Auckland will host the third ODI of the ongoing NZ vs SL series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The final game of the series will be played at Eden Park on Saturday (January 11).
New Zealand have bagged the three-match series already by winning the first two games. The hosts began the series with a 9-wicket win before winning the second game by 113 runs. In a game that was reduced to 37 overs per side, New Zealand once again outplayed Sri Lanka to clinch a series-winning victory.
Batting first, New Zealand scored 255/9 in just 37 overs thanks to half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Mark Chapman. In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for a paltry total of 142 runs. With both the teams now set for the third and final ODI, we are taking a look at the pitch and weather report.
NZ vs SL Weather Report And Pitch Report Of the Eden Park, Auckland – 3rd ODI, Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
NZ vs SL Weather Report Of Auckland:
The third NZ vs SL ODI will be played in Auckland and it will be a day-night affair. The game is scheduled to begin at 2:00 PM local time. And ahead of the game, the weather forecast is very promising. A bright and sunny day will be welcoming the teams in Auckland on the match day.
There are no predictions for rain and the game is likely to take place without any major interruptions. As far as the temperature is concerned, it will be hovering in the low 20s during the first half of the game. In the evening, the temperature will be hovering between 15-20 degrees Celsius.
NZ vs SL Pitch report:
Here are the stats of the Eden Park, Auckland:
| First ODI Match | 22/02/1976 |
| Last ODI Match | 25/03/2023 |
| Matches Played | 79 |
| Matches Won by Home Side | 37 (46.84%) |
| Matches Won by Touring Side | 35 (44.30%) |
| Matches Won by Neutral Side | 2 (2.53%) |
| Matches Won Batting First | 31 (38.75%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 43 (53.75%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 38 (47.50%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 36 (45.00%) |
| Matches Tied | 2 (2.53%) |
| Matches with No Result | 3 (3.80%) |
| Highest Team Innings | 340/5 (New Zealand) |
| Lowest Team Innings | 73 (New Zealand) |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 340/5 (New Zealand) |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 28.36 |
| Average Runs per Over | 4.78 |
| Average Score Batting First | 219 |
The third NZ vs SL ODI will be played at Eden Park, a venue that is not known for showing typical New Zealand pitches.
While pitches in New Zealand usually offer good bounce and swing, Eden Park has traditionally assisted slow and spin bowlers because of the humid and sub-tropical conditions in the region. However, the pacers will also get enough assistance to make an impact, especially with the new ball.
The average first innings total at the venue is 219 runs. So anything more than 250 will be a very challenging total. Incidentally, the last ODI played at this venue was between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. In that game, New Zealand had scored 274 runs before bowling out Sri Lanka for only 76 runs.
Conclusion:
With no forecast of rain, the third ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand is set to take place without any major interruptions. With the series already decided, both the teams will be playing freely and it could spice things up.