Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 3rd ODI Live Cricket Score and Updates ...

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand

Sri Lanka (SL) vs New Zealand (NZ), 3rd ODI Live Cricket Score and Updates: New Zealand have opted to bat in the series finale, seeking a consolation win. Sri Lanka have tested their bench strength, making five changes to their XI as they seek a 3-0 whitewash and extend their dominance at home in ODIs.

20:33 IST:

Right then, this marks the end of New Zealand's long tour in the sub-continent and it has ended as it began as rain called off their one-off Test against Afghanistan and it has now washed out their final game in Sri Lanka as well. Sri Lanka on the other hand end the home season with just one ODI loss in 2024 and have swept all five home ODI series. Next up for the Lankans, they travel to South Africa to play a couple of Test matches as the Kiwis fly home to welcome England for a three-match Test series as well. Hope you enjoyed our coverage of this series and you can switch tabs and check all the latest fixtures and coverage. Until then, take care and goodbye!

20:30 IST:

Charith Asalanka now goes on to collect the series-winning trophy and hands it over to some of the new guys as the Lankan players rejoice at the podium and pose for a team photograph.

20:29 IST:

Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka is handed the series-winner check and he then comes up for a chat. He says that he is really pleased with the ODI calendar and it is not easy to win five series on the bounce even at home. Adds that they gave the players a chance and individually, they did really well. Reckons that the team seems settled right now but they can still improve on a few things. Mentions that he is enjoying captaincy and ends up lauding the efforts of Kusal Mendis, the bowlers and the fielding as well.

20:34 IST:

The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner says that it was going to be challenging to play here as the conditions are different from what they have at home. Feels that his players would have learned a lot from this tour. Mentions that it is a shame that the rain came in and we could never resume but you expect that in this part of the world. Tells that Young and Nicholls did a good job and the way the wicket was playing, they were eying a big score. Shares that it has been a different experience to captain the side and the new faces brought a lot of energy to the team. Concludes that they have played a lot in the last few months but can now enjoy a few days of rest before the Test series against England.

20:25 IST:

Kusal Mendis is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES for his brilliance with the bat. Since he has been released from the squad, Avishka Fernando collects the award on his behalf.

20:25 IST:

The Presentation ceremony...

20:25 IST:

Earlier, the toss went Mitchell Santner's way, and New Zealand opted to put runs on the board. Tim Robinson fell early, but Will Young and Henry Nicholls started promisingly, aided by some indisciplined bowling from the Lankan pacers. The introduction of spin helped the hosts bring the scoring rate down, but the search for a second wicket continued before the heavens opened up, 21 overs into the game. After that, the rain stopped a couple of times but before we could get a resumption time, it was back on and the umpires had to give in and Sri Lanka end up winning the ODI series 2-0. 

19:50 IST:

UPDATE - 2.18 pm GMT - Well then, the news we all dreaded is here and the 3rd ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand has been ABANDONED DUE TO RAIN! It's a shame as this match would have been a great way for both teams to gauge the depth of their bench and allow a few fringe players to make a mark but the persistent rain has played spoilsport.

19:43 IST:

UPDATE - 2.07 pm GMT - Uh oh.....yes, you guessed it right! The rain has returned. It’s been that kind of day. The waiting game continues!

19:30 IST:

UPDATE - 1.53 pm GMT - Great news! According to one of the on-air commentators, Roshan Abeysinghe, the rain has stopped, and the ground staff should soon begin their work to get the ground ready for play, starting with removing the excess water from the covers. Let’s hope the rain doesn’t return and spoil the hard work of the ground staff.

19:05 IST:

UPDATE - 1.34 pm GMT - Unfortunately, it is still raining, and all we can do at the moment is hope that it relents soon enough for us to resume the action. Given the efficiency of the ground staff, we can hope for a quick turnaround, but for that, the rain needs to stop first. 

