Fresh off a 2-0 One Day International (ODI) series win over Sri Lanka, hosts New Zealand aim to carry their winning momentum into the upcoming 3-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series, while the visitors seek redemption.
The ODI series opener ended in no result due to persistent rain, with Sri Lanka stranded at 147/5 in 36.4 overs. In the 2nd ODI, Maddy Green’s century (100 off 109 balls) powered New Zealand to 245/7, a total they defended comfortably, registering a 78-run victory, courtesy of Hannah Rowe’s stellar 4/31.
In the 3rd ODI, Georgia Plimmer’s maiden century and Suzie Bates’ fifty guided New Zealand to post an imposing 280/6. Jess Kerr (3/22) and Fran Jonas (3/40) led the charge with the ball as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 182, handing New Zealand a commanding 98-run win and a series sweep.
As the series progressed, New Zealand looked increasingly clinical and will aim to extend their dominance in the T20Is. The 1st and 2nd T20Is will take place in Christchurch on March 14 and 16, with the 3rd and final match scheduled for March 18 in Dunedin.
Head-to-head:
New Zealand, with 13 wins from 14 T20Is against Sri Lanka, has enjoyed a sweeping run. Sri Lanka, however, ended New Zealand’s 12-0 winning streak on home soil in 2023. During the same series, Sri Lanka also achieved their first-ever ODI series victory over New Zealand. Trailing 2-0 in the 3-match T20I series, Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu’s unbeaten 80 guided her team to a memorable win in the 3rd T20I.
The two sides last met during the league stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup, where New Zealand cruised to an 8-wicket victory while chasing 118. The White Ferns went on to win their maiden T20 World Cup title, further solidifying their status as one of the most competitive teams.
Where to watch New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Women’s T20I series?
Fans in India can catch the action live on the FanCode app and website or on Amazon Prime, as this bilateral series will not be televised.
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
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Series Schedule:
1st ODI: March 4 – McLean Park, Napier, 6:30 AM IST – No Result
2nd ODI: March 7 – Saxton Oval, Nelson, 3:30 AM IST – New Zealand won by 78 runs
3rd ODI: March 9 – Saxton Oval, Nelson, 3:30 AM IST – New Zealand won by 98 runs
1st T20I: March 14 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch, 11:45 AM IST
2nd T20I: March 16 – Hagley Oval, Christchurch, 2:45 AM IST
3rd T20I: March 18 – University Oval, Dunedin, 2:45 AM IST
Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:
For fans in New Zealand –
All games will be available on TVNZ Duke and TVNZ +
For fans in Sri Lanka –
T.B.C.
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