Introduction: New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats
Cricket is one of the most loved sports in the world, especially in countries like New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Both these nations have strong national cricket teams with rich histories and passionate fanbases. The rivalry between the New Zealand National Cricket Team and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team has seen many exciting moments on the field.
In this article, we will explore the match stats between these two teams, their performances in different formats, top players, memorable matches, and future prospects.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head Match Stats
Let’s take a look at the head-to-head stats between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in different formats of the game: Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Test Matches
Test cricket is the oldest and most traditional format. It tests the skills and patience of players over five days.
- Total Tests Played: 39
- New Zealand Wins: 18
- Sri Lanka Wins: 9
- Drawn Matches: 12
New Zealand has had the upper hand in Test matches, especially in recent years. They have dominated at home, where conditions favor their fast bowlers.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
ODIs are 50-over matches that balance patience and aggression.
- Total ODIs Played: 101
- New Zealand Wins: 51
- Sri Lanka Wins: 41
- No Result: 9
ODI records are more balanced. Both teams have seen ups and downs. Sri Lanka was stronger in the 1990s and early 2000s, while New Zealand has been more dominant in the past decade.
T20 Internationals
T20Is are the shortest and most explosive format of the game.
- Total T20Is Played: 21
- New Zealand Wins: 11
- Sri Lanka Wins: 8
- No Result: 2
New Zealand has a slight edge in T20Is. The format often depends on individual brilliance and team form on the day.
Top Performers in Matches Between New Zealand and Sri Lanka
Many world-class players have played in these matches and delivered outstanding performances.
Top Run Scorers
In Test Matches
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – A stylish left-hander, Sangakkara has scored over 1,200 runs against New Zealand in Tests.
- Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – Known for his attacking style, McCullum has made over 1,000 runs against Sri Lanka.
In ODIs
- Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – With aggressive batting, he has scored more than 1,300 runs in ODIs against the Kiwis.
- Ross Taylor (New Zealand) – A reliable middle-order batsman, Taylor has contributed more than 1,200 runs.
In T20Is
- Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – A dangerous opener, Dilshan has played key innings in T20s.
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – Known for his calm and skillful batting, Williamson has been a key T20 performer.
Top Bowlers
In Test Matches
- Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – The legendary spinner has taken over 60 wickets against New Zealand.
- Tim Southee (New Zealand) – A swing bowler, Southee has more than 40 wickets against Sri Lanka in Tests.
In ODIs
- Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – Known for his accuracy, he has taken over 40 wickets in ODIs against New Zealand.
- Trent Boult (New Zealand) – A top-class fast bowler, Boult has been very effective with the new ball.
In T20Is
- Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – His yorkers and slower balls have troubled Kiwi batsmen.
- Ish Sodhi (New Zealand) – A leg-spinner, Sodhi has done well against Sri Lanka in T20s.
Memorable Matches Between New Zealand and Sri Lanka
There have been many close and unforgettable matches between these two teams.
2015 Cricket World Cup – Opening Match
In the 2015 World Cup, the opening match was played between New Zealand and Sri Lanka. New Zealand won comfortably, with Brendon McCullum smashing a quick half-century. The match set the tone for New Zealand’s journey to the final.
2019 Test Series in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka won the first Test of the 2019 series with Dimuth Karunaratne scoring a brilliant century. But New Zealand bounced back in the second Test, with Tom Latham and BJ Watling playing key roles. The series ended in a draw.
2023 T20I Series in New Zealand
In 2023, the T20I series was exciting. One of the matches went to a super over. Daryl Mitchell played a key role, and Ish Sodhi bowled a tight over to help New Zealand win.
Home vs Away Performance
New Zealand at Home
New Zealand has always been a strong team at home. The pitches are often green and support fast bowlers. Players like Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Neil Wagner have used these conditions well.
Sri Lanka at Home
Sri Lanka is tough to beat at home due to hot weather and spin-friendly pitches. Spinners like Rangana Herath and Muralitharan have made life difficult for visiting teams. Their batsmen also enjoy playing spin at home.
Team Strengths and Weaknesses
New Zealand’s Strengths
- Strong pace attack
- Experienced batsmen like Kane Williamson
- Good fielding unit
Weaknesses
- Sometimes struggle in subcontinent conditions
- Lack of experienced spinners
Sri Lanka’s Strengths
- Good spinners
- Young talent coming through
- Strong home support
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent batting
- Struggles in overseas conditions
Future of the Rivalry
The rivalry between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is likely to grow stronger. Both teams are rebuilding and introducing new talent. Upcoming stars like Devon Conway (NZ) and Pathum Nissanka (SL) are already making their mark.
There are also more cricket series planned between them, including Test matches under the World Test Championship, ODI series for qualification into big tournaments, and T20Is that will help prepare for future T20 World Cups.
Fans from both countries always look forward to these contests. With changing strategies, new players, and evolving formats, every match brings something fresh.
Final Thoughts
The cricket rivalry between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is full of great memories, strong performances, and mutual respect. Both teams have given the fans many exciting moments. Whether it’s a thrilling T20, a high-scoring ODI, or a close Test match, the competition remains alive and strong.
