Following hosts New Zealand’s 2-0 triumph in the One Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, the focus now shifts to the three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series. The opener is scheduled for the 14th of March 2025, at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, at 11:45 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).
Sri Lanka’s tour has been far from ideal, with heavy defeats in the 2nd and 3rd ODIs by margins of 78 and 98 runs, respectively, while chasing targets of 245 and 280, after the series opener ended in a no-result due to rain. Their T20I record against New Zealand is poor, with just one win in 14 matches, achieved on home soil in 2023.
Squads:
New Zealand women’s cricket team
Suzie Bates (C), Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Emma McLeod, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Polly Inglis, Flora Devonshire, Bree Illing
Sri Lanka women’s cricket team
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:
Georgia Plimmer
The 22-year-old opening batter, from 30 T20I innings, has accumulated 396 runs at a strike rate of 98.01. Notably, in New Zealand’s most recent T20 World Cup campaign, she emerged as their second-highest run-scorer, tallying 150 runs from 6 outings at a strike rate of 119.04. On her return from injury, she registered scores of 28 and 112 in the ODIs against Sri Lanka and can be trusted to lead the scoring.
Rosemary Mair
The 26-year-old pacer, from 29 T20I innings, has scalped 28 wickets at an economy rate of 6.38, with the best of 4/19. Mair was a standout performer for New Zealand at the World Cup, claiming 10 wickets from 6 outings, maintaining an economy rate of 5.08. Fresh off a successful 2024-25 domestic season, she can be counted on to lead the attack and contribute with handy runs.
Harshitha Samarawickrama
The 26-year-old opening batter, from 65 T20I innings, has amassed 1,514 runs at an average of 29.68, with the highest score of 86*. While Harshitha didn’t find much success at the T20 World Cup, she regained form with an unbeaten 66 in the series opener and followed up with a 59 in the second ODI. She will be expected to carry this momentum into the T20Is.
Kavisha Dilhari
The 24-year-old all-rounder, from 50 T20I innings, has posted 522 runs at a strike rate of 102.95, while also striking 51 wickets from 64 outings at an economy rate of 6.51, with bests of 51* and 4/13. Kavisha has had a quiet patch of late, especially in T20Is, and in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, she managed scores of 25 and 45, along with a wicket. She can be relied upon for the goods.
Pitch:
The Hagley Oval offers a good batting surface, and it is expected to be no different for the game with an average score in the 140s. The wicket will have enough for bowlers, particularly pacers, who can change the course of the game.
Weather:
It will be a pleasant day for cricket at Hagley Oval with no expected rain interruptions and partly cloudy skies. The temperature will be around 16°C, with light winds and 83% humidity.
Fantasy playing XI:
Polly Inglis, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer, Suzie Bates, Jess Kerr, Kavisha Dilhari, Brooke Halliday, Chamari Athapaththu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson
Match details:
Date – March 14, 2025
Time – 11:45 AM IST
Venue – Hagley Oval, Christchurch
Broadcast – The game will be live streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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