18:45 IST:

In case you missed it, Sri Lanka today announced a 17-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series in South Africa. The Dhananjaya de Silva-led squad is largely as expected, with some notable returnees in the bowling department. Left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya returns to the squad, as does right-arm seamer Kasun Rajitha. The series kicks off with the first Test in Durban on 27th November, followed by the second Test in Gqeberha on 5th December. With Sri Lanka in 3rd place and South Africa in 5th in the World Test Championship standings, this series is crucial for both teams' aspirations to reach the final.

18:24 IST:

UPDATE - 12.50 pm GMT - It continues to rain in Pallekele, and the entire ground remains covered. So far, we have lost 2 hours and 20 minutes, but there’s still plenty of time left for a result in this game. Let's hope the rain subsides soon!

18:03 IST:

UPDATE - 12.29 pm GMT - Oh, no! The rain is back, and so are the covers. Just as the scheduled inspection was about to take place, the heavens opened up. While it started as a drizzle, it has picked up in intensity over the last couple of minutes. We will have to wait a little longer for the action to resume.

17:44 IST:

UPDATE - 12.13 pm GMT - There is an inspection scheduled for 12.30 pm GMT! It seems the rainfall was really heavy and there might be water on the outfield. The Lankan ground staff are always really efficient, so, there is hope of a prompt resumption after the inspection.

17:37 IST:

UPDATE - 12.05 pm GMT - All covers have been removed and we are inching closer to the resumption. We should have an official update soon regarding the resumption.

17:24 IST:

UPDATE - 11.49 am GMT - An even more promising update than the previous one - the covers are coming off! Thanks to the efficient ground staff in this part of the world, the entire ground is well-covered, meaning the outfield doesn’t require as much work as some other venues might need. We might not be too far from a resumption, though the overs could be reduced. We await official confirmation. Stay tuned.

17:07 IST:

UPDATE - 11.34 am GMT - Good news! It has stopped raining. The standing water on top of the covers will take some time to be cleared before the covers can be taken off. Let's hope that the rain stays away, allowing the ground staff to complete the mop-up work. Stick around for more news.

16:47 IST:

UPDATE - 11.15 am GMT - Not much to report from the ground as it is still raining in Pallekele according to a few sources. And although we have a buffer of 60 minutes, we will certainly lose overs as even if the rain stops immediately the mop-up work will take some time. We can only hope for the best, stay tuned.

16:14 IST:

UPDATE - 10.43 am GMT - Just before the broadcasters go off for a break, scenes in the background depict heavy rain. In all likeliness, this is going to be a bit of a long delay but there's plenty of time left in the game, so, there's no need to worry yet. Stick around as we bring you the latest updates from Pallekele.

16:03 IST:

UPDATE - 10.30 am GMT - Uh, oh! The rain has descended from the clouds and well, it was always on the cards. The umpires and the players rush off the field and the covers come on. It is very dark and it has started to really pour in but lets hope that the rain passes soon. Stay tuned for further updates.

20:34 IST:

20.6: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Full and outside off, turning away from the batter, Young leans forward and sweeps it all along the ground towards short fine leg but it gets cut off by the fielder positioned there. 

15:58 IST:

20.5: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, A bit quicker, full and on the pads, Young brings out the sweep but picks out the man at short fine leg.

15:57 IST:

20.4: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Short and it turns towards the batter, Nicholls rocks back and taps it towards square leg for a single. 

15:57 IST:

20.3: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Loopy delivery, on a fullish length, on off, Young plays the reverse paddle. It rolls in front of short third and the batters complete a quick single.

15:57 IST:

20.2: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Full and onto leg stump, Nicholls tries to sweep it but wears it on the pads off the inside edge and collects a single.

15:56 IST:

20.1: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Tossed up, full and on off, Young eases the drive to long off for a single.

15:55 IST:

19.6: Charith Asalanka to Henry Nicholls, This is fired in a bit and outside off, Nicholls blocks it off. 11 off the over!

15:55 IST:

19.5: Charith Asalanka to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Oh, that is poor fielding from Dilshan Madushanka. Tossed up on the pads, Henry Nicholls goes down to sweep and does so a bit aerially and well behind square leg. The ball goes on the bounce to deep backward square leg but Madushanka gets completely bamboozled by the spin.

