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The New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches have produced a long and competitive history across Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is). Both countries have established themselves as important cricket nations, and their meetings have regularly featured close contests, outstanding individual performances, major tournament battles, and memorable series.
New Zealand have generally held the advantage in the overall head-to-head record, particularly in ODI and T20I cricket. Sri Lanka, however, have enjoyed important victories, especially when playing at home. The rivalry has also included several major ICC tournament matches, including World Cup and T20 World Cup encounters.
The most recent major meeting came at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Colombo. New Zealand scored 168/7 and defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs, with Rachin Ravindra producing an excellent all-round performance of 32 runs and four wickets.
This article covers the history of New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches, head-to-head records, Test history, ODI results, T20I encounters, World Cup matches, famous performances, key players, major records, and future fixtures.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record
New Zealand have a strong overall record against Sri Lanka in international cricket.
In Test cricket, the teams have met 40 times, with New Zealand winning 18 matches, Sri Lanka winning 11, and 11 matches ending in draws.
In ODI cricket, New Zealand have played Sri Lanka 108 times. New Zealand have won 54 matches, Sri Lanka have won 44, nine matches have ended without a result, and one has been tied.
T20I cricket has also favored New Zealand. The teams have played 29 T20Is, with New Zealand winning 17 and Sri Lanka winning 11, while one match ended without a result.
| Format | Matches | New Zealand Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Other Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 40 | 18 | 11 | 11 draws |
| ODIs | 108 | 54 | 44 | 9 NR, 1 tie |
| T20Is | 29 | 17 | 11 | 1 NR |
The numbers show that New Zealand have the overall advantage, but Sri Lanka have been competitive enough to make this an important international rivalry.
Early History of New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Matches
The cricket relationship between New Zealand and Sri Lanka developed as Sri Lanka became an established Test nation.
Their early Test meetings were generally competitive, with both sides experiencing periods of dominance. New Zealand’s traditional strengths have included seam bowling, disciplined batting, athletic fielding, and strong performances in home conditions.
Sri Lanka have historically relied heavily on technically gifted batters and world-class spin bowling. Players such as Muttiah Muralitharan, Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and later Angelo Mathews helped establish Sri Lanka as a major international side.
New Zealand have produced their own generation of outstanding players, including Stephen Fleming, Daniel Vettori, Brendon McCullum, Ross Taylor, Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and more recently Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner.
These different cricketing traditions have made New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches particularly interesting across different formats and conditions.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Test Match History
Test cricket has produced a relatively balanced rivalry, although New Zealand have the statistical advantage.
The teams have played 40 Tests, with New Zealand winning 18 and Sri Lanka winning 11. Eleven Tests have been drawn.
Unlike the ODI and T20I rivalry, Test cricket has often produced long contests in which both teams have had opportunities to dominate.
Sri Lanka’s home conditions can favor spin, especially as a match progresses. New Zealand’s pitches can offer movement and bounce to seam bowlers, creating very different challenges for visiting teams.
2024 Test Series in Sri Lanka
One of the most recent Test series between the teams took place in Sri Lanka in September 2024.
Sri Lanka won both Tests at Galle.
In the first Test, Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 63 runs. Sri Lanka scored 305 and 309, while New Zealand made 340 in the first innings before being dismissed for 211 in the second.
The second Test was even more dominant. Sri Lanka scored 602/5 declared before dismissing New Zealand for 88 and 360. Sri Lanka won by an innings and 154 runs.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st Test, Galle, 2024 | Sri Lanka won by 63 runs |
| 2nd Test, Galle, 2024 | Sri Lanka won by an innings and 154 runs |
| Series | Sri Lanka won 2-0 |
The series demonstrated how difficult Sri Lanka can be to defeat in home Test conditions.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2023 Test Series
The teams also played an important Test series in New Zealand in 2023.
New Zealand won the first Test at Christchurch by two wickets in a dramatic finish. The second Test was drawn after New Zealand posted 580/4 declared and Sri Lanka were dismissed for 164 in the first innings before making 358 in their second.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st Test, 2023 | New Zealand won by 2 wickets |
| 2nd Test, 2023 | Draw |
| Series | New Zealand won 1-0 |
The first Test was especially memorable because New Zealand completed the chase in the final moments of the match.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka ODI Matches
ODI cricket has been one of New Zealand’s strongest formats against Sri Lanka.
