughout the match duration, rain could play spoilsport, potentially resulting in a washout. The temperature is expected to hover around 28°C, with moderate winds and a humidity level of 85%.
Fantasy playing XI:
Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Maddy Green, Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu, Sophie Devine, Melie Kerr, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Kavisha Dilhari, Inoka Ranaweera, Lea Tahuhu, Udeshika Prabodhani
Match details:
Date – July 3, 2023
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Galle International Stadium, Galle
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel.
