*SRILANKA WOMEN VS NEWZEALAND WOMEN ODI SERIES 2023- 3rd ODI PREVIEW: ICC CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH*
*THE BUILD UP:*
Deciders are always healthy clash of egos between sides who have been tip-top till that point in time. Both NZ and SL have won a game each and head into the final ODI to be held tomorrow at the picturesque Galle. While NZ received a well rounded bashing on the 27th, they were quick to turnaround and complete a comprehensive win on the 30th, levelling the series and making “the all to play for” situation very much active and kicking. On the 3rd from here on, all we can expect is a mouthwatering enthralling contest which will keep not just their fans glued to the screens but the entire cricketing fraternity. Whichever side comes out on top will be in a better position to dominate in the T20I series.
*SL PROBABLE XI:*
Chamari Athapaththu (c), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Kavisha Dilhari, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Hansima Karunaratne
Kavisha Dilhari, batting at 6, with the quest to prove her skills registered a 98 ball 84, falling 16 short of what could have been a fighting ton in the chase. The Lankans fans would hope for a classic from her again, this time in a winning cause as they are now aiming for a series win at their home turf. Kaveshi didn’t get a chance to bat in game 1 but came up with a stellar effort with the bat in a knock that comprised of 9 boundaries. SL W would feel she is crucial.
Oshadi Ranasinghe went wicketless in her first outing of the series and a comeback was sure expected. She didn’t disappoint as a three-fer with the wicket of centurion Mellie Kerr was what she got in the second ODI. You always need to have the right momentum heading into a deciding clash and the 37 year old veteran with truck loads of experience will feel this is her chance for glory.
*NZ PROBABLE XI:*
Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout (wk), Melie Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Maddy Green, Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas
Two of the most beautiful stroke players in the NZ setup, were clinical last game and notched up centuries of importance. It was largely because of this humongous effort that the NZ W were able to breach the 300 run mark and give themselves a big cushion, in order to defend the total. Yes, I was talking about Melie Kerr and Sophie Devine, who defied all odds and smashed 108 and 137 respectively in order to strengthen the hold of the visitors in the game. NZ would bank on them again and their excellent prowess with the bat, if they are to topple SL back to back at the same venue.
Excited to watch what Lea Tahuhu and Eden Carson have to offer tomorrow on a pitch that most certainly helped them the other day where they accounted for 6 wickets combined and also sent back the SL skipper for a shocking golden duck. Tahuhu would love to make the new ball count while her partner who bowls slow spin would aim at running through the Srilankan middle order, who are a thing of strength for the hosts.
*PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR SL:*
Highest run getter- Vishmi Gunaratne/Chamari Athapaththu
Highest wicket taker- Ranasinghe/Kumari
*FOR NZL:*
Highest run getter- Sophie Devine/Melie Kerr
Highest wicket taker- Tahuhu/Eden Carson
*FOR THIS GAME:*
NZL to topple SL for an away series win here in Galle