15:54 IST:

19.4: Charith Asalanka to Will Young, Floated up on a length and on off, Will Young waits back and punches it off the middle of the bat down to long on for one more.

15:53 IST:

19.3: Charith Asalanka to Henry Nicholls, Drops the length back and angles it into the pads, this is worked away 'round the corner for a single.

15:53 IST:

19.2: Charith Asalanka to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Finally, a boundary! Darted in full on middle, Henry Nicholls clears the front leg and gets down on one knee before slogging it away well in front of square for a boundary after 50 deliveries.

15:52 IST:

19.1: Charith Asalanka to Will Young, Nagging length on off, Young dabs the reverse sweep just wide of short third for a single.

15:51 IST:

18.6: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Nagging length, sliding on from off and middle, pushed away with a straight bat towards mid off.

15:51 IST:

18.5: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Tossed up on middle and leg, Nicholls looks to step out but has to just push it back to the bowler.

15:51 IST:

18.4: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Excellent running! Fuller on leg, Nicholls nudges it in between square leg and mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.

15:50 IST:

18.3: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Pushed through quicker around off, Young rocks back and cuts it almost too late but gets it past backward point for a single.

15:49 IST:

18.2: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Nicely played and Will Young brings up a 9th ODI FIFTY! Flatter delivery around off, Young backs away well and punches it square through cover-point for a couple of runs. He will now eye a big one from here.

15:49 IST:

18.1: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Tossed up, quite full and around off, driven straight back to the bowler.

15:48 IST:

17.6: Charith Asalanka to Henry Nicholls, Sees the batter stepping out and tries to flight it wide of the off stump, Nicholls does well to adjust and blocks it off.

15:48 IST:

17.5: Charith Asalanka to Will Young, On a dragged length again and at the stumps, Young eases it off the back foot down to long on for one more and moves on to 49.

15:48 IST:

17.4: Charith Asalanka to Will Young, Sloppy fielding yet again! Flighted up, full and around off, Will Young brings out the reverse and gets it just wide of short third where the fielder slides across and lets it through for a couple of runs.

15:47 IST:

17.3: Charith Asalanka to Will Young, Nagging length, floated up on off, Will Young opts to go on the back foot and jams it out to mid-wicket.

15:46 IST:

17.2: Charith Asalanka to Henry Nicholls, Shortish length again around middle, this is punched away firmly off the back foot down to long on for a single.

15:46 IST:

17.1: Charith Asalanka to Henry Nicholls, Round-arm delivery, just a touch short and sliding on from around middle, Nicholls rocks back to defend.

15:47 IST:

Drinks break! Sri Lanka have done well to regain control through spin from both ends, following a wayward start from their pacers that allowed New Zealand to get off to a brisk start. Young and Nicholls have found it tough to find the boundaries against the spinners but it will be important for both to not get bogged down and keep the scoreboard ticking with ones and twos. The overhead conditions remain gloomy, but let’s hope the rain stays away as it has so far.

15:44 IST:

16.6: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Shortens the length now and bowls it at the stumps, Henry Nicholls plays it off the back foot and hits it back past the bowler for yet another single.

15:43 IST:

16.5: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Floated up full on off and middle, this is driven down to long off for just one more by Young.

15:43 IST:

16.4: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Nagging length in and around the off pole, Will Young blocks it out. The boundaries have completely dried up here.

15:42 IST:

16.3: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, This is drifted down the leg side, Henry Nicholls brings out the paddle sweep and gets it down to fine leg for a single.

15:41 IST:

16.2: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Good running! Full and straight, pushed back past the howler towards mid on for a quick single.

15:40 IST:

16.1: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Gets a good hand on it does Sadeera Samarawickrama. Full and on the legs, Henry Nicholls flicks it wide of short mid-wicket where the fielder makes a half stop and they get a single.

15:39 IST:

15.6: Charith Asalanka to Will Young, Full again on off and middle, angling in, Young gets on the front foot and pushes it towards mid on. Young seems to have gone into his shell now.

15:39 IST:

15.5: Charith Asalanka to Will Young, Nicely flighted, full and turning in from outside off, Young defends it well on the front foot.

