Introduction: New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats
The New Zealand and Sri Lanka national cricket teams have shared a strong cricketing rivalry for decades. Whether it’s Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), or T20 games, the contests between these two teams are always exciting and filled with unforgettable moments.
In this article, we’ll explore the head-to-head stats, highlight top players from both teams, look at memorable matches, and share some interesting facts. Whether you’re a Kiwi fan or a supporter of the Lions, this guide gives you everything you need to know!
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head Record
Let’s break down how New Zealand and Sri Lanka have performed against each other in all three formats of the game.
Test Matches
New Zealand and Sri Lanka have played several Test series over the years. Here’s how the stats look:
- Total Test Matches Played: 37
- New Zealand Wins: 18
- Sri Lanka Wins: 9
- Drawn Matches: 10
Fun Fact: New Zealand has had a strong record at home, especially in windy conditions. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has enjoyed more success on spinning tracks in Asia.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
ODIs have seen some thrilling contests, especially in World Cups and bilateral series.
- Total ODI Matches Played: 101
- New Zealand Wins: 51
- Sri Lanka Wins: 41
- No Result/Tied: 9
World Cup Record: New Zealand has had the upper hand in World Cups, winning more games against Sri Lanka in recent editions.
T20 Internationals
T20 cricket has been a treat for fans with power-hitting, fast bowling, and exciting finishes.
- Total T20 Matches Played: 22
- New Zealand Wins: 12
- Sri Lanka Wins: 10
Both teams have talented players who can change the game in just a few overs!
Top Players Over the Years
Let’s take a look at some of the legendary players from both teams who have made an impact in these matchups.
New Zealand Stars
Kane Williamson
- Calm, composed, and classy.
- One of the best batsmen in the world.
- Strong performances against Sri Lanka in all formats.
Ross Taylor
- A key middle-order batsman for many years.
- Scored over 8000 ODI runs, many of them against Sri Lanka.
Trent Boult
- Deadly with the new ball.
- Has troubled many Sri Lankan top-order batters with swing bowling.
Sri Lankan Stars
Kumar Sangakkara
- Stylish left-handed batsman.
- Scored heavily against New Zealand, especially in ODIs.
Muttiah Muralitharan
- The most successful bowler in Test history.
- Always a threat with his spin, even in Kiwi conditions.
Lasith Malinga
- Known for his toe-crushing yorkers.
- Key bowler in Sri Lanka’s T20 wins against New Zealand.
Memorable Matches
Let’s rewind some of the most unforgettable matches between these two sides.
2019 World Cup – Dominant Win by New Zealand
- Match Venue: Cardiff, Wales
- Result: New Zealand won by 10 wickets
- Highlight: Matt Henry and Trent Boult bowled beautifully to dismiss Sri Lanka for just 136. Then Guptill and Munro chased it down in under 17 overs!
2007 World Cup Semi-final – Sri Lanka’s Big Moment
- Match Venue: Kingston, Jamaica
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 81 runs
- Highlight: Mahela Jayawardene scored a brilliant century. Muralitharan and Malinga then finished the job with the ball.
2023 Test Series – A Clean Sweep by New Zealand
- Result: New Zealand won 2-0
- Highlight: Kane Williamson starred with the bat while Tim Southee led the bowling attack.
Home vs Away Performance
New Zealand at Home
- Strong in seaming conditions.
- Bowlers like Boult and Southee shine.
- Sri Lanka often struggles with swing and bounce.
Sri Lanka at Home
- Spinners dominate in turning conditions.
- Batters like Mathews and Karunaratne have had big scores.
- New Zealand has found it challenging on slow pitches.
Current Squads (As of 2025)
New Zealand
- Kane Williamson (Captain)
- Devon Conway
- Daryl Mitchell
- Glenn Phillips
- Tim Southee
- Trent Boult
- Rachin Ravindra
Sri Lanka
- Dasun Shanaka (Captain)
- Kusal Mendis
- Charith Asalanka
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
These players are making waves in both international cricket and domestic T20 leagues!
Strengths of Each Team
New Zealand Strengths
- Strong bowling attack: Both pace and spin options.
- Experienced top order: Solid players like Williamson and Conway.
- Great fielding unit: Quick and alert on the field.
Sri Lanka Strengths
- Talented young players: Many promising cricketers rising fast.
- Spin bowling: A big weapon on Asian pitches.
- Aggressive mindset: Especially in T20s and ODIs.
Areas to Improve
For New Zealand
- Need more consistent middle-order performances.
- Sometimes struggle to chase big totals in Asian conditions.
For Sri Lanka
- Batting collapses are a concern in Tests.
- Death bowling in T20s can be unpredictable.
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
This matchup may not have the media hype of India vs Pakistan or Ashes cricket, but it’s special in its own way.
- Competitive spirit: Matches are usually tight and full of twists.
- Respect between players: Rarely any controversy.
- Balanced results: Both teams have had their fair share of wins.
Looking Ahead: Future Series
The upcoming tours in 2025 and 2026 will see:
- Sri Lanka touring New Zealand for a Test and ODI series.
- New Zealand touring Sri Lanka for a T20 series.
Fans are already excited to see the next generation of players in action!
Final Thoughts
The cricket rivalry between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is a blend of passion, talent, and sportsmanship. Both teams have given fans countless moments to cherish, from thrilling World Cup clashes to nail-biting T20 matches.