New Zealand, led by stand-in skipper Suzie Bates is set to host Sri Lanka captained by Chamari Athapaththu, in a bilateral white-ball series starting from 4th March 2025.The series will feature a three-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20I series. Ahead of the series, a 14-member New Zealand XI squad will take on Sri Lanka in two 50-over warm-up matches, with the first one scheduled for February 27, 2025, at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, starting at 10 AM (local time).
Squads:
New Zealand XI
Jess Watkin (C), Kate Anderson, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Marama Downes, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Brooke Halliday, Emma Mcleod, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Jess Simmons, Eve Wolland
Sri Lanka
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Nilakshika Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Manudi Nanayakkara, Imesha Dulani, Achini Kulasuriya, Udeshika Prabodhani, Sachini Nisansala, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Inoshi Priyadarshini, Sugandika Kumari, Rashmika Sewwandi, Chethana Vimukthi
Players to watch out:
Jess Watkin
The 26-year-old batting all-rounder has been a consistent performer for Northern Districts. She showcased her all-round brilliance in New Zealand’s One Day competition 2024-25, amassing 229 runs and claiming 10 wickets, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker for her team. In ODIs, Watkin has made an impact for New Zealand, contributing with both bat and ball, securing six wickets and scoring 86 runs in six matches.
Ocean Bartlett
The 21-year-old leg-break googly bowler is a rising star to keep an eye on. Showcasing her wicket-taking prowess, she emerged as the joint-highest wicket-taker in New Zealand’s One Day competition 2024-25 playing for Central Hinds, claiming an impressive 20 wickets in 10 matches.
Vishmi Gunaratne
The talented 19-year-old right-handed batter has been a promising player for Sri Lanka. She amassed 401 runs in 18 ODIs, including the highest score of 101, and a total of 748 runs in 47 matches in T20Is. Her composure under pressure was on full display in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, where her unbeaten 39* played a crucial role in a match-winning 94-run partnership with Chamari Athapaththu, helping Sri Lanka cruise past Thailand into the semi-final.
Udeshika Prabodhani
The veteran left-arm medium pacer continues to be a key figure in Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. With 36 wickets in 65 ODI innings and 84 scalps in 104 T20I innings, her experience and consistency make her a vital asset. She showcased her skill in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, delivering an economical 2/20 (4) against Bangladesh, and later impressed with a 3/20 against Pakistan in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Pitch:
Bert Sutcliffe Oval promises an engaging contest, with the wicket aiding both batters and bowlers. The neutral character, also indicated by the average score of 230 at this venue, will see spinners hold the upper hand.
Weather:
The conditions in Lincoln are expected to be partly cloudy with a temperature of 20°C. There is a 10% chance of precipitation, and humidity levels are at 78%, which could make for slightly humid playing conditions. The wind speed at 31 km/h, might influence swing bowling and fielding strategies.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Anushka Sanjeewani, Georgia Plimmer, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Chamari Athapaththu, Kavisha Dilhari, Brooke Halliday, Jess Watkin, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Ocean Bartlett
Match Details:
Date – February 27, 2025
Time – 2:30 AM IST
Venue – Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln
Broadcast – The matches will be live-streamed on NZC’s YouTube channel and live-scored on the NZC website and app.
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