15:39 IST:

15.4: Charith Asalanka to Will Young, Good length around off, Young leans on and dabs it to the right of the bowler who makes the stop.

15:39 IST:

15.3: Charith Asalanka to Will Young, NOT OUT! The double review doesn't work out for Sri Lanka as Will Young survives. Nicely bowled by Charith Asalanka, low-arm trajectory, flatter and skidding on from outside off. Young is drawn forward a bit but then has to reach for it and is beaten past the outside edge. The bails are whipped off as well but the replays show that Young had dragged his foot back in time. No spike on UltraEdge either.

15:42 IST:

Has Young edged it? The keeper and Charith Asalanka are confident and Asalanka has taken the review. Stumping will be checked first. Nishan Madushka was quick to take the bails off but the replays show that Young had his back leg inside the crease when the stumps were disturbed. Over to the caught behind appeal now. The UltraEdge shows no spike. It will stay NOT OUT!

15:36 IST:

15.2: Charith Asalanka to Henry Nicholls, Dragged length on middle, sliding back on with the arm, Nicholls presses back and pushes it through mid on for one.

15:35 IST:

15.1: Charith Asalanka to Henry Nicholls, This is flighted and angled well into the pads, Henry Nicholls flicks it away well past square leg and picks up a couple of runs.

15:34 IST:

14.6: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Excellent over from Vandersay and the Lankan spinners are starting to tighten the screws. Tossed up quite full and around off, Will Young keeps it out.

15:34 IST:

14.5: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Not all that full and flighted up around off, Will Young is drawn forward and just pushes it gently towards mid off.

15:33 IST:

14.4: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Nagging length, drifted into the pads, Young looks to work it off the back foot but gets tangled and gets hit on the pads.

15:33 IST:

14.3: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Nicely bowled! Tossed up, quite full, right in the blockhole and this one dips as well, Will Young digs it out on the off side but just.

15:33 IST:

14.2: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Fuller in length and around off, Nicholls jams the drive out wide of covers and collects a single.

15:32 IST:

14.1: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Nicely tossed up around middle, Nicholls opts to step out but does so quite late and has to adjust and just block it out.

15:32 IST:

13.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, On a dragged length, sliding on from middle and leg, Nicholls presses back and punches it through mid on for a single.

15:30 IST:

13.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, Pushed through quicker and darting it in from around off, Nicholls with a solid block off the front foot.

15:30 IST:

13.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, Floated, full and on the stumps, Will Young brings out the reverse sweep and dabs it wide of short third for a quick single.

15:29 IST:

13.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, Just a smidge fuller and outside off, slanting it back in, Young steps across to block but gets an outside edge down to short third.

15:29 IST:

13.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, Nicely slowed up, flighted on off and this one drifted back in late, Will Young does well to play it late and keeps it out.

15:28 IST:

13.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, Pushed through flatter and well outside off, Nicholls gets down to sweep and has to reach for it but manages to angle it behind square leg for one.

15:28 IST:

12.6: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, On the money from Jeffrey Vandersay! Nagging length, darting it in at the off pole, Young prods halfway and blocks it off.

15:27 IST:

12.5: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Floated up on the pads and turning in, Nicholls steps out and plays it with the turn towards wide long on for another single.

15:27 IST:

12.4: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Tossed up again, on off and this is driven away through covers for a single by Young.

15:26 IST:

12.3: Jeffrey Vandersay to Will Young, Nice and full, drifted into middle and leg and getting it to dip and turn as well, Will Young blocks it on the full.

15:26 IST:

12.2: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Uppishly but in the gap and the 50-run stand also comes up between these two. Nagging length on middle, holding in the deck, Nicholls with a checked drive off the back foot down to long on for a single.

15:26 IST:

12.1: Jeffrey Vandersay to Henry Nicholls, Begins with a full ball on leg stump, Henry Nicholls looks to flick but misses and gets struck on the pads.

15:26 IST:

Jeffrey Vandersay comes into the attack, replacing Mohamed Shiraz.

15:24 IST:

11.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, Flat again and on middle, turning a tad as well, Nicholls uses the depth of the crease to punch it down to long on for a run.

15:24 IST:

11.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, Flatter again, bowled in line with the stumps, Nicholls tucks it away towards mid-wicket.

15:23 IST:

11.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, Slip in place and Theekshana now comes around the wicket as well but it is the double bluff as this is darted in at the pads. Nicholls plays all over it and gets hit on the pads, stifled appeal for LBW but clearing angling down.

15:22 IST:

11.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, Pushed through quicker now and it is the carrom ball that moves away from middle, Will Young rocks back and punches it back past the bowler for a single down to long on.

15:22 IST:

11.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, On a dragged length on off and turning back into the pads, Young nudges it around the corner but straight to short fine leg.

15:21 IST:

11.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, Slows it up and drifts it in from around middle, Young leans on and just blocks it to the on side.

15:20 IST:

10.6: Mohamed Shiraz to Henry Nicholls, Nagging length, attacking the off stump line, Nicholls solidly blocks it off the front foot. 12 off that over.

15:20 IST:

10.5: Mohamed Shiraz to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Nicely done but that was begging to be hit. Fractionally short around middle and angling in, Nicholls gets inside the line and shovels it well behind square leg for another boundary. New Zealand really racing along here.

15:20 IST:

10.4: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Pitched-up delivery on middle, this one straightens down the line, Young leans on and pushes the ball down to long on for a single.

15:19 IST:

10.3: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Hard length around off, Young stays back and jams the ball into the outfield and gets it past the diving man at point for a couple of runs more.

15:18 IST:

10.2: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, FOUR! That is glorious from Will Young. Predictable full length from Mohamed Shiraz and Young just gets forward and punches it with a straight bat through mid off for a stellar boundary.

15:17 IST:

10.1: Mohamed Shiraz to Henry Nicholls, Sloppy fielding! Pitches the ball up outside off and angles it back in, Henry Nicholls with a cover drive towards Nuwanidu Fernando who lets it through for a single.

15:19 IST:

Powerplay 2! Sri Lanka are now allowed as many as four fielders outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over. Dark clouds loom ominously over the ground, prompting the floodlights to be switched on. Roshan Abeysinghe mentions that it looks threatening at the moment.

15:16 IST:

9.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, This stays a bit low, on a nagging length, around off, Young pats it back to the bowler.

15:16 IST:

9.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, Short and on off, Young gets on top of it and punches it to backward point.

15:15 IST:

9.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, Sprayed on the pads, on a nagging length, Young gets inside the line and tickles it to the right of short fine leg for a couple of runs.

15:15 IST:

9.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, Pushed through, at the stumps, on a nagging length, Young is equal to the task as he gets deep in the crease to keep it out.

15:14 IST:

9.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, Sliding on with the angle from around the wicket at 91 kph, on middle, on a length, Nicholls jabs at the delivery with a straight bat. It catches the inside edge and rolls towards square leg for a single.

15:13 IST:

9.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Will Young, Floated up, full and around off, Young gets his front foot across and knocks it down to long on for a single.

15:11 IST:

8.6: Mohamed Shiraz to Henry Nicholls, Angled back in again, on a length, on the pads, Henry Nicholls clips it well but picks out the man at mid-wicket. A tidy return to the attack for Shiraz. Just a single off the over.

15:11 IST:

8.5: Mohamed Shiraz to Henry Nicholls, Bowled from slightly wide of the crease on the around-the-wicket angle, on a nagging length, on off and middle, Henry Nicholls nudges it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

15:11 IST:

8.4: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Hurls it on a short of a good length, outside off, Young opens the bat face to steer it down to deep third for a single.

15:10 IST:

8.3: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Slanting into the pads, too straight, on a length, Young misses the tickle. The ball brushes his pad and rolls behind to the left of the keeper.

15:09 IST:

8.2: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Angling back into the right-hander, on off, on a length, Young wrists it to mid-wicket.

15:09 IST:

8.1: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Shiraz lands it on a back of a length, outside off, the ball stays a bit low. Young stays low with the bounce and taps it to backward point.

15:09 IST:

Well then, the sun seems to have disappeared behind the clouds now and a huge dark cloud is now hovering over the ground. Ominous signs these!

15:08 IST:

7.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, This is a bit quicker, full and on off, Henry Nicholls pushes it to cover.

15:07 IST:

7.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, On a nagging length, around off, Henry Nicholls knocks it off the back foot to point.

15:07 IST:

7.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, FOUR! Dilshan Madushanka should have done better there! Pushed through, full and on middle, Henry Nicholls gets inside the line of the ball nice and early. Uses the pace to paddle it to the right of short fine leg. Madushanka moves to his right and dives over the ball. The ball goes under his body for a boundary.

15:06 IST:

7.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, Drops it short and around off, Henry Nicholls goes on the back foot and punches it down the deck. Theekshana dives to his right to make the stop.

15:05 IST:

7.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, Flatter and fuller, on off, Henry Nicholls reaches out in front for the sweep. Gets it finer than he intended. It goes to the right of short fine leg for a couple of runs. The 50 comes up for New Zealand!

15:05 IST:

7.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Henry Nicholls, On a length, around off from around the wicket, Henry Nicholls presses forward to defend.

15:05 IST:

First signs of spin as Maheesh Theekshana is tossed the ball now.

15:05 IST:

6.6: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Will Young, FOUR! Delightful! Chamindu errs in line and length as he bowls it short and wide on off, Will Young stays on the back foot and plays it late to get the placement right. Dabs it to the left of backward point and also beats deep third to his right for another boundary.

15:02 IST:

6.5: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Will Young, On a length, on off, Young defends it down the deck.

15:02 IST:

6.4: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Will Young, FOUR! Short and punished! Pace taken off by Chamindu, at 113 kph, on a short of a length, on off, Young picks the change of pace and waits for the ball to arrive. Pulls it well over wide mid on. Does not quite get it from the middle of the bat but it is enough for a boundary.

15:01 IST:

6.3: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Henry Nicholls, Chamindu bangs it on a back of a length, on middle, Henry Nicholls hops and nudges it through square leg for a single.

15:01 IST:

6.2: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Henry Nicholls, At 134 kph, on a nagging length, on middle, Henry Nicholls skips down the track and goes for a swipe across the line. The ball goes under his bat and Nicholls wears it near the waist.

15:00 IST:

6.1: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Henry Nicholls, Lands it on a good length, on middle and leg, Henry Nicholls blocks it out solidly with a straight bat.

15:00 IST:

5.6: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, FOUR! Two in two for Young! Shiraz drags his length back but ends up offering width on off, Young hangs on the back foot and plays it square of the wicket. Punches it into the ground and it goes through cover-point for four more runs. Young moves to 22 off 21.

14:58 IST:

5.5: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, FOUR! Lovely shot! Full and swinging away slightly, on off, Young does not move his feet much and lets his hands flow into the shot. Just times the drive and beats the diving Charith Asalanka at mid off to his left for a boundary. First boundary conceded by Shiraz.

14:58 IST:

5.4: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, With an upright seam, full and on off, driven firmly with a straight bat by Young but Shiraz sticks out his right hand in his follow through and makes a half stop.

14:57 IST:

5.3: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Serves it fuller in length, on off, Young eases the drive to mid off.

14:56 IST:

5.2: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Goes past the bat! In the channel on off, on a good length, Young waits for the ball to come to him and tries to defend it with a straight bat right under his eyes. The ball holds its line and zips past the outside edge.

14:56 IST:

5.1: Mohamed Shiraz to Henry Nicholls, On a nagging length, on middle, Henry Nicholls pushes it with soft hands in front of mid on and calls Young through for a quick single.

14:55 IST:

4.6: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Henry Nicholls, Attacking the front pad, on a good length, Henry Nicholls plants his front foot across and gets his bat out in front of the front pad. Clips it to the left of mid on and takes a quick single.

14:54 IST:

4.5: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Henry Nicholls, At 135 kph, on a fullish length, at the stumps, Henry Nicholls brings his bottom hand into play and drives it to mid on.

14:53 IST:

4.4: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Henry Nicholls, The length is pulled back now by Chamindu, on off, Henry Nicholls gets on the front foot and blocks it out.

