Decisive T20I showdown

New Zealand and Sri Lanka are set to continue the Women’s T20I series as they face off in the third and deciding game at the University Oval in Dunedin today.
 The series is currently in balance, with the upcoming fixture being the decider.
 The visitors made a stunning start to the series, defeating the hosts by seven wickets in the first T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
 Opting to bat, the White Ferns managed only 101 in 18.5 overs, struggling against Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. Debutant Malki Madara stole the show with 3/14 while Kavisha Dilhari (2/18) and Chamari Atapattu (1/10) chipped in with a few.
 Emma McLeod’s 44 was the lone warrior for New Zealand.
In reply, Sri Lanka chased the target comfortably in 14.1 overs, courtesy of Atapattu’s unbeaten 64 off 48 balls. Despite early wickets, the visiting team never lost momentum, sealing an emphatic win. Madara was named Player of the Match for her spell.
In the second match, the Suzie Bates-led team made an emphatic comeback, defeating Sri Lanka by seven wickets to level the series 1-1.

Bree Illing had a brilliant day with the ball, picking up 2/18 while Jess Kerr (2/29) and Flora Devonshire (1/12) also contributed. The Atapattu-led team struggled, managing to post just 113/7 in their allotted 20 overs despite Manudi Nanayakkara’s 35 off 32 balls.
Chasing 114, the hosts lost early wickets, but Bates anchored the innings with 47 off 46 balls. Brooke Halliday ensured the team got a comfortable finish, scoring an unbeaten 46 off 40. The side reached 117/3 in 18.3 overs, sealing victory with nine balls to spare.
Meanwhile, the University Oval pitch is a solid batting track that also has some assistance for the bowlers. The spinners may also come into the picture as the game progresses.
The chasing sides have gotten an advantage, so the toss winner will look to chase the total. So far, only four Women’s T20Is have been played at the venue, with the host team managing to win just one game.
SQUADS
 Sri Lanka: Chamari Atapattu (captain), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala, Sugandika Kumari, Achini Kulasuriya, Chethana Vimukthi, Manudi Nanayakkara, Rashmika Sewwandi, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadharshani and Kaushani Nuthyangana.
New Zealand: Suzie Bates (captain), Izzy Sharp, Georgia Plimmer, Emma McLeod, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing and Flora Devonshire. 
(Agencies)