Tue Mar 04 00:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Injury-Hit White Ferns Face Sri Lanka in Crucial Series

**Napier, New Zealand** – New Zealand’s White Ferns will face Sri Lanka in a six-match white-ball series starting Tuesday, March 4th, a crucial test for both teams ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup. The series, consisting of three ODIs and three T20Is, will see a significantly depleted New Zealand side take on the Sri Lankan visitors.

The White Ferns are grappling with a wave of injuries to key players including Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Hayley Jansen, Molly Penfold, and Bella James. The absence of regular captain Sophie Devine and star all-rounder Amelia Kerr further weakens the team. Veteran Suzie Bates will captain the side, leading a largely inexperienced squad.

Despite their injury woes, New Zealand views the series as a valuable opportunity to assess their bench strength and test their players against Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack. For Sri Lanka, the series is equally important, allowing captain Chamari Athapaththu – recalled from the Women’s Premier League – to lead her team in crucial match practice before the World Cup. While Sri Lanka’s recent international form has been inconsistent, the weakened New Zealand team presents a chance for an upset.

The three ODIs will be played in Napier (March 4th), Nelson (March 7th & 9th), followed by three T20Is in Christchurch and Dunedin. The series will be broadcast live on Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLiv and Amazon Prime Video in India.

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