14:53 IST:

4.3: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Henry Nicholls, Very full with a bit of late shape back towards the batter, Henry Nicholls works it away off his pads, wide of deep fine leg for another brace.

14:52 IST:

4.2: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Henry Nicholls, Chamindu goes searching for the swing but ends up serving a low full toss, on middle, Nicholls knocks it to the left of mid on and sets off for a single. Charith Asalanka moves to his left but fails to get low enough. He lets the ball through his legs, conceding another run.

14:51 IST:

4.1: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Henry Nicholls, Chamindu begins from over the wicket, full and on off, Henry Nicholls pushes it down the ground towards mid off.

14:52 IST:

The debutant, Chamindu Wickramasinghe comes on to bowl now.

14:50 IST:

3.6: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Full and around off, Young keeps it out with a straight bat. End of a successful over for Shiraz and Sri Lanka.

14:49 IST:

3.5: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, On a good length, in and around the off stump line, Young gets behind the line of the ball and defends it back to the bowler.

14:49 IST:

3.4: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Full and on off, Young eases the drive to cover.

14:48 IST:

3.3: Mohamed Shiraz to Henry Nicholls, On the pads, on a length, Henry Nicholls clips it wide of square leg and gets off the mark with a single.

14:47 IST:

Henry Nicholls walks in at number 3.

14:48 IST:

3.2: Mohamed Shiraz to Tim Robinson, OUT! TAKEN! Spectacular catch from Asalanka! A maiden in the first over and now, a wicket on the second ball of his second over for Shiraz. This is bowled on a length, shaping back in on off, Tim Robinson goes for a lofted stroke down the ground but the ball coming back into him results in him not getting the elevation or the power behind the shot. It lobs towards mid off where Charith Asalanka reacts well as he leaps at an angle to his left and then rolls while tumbling to hold onto the catch.

14:45 IST:

3.1: Mohamed Shiraz to Tim Robinson, Beaten! Full and going across, on off, Tim Robinson goes for an expansive drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

14:44 IST:

2.6: Dilshan Madushanka to Will Young, Madushanka gets the ball to shape back in, on off, on a length, Young tries to drive it towards mid off but the bat turns in his hand. He miscues the shot to the right of the bowler. Another expensive over from Madushanka. His figures read 2-0-23-0.

14:43 IST:

2.5: Dilshan Madushanka to Will Young, Was that a chance? Yes, it certainly did. Full and at the stumps, Young checks the drive but fails to keep the shot along the ground. Hits low back towards the bowler. Madushanka gets low in his follow through to his right but fails to cling on. The ball hits his palm and pops out. Such catches are never easy though.

14:43 IST:

2.4: Dilshan Madushanka to Will Young, FOUR! Madushanka overcorrects and pays the price! Hat-trick of boundaries for Young. Madushanka bowls it short but does not get it high enough to trouble the batter, on middle and leg, Young stands tall and pulls it through square leg for yet another boundary.

14:42 IST:

2.3: Dilshan Madushanka to Will Young, FOUR! Nothing streaky about this one! Pitched up by Madushanka, on off, Young gets his weight on the front foot and leans into the drive. Plays it between cover and mid off for four more runs. This will help Young feel a lot better.

14:41 IST:

2.2: Dilshan Madushanka to Will Young, FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for Young! Stays over the wicket and gets the radar right this time does Madushanka, on a length, on off, Young is a bit tentative in his defence as he presents a straight bat. The ball catches the outside edge and races through the vacant slip cordon for a boundary.

14:40 IST:

2.1: Dilshan Madushanka to Tim Robinson, Too straight from Dilshan, on the pads, on a length, Tim Robinson fails to tickle it away. A leg bye is taken as the ball brushes the pads and rolls down to deep fine leg.

14:39 IST:

1.6: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, This moves away slightly, on a length, outside off, Young gets his bat in the line of the ball and stabs it down on the off side. Shiraz starts with a maiden!

14:39 IST:

1.5: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, In and around the off-stump line, fuller in length, Young gets close to the line of the ball and pushes it to mid off.

