New Zealand Opt to Bat First in Final ODI Against Sri Lanka in Pallekele

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first in the final ODI against Sri Lanka at Pallekele, where conditions are expected to be challenging due to potential rain and a humid atmosphere. Sri Lanka has already secured the series with wins in the first two games, and both teams have made significant changes to their lineups for this match.

For New Zealand, there’s a debut for seamer Zakary Foulkes, who has impressed during the T20 leg of the tour. He joins fellow fast bowler Adam Milne, also making his first appearance of the tour. The two seamers replace Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy, who have been left out of the playing XI.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka has made no fewer than five changes to their squad, indicating a desire to test their bench strength. Out go Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, and Asitha Fernando. Replacing them are batters Nishan Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando, seamers Dilshan Madushanka and Mohamed Shiraz, and allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who will make his debut. Eshan Malinga, who has impressed with the Sri Lanka A team, is part of the squad but does not make the starting XI.

The pitch in Pallekele is a new one, with more grass than in the first two ODIs. This could provide an advantage to the batters, as New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner alluded to in his pre-match comments. However, the team is mindful of the dew that is expected to affect conditions later in the game.

The weather forecast suggests the possibility of rain, but for now, the conditions remain hot and humid, which could impact both the players and the match itself.

Sri Lanka's Playing XI: