Thu Nov 21 04:19:03 UTC 2024: ## Rain Threatens to Douse Final New Zealand-Sri Lanka ODI

**Pallekele, Sri Lanka –** The third and final One Day International (ODI) between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, scheduled for Tuesday in Pallekele, faces a significant threat from inclement weather. Weather forecasts predict a 100% chance of rain, with 1-2 inches expected, including possible thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall around 5 pm. While AccuWeather predicts lighter rainfall and thunderstorms at the same time, the first half of the match is expected to be most affected, with the chance of rain potentially dropping to 20% in the second half.

Despite rain impacting the previous two matches, which Sri Lanka won, securing a 2-0 series victory, the teams managed to complete those games. This time, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bat. Sri Lanka, already holding an unassailable lead, made five changes to their team, including the debut of all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe. New Zealand also made two changes, bringing in Adam Milne and debutant Zakary Foulkes.

This series marks Sri Lanka’s first ODI series win over New Zealand since November 2012, ending a long drought of defeats and draws against the Kiwis. The victory extends their home ODI series win streak to six, their longest such run in 50-over cricket. The two-match Test series between South Africa and Sri Lanka is set to begin on November 27th.

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