The teams have played 108 ODIs. New Zealand have won 54, Sri Lanka have won 44, nine have produced no result, and one match has ended in a tie.
The ODI rivalry has included bilateral series as well as several important World Cup matches.
New Zealand have often benefited from their strong top-order batting and disciplined seam bowling, while Sri Lanka have produced dangerous performances through aggressive batting and spin bowling.
2024 ODI Series in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka enjoyed a strong ODI series against New Zealand in November 2024.
Sri Lanka won the first ODI by 45 runs using the DLS method after scoring 324/5.
The second ODI was another close match. Sri Lanka scored 210/7 and defeated New Zealand, who made 209, by three wickets under the DLS method.
The third ODI was abandoned without a result.
| ODI | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st ODI, 2024 | Sri Lanka won by 45 runs |
| 2nd ODI, 2024 | Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets |
| 3rd ODI, 2024 | No result |
| Series | Sri Lanka won 2-0 |
Sri Lanka’s performance showed the value of home advantage and their ability to compete strongly against New Zealand in the 50-over format.
2025 ODI Series: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
New Zealand responded strongly when Sri Lanka toured New Zealand for a three-match ODI series in January 2025.
New Zealand won the first ODI by nine wickets after chasing 178.
The second ODI was also won by New Zealand, this time by 113 runs. New Zealand scored 255/9 while Sri Lanka were dismissed for 142.
Sri Lanka avoided a clean sweep in the third ODI, scoring 290/8 before dismissing New Zealand for 150. Sri Lanka won by 140 runs.
| ODI | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI, 2025 | New Zealand | 9 wickets |
| 2nd ODI, 2025 | New Zealand | 113 runs |
| 3rd ODI, 2025 | Sri Lanka | 140 runs |
| Series | New Zealand | 2-1 |
The series highlighted the competitive nature of the rivalry, with both sides recording a major victory.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20I Matches
New Zealand have also enjoyed an advantage in T20I cricket.
The teams have played 29 T20Is, with New Zealand winning 17 and Sri Lanka winning 11. One match ended without a result.
The format has produced several close games. T20 cricket suits both teams because New Zealand have a strong tradition of flexible all-rounders and disciplined bowling, while Sri Lanka have explosive batters and talented spinners.
2024-25 T20I Series
The teams played three T20Is in New Zealand at the end of December 2024 and beginning of January 2025.
New Zealand won the first T20I by eight runs after scoring 172/8.
The hosts then won the second match by 45 runs, scoring 186/5 before dismissing Sri Lanka for 141.
Sri Lanka won the third T20I by seven runs after scoring 218/5, while New Zealand finished on 211/7.
| T20I | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I, 2024 | New Zealand | 8 runs |
| 2nd T20I, 2024 | New Zealand | 45 runs |
| 3rd T20I, 2025 | Sri Lanka | 7 runs |
| Series | New Zealand | 2-1 |
The third match was particularly exciting because both teams scored more than 200 runs.
2026 T20 World Cup: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
The latest major completed meeting between the teams took place at the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
The Super Eight match was played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 25, 2026.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field. New Zealand made 168/7 from their 20 overs. Sri Lanka then struggled against New Zealand’s bowling attack and finished on 107/8.
New Zealand won by 61 runs. Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match after contributing 32 runs and taking four wickets for 27 runs.
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| New Zealand | 168/7 |
| Sri Lanka | 107/8 |
| Result | New Zealand won by 61 runs |
| Player of the Match | Rachin Ravindra |
The result ended Sri Lanka’s run in the Super Eight stage, while New Zealand strengthened their position in the group.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka in ICC World Cups
The two teams have met several times in ICC World Cup competitions.
One memorable meeting came during the 2019 ODI World Cup. New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 10 wickets after Sri Lanka were dismissed for 136. New Zealand reached 137/0 in just 16.1 overs.
The 2023 ODI World Cup also featured a New Zealand victory. New Zealand chased 172 and reached 172/5, winning by five wickets.
