New Zealand, Sri Lanka hit by injuries ahead of final T20I

OverviewSri Lanka v New Zealand, 3rd T20I
Pallekele International Stadium, Pallekele
Friday, 6 September, 7:00pm local, 01:30pm GMT

Tim Southee extended his 100% record as New Zealand's T20I captain, as his side secured a second straight win despite another failure from their top order on Tuesday. However, he'll be sweating over injuries to senior players.

Opener Martin Guptill has been ruled out of the third match with an abdomen strain, while all-rounder Tom Bruce tweaked his right knee. Lockie Ferguson had already been ruled out of the series with a fractured thumb. While Hamish Rutherford, the left-handed batsman, has been added to the squad as cover, the good news is that Ross Taylor, who sat out of the second match with a hip complaint, is fit again.

For Sri Lanka, Kusal Mendis, who scored a career-best 79 in the first game, and Shehan Jayasuriya are unlikely to feature in the game as they recover from their collision near the boundary rope in the final over of New Zealand's chase on Tuesday.

Skipper Lasith Malinga is one short of becoming the first bowler to 100 men's T20I wickets.

Remember the last timeSri Lanka reduced New Zealand to 38/3 after posting 161/9 on Tuesday. However, Colin de Grandhomme continued his glorious run with the bat and found support in Tom Bruce. The duo's century stand helped New Zealand clinch the second consecutive last-over finish, handing them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

What they said Lasith Malinga, Sri Lanka captain:"We want to give freedom to youngsters to play their natural game. They're learning how to play T20s, and I want young players to show they're made for international cricket. Losing doesn't matter as long as the team shows character. Of course, we want to win but we also want to test our bench strength."

Colin de Grandhomme, New Zealand all-rounder:"Just trying to do my job for the team. [I] hit it pretty well in the Test matches, just tried to carry on from there. T20 is always hard to bowl; if you don't have to bowl, it's not the worst thing. Seems to be working at the moment, hopefully I keep improving."

ConditionsThere are even chances of rain in the afternoon, which might leave moisture and dew on the outfield. Bowling will get difficult as the evening progresses and considering the last two results, both captains will be tempted to field first.