Clean-sweep danger looms for Sri Lanka against depleted New Zealand

With the series already wrapped up, New Zealand have the chance to seal just their second series clean sweep in a three-match T20I series, and their first away from home. However, they have an issue to deal with: a spate of injuries has thinned the squad to just eleven fit, available players. With Hamish Rutherford having flown in for the out-of-commission Martin Guptill, and Ross Taylor quite possibly still carrying an injury but having little choice but to soldier on, the technical make-up of the side will remain unchanged.

For Sri Lanka the injuries will hurt a little more. Kusal Mendis, who had looked back to his best in the first two games following a push to the top of the order, will be a big loss. That said, his likely replacement Danushka Gunathilaka has also looked in good form off late, and will be eager to capitalise on a rare opportunity back in the XI.

The other concern for the home side is the potential loss of Shehan Jayasuriya, which while on the face of it doesn't look too damaging, it does throw the team balance off somewhat. Jayasuriya had provided Sri Lanka with middle-order stability and an extra spin-bowling option. With no other spinner in the squad, Sri Lanka will be forced to go in with a possibly superfluous seaming option.

Injury worries aside, Sri Lanka will be keen to end the series on a high. They came close in the first two games, but were second-best in the crunch moments. Against a New Zealand outfit that seems to just know how to win, those defeats would have been tough but important lessons - ones that Lasith Malinga will be hoping his young charges have taken note of.

Sri Lanka (last five results, most recent first) LLLLL
New Zealand WWWLW

At one point during the last two years, Danushka Gunathilaka was a shoo-in for both of Sri Lanka's limited-overs squads, but a string of disciplinary issues saw him temporarily exiled from the national fold. However, recent domestic performances indicate he may be close to his best. While his checkered disciplinary record may yet take some remedying, he can certainly make the process go faster with a performance here.

Hamish Rutherford last played a T20 international for New Zealand in 2013, he last played a game for them in 2015. With New Zealand slated to play five T20Is next month in England, in many ways this is a free hit for Rutherford. Impress and you're in contention for a spot you didn't even know was available, fail and things just go back to as they were.

Sri Lanka will likely be without both Kusal Mendis and Shehan Jayasuriya following their collision in second game. Mendis had been one of the few Sri Lankan batsmen to consistently have the better of New Zealand's attack. Danushka Gunathilaka, who had impressed in the warm-up game, will probably be his replacement. Fast-bowling allrounder Lahiru Madushanka meanwhile will likely pip Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara to the XI, owing to the former's proficiency with the bat.

Sri Lanka (possible XI) 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Kusal Perera (wk), 3 Avishka Fernando, 4 Niroshan Dickwella, 5 Dasun Shanaka, 6 Wanindu Hasaranga, 7 Isuru Udana, 8 Lahiru Madushanka 9 Akila Dananjaya, 10 Lasith Malinga (capt), 11 Lakshan Sandakan

Both teams have been rocked by injuries, though New Zealand will probably be the happier of the two sides on that front. Ross Taylor has just about been ruled fit to play, which will be a relief to all involved after his injury replacement in the last game, Tom Bruce, picked up a knock himself. Bruce will be subjected to a fitness test before the game.

New Zealand (possible XI) 1 Hamish Rutherford/Tom Bruce, 2 Colin Munro, 3 Tim Seifert (wk), 4 Colin de Grandhomme, 5 Ross Taylor, 6 Daryl Mitchell, 7 Mitchell Santner, 8 Scott Kuggeleijn, 9 Seth Rance, 10 Tim Southee (capt), 11 Ish Sodhi

There was more in the surface for the batsman in the second game in Pallekele on Tuesday, though there was still plenty in it for the bowlers - the spinners in particular enjoying themselves. With ground staff having had two days to work on the wicket, expect yet another even contest between bat and ball. Rain, as always, is a possibility.