14:38 IST:

1.4: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Attacking the stumps, on a length, Will Young plays it back to the bowler off the front foot.

14:37 IST:

1.3: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, A loud shout for LBW but that seemed to be doing too much and going down leg! Late inward shape towards the batter, full and on middle and leg, Young's head falls over to the off side as he shapes up to flick it away. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the front pad.

14:37 IST:

1.2: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, Play and a miss! On a good length, outside off, Will Young tries to cash in on the width and extends his arms for the drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

14:36 IST:

1.1: Mohamed Shiraz to Will Young, At 130 kph first up, a hint of inward movement, on off, on a length, Will Young presents a straight bat and keeps it out.

14:36 IST:

Mohamed Shiraz to bowl from the other end.

14:35 IST:

0.6: Dilshan Madushanka to Tim Robinson, FOUR! Edged away! Short and wide on off, there to be put away, Tim Robinson throws his hands at the delivery and gets an outside edge. It races down to the deep third fence and beats the fielder in the deep to his left for a boundary.

14:34 IST:

0.5: Dilshan Madushanka to Will Young, Goes full in search of swing and gets a hint of inward shape, on middle, Young clips it to the right of mid on and gets to the other end.

14:34 IST:

0.4: Dilshan Madushanka to Tim Robinson, Sprayed on the pads, on a length, Tim Robinson nudges it in front of square on the leg side and crosses over.

14:33 IST:

0.3: Dilshan Madushanka to Tim Robinson, FOUR! Gets it through! Angling away, on a back of a length, around off, Tim Robinson rides the bounce and punches it to the left of cover for the first boundary of the game.

14:33 IST:

0.2: Dilshan Madushanka to Tim Robinson, On a good length, shaping back into the pads, Tim Robinson turns it off his pads to mid-wicket.

14:33 IST:

0.1: Dilshan Madushanka to Will Young, Will Young and New Zealand are underway! On a hard length from Madushanka from over the wicket, at the hips, Young gets on his toes and tucks it towards backward square leg. There is a slight hesitation but the backward square leg fielder fails to pick it up cleanly, allowing the single to be completed.

14:31 IST:

We are ready for the final ODI to begin! The umpires have already taken their places and the Lankan fielders have spread across the field of play as well. It will be the duo of Will Young and Tim Robinson to open the innings for New Zealand. Dilshan Madushanka is back in the team and will take the new ball for Sri Lanka as well. Let's go...

14:29 IST:

Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka says that they are hoping to win the series 3-0 but at the same time, they are giving chances to some of the new guys. Informs that there are five changes in the playing XI with Chamindu Wickramasinghe making his ODI debut as well.

14:30 IST:

The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner says that this looks slightly a better wicket than the last game. Adds that they will look to put a good total on the board and then defend it later. Mentions that they have an opportunity to finish the series on a good note. Feels that they lacked a few partnerships in the last game and hopes that they string a few good ones in this game. Informs that Zakary Foulkes makes his ODI debut and he comes in for Nathan Smith while Adam Milne also comes in, replacing Jacob Duffy.

14:30 IST:

PITCH REPORT - Farveez Maharoof is pitchside. He says yesterday, there was heavy rain and it is a muggy day today. Adds that the pitch looks much better for batting as the cracks are more binded and considering the dew factor and chances of rain, chasing should be the way to go.

14:17 IST:

New Zealand (Playing XI) - Will Young, Tim Robinson, Henry Nicholls, Mark Chapman, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Hay (WK), Mitchell Santner (C), Ish Sodhi, Zakary Foulkes (On ODI debut) (In for Nathan Smith), Adam Milne (In for Jacob Duffy).

15:38 IST:

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Nishan Madushka (WK) (In for Pathum Nissanka), Avishka Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando (In for Kusal Mendis), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Chamindu Wickramasinghe (On ODI debut) (In for Kamindu Mendis), Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dilshan Madushanka (In for Asitha Fernando), Mohamed Shiraz (In for Dunith Wellalage). 

14:02 IST:

TOSS - New Zealand have won the flip of the coin and they will BAT first.