The teams have therefore developed a significant World Cup rivalry, with New Zealand often having the advantage in major tournament encounters.
| Tournament | Year | Winner | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cup | 2019 | New Zealand | Won by 10 wickets |
| T20 World Cup | 2022 | New Zealand | Won by 65 runs |
| ODI World Cup | 2023 | New Zealand | Won by 5 wickets |
| T20 World Cup | 2026 | New Zealand | Won by 61 runs |
These matches demonstrate New Zealand’s strong record against Sri Lanka on the global stage.
Famous New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Matches
Several New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches have become particularly memorable.
The 2019 World Cup match was one of the most dominant, with New Zealand winning by 10 wickets.
The 2023 Test in Christchurch was one of the closest, with New Zealand completing a two-wicket victory.
The 2024 Test series in Galle showed Sri Lanka’s strength in home conditions, with the hosts winning both Tests.
The 2025 ODI series in New Zealand produced three very different results, while the 2026 T20 World Cup encounter ended in another convincing New Zealand victory.
| Match | Result | Major Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 World Cup | New Zealand won by 10 wickets | Dominant chase |
| 2023 Test | New Zealand won by 2 wickets | Dramatic finish |
| 2024 Tests | Sri Lanka won 2-0 | Home dominance |
| 2025 ODIs | New Zealand won 2-1 | Competitive series |
| 2026 T20 World Cup | New Zealand won by 61 runs | Rachin’s all-round performance |
Key Players in New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Matches
Many outstanding cricketers have influenced this rivalry.
For New Zealand, Kane Williamson has been one of the most important modern batters. His calm technique and ability to build long innings have made him a key player in Test and ODI cricket.
Trent Boult and Tim Southee have also played major roles with the ball. Mitchell Santner has become an important all-rounder, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
Rachin Ravindra has emerged as another important player. His performance against Sri Lanka in the 2026 T20 World Cup, when he scored 32 and took four wickets, showed his ability to influence matches in multiple disciplines.
Sri Lanka have produced several generations of outstanding players. Muttiah Muralitharan remains one of the greatest spin bowlers in cricket history, while Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Sanath Jayasuriya were among Sri Lanka’s most successful batters.
Modern players such as Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana continue to play important roles.
Batting Battles
Batting has always been a major part of this rivalry.
New Zealand have traditionally relied on technically strong top-order batters who can adapt to different conditions. Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill have all produced important performances against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka have often used aggressive stroke-making to put pressure on New Zealand. Their ability to score quickly can be particularly effective on flat pitches.
The 2025 third T20I demonstrated Sri Lanka’s batting potential when they scored 218/5 against New Zealand. New Zealand also responded with 211/7, making it one of the highest-scoring recent matches between the teams.
Bowling Battles
Bowling is another major factor in New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches.
New Zealand have traditionally possessed excellent seam bowling, especially in home conditions. Trent Boult, Tim Southee and other pace bowlers have repeatedly troubled Sri Lankan batters.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack has historically been associated with spin. Muralitharan’s era was followed by spinners such as Rangana Herath, while modern Sri Lanka have relied on Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.
Rachin Ravindra’s four-wicket performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup was another example of how spin and all-round bowling can determine the outcome of matches between these sides.
Home Advantage in New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Matches
Conditions have a major impact on this rivalry.
New Zealand’s pitches can provide movement and bounce, particularly early in Test matches. Fast bowlers can therefore become extremely important.
Sri Lanka’s conditions are usually more favorable to spin, particularly in longer matches. The 2024 Test series at Galle demonstrated this clearly, with Sri Lanka winning both matches by substantial margins.
This difference in conditions helps explain why the results can change significantly depending on where a series is played.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Records
The overall records demonstrate New Zealand’s advantage in the rivalry.
| Record Category | New Zealand | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Test wins | 18 | 11 |
| ODI wins | 54 | 44 |
| T20I wins | 17 | 11 |
| ODI no-results | 9 | — |
| ODI ties | 1 | — |
| T20I no-results | 1 | — |
| Test draws | 11 | — |
The ODI record is particularly close compared with the T20I record, showing that Sri Lanka have historically been more competitive against New Zealand in 50-over cricket.
Upcoming New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Matches
New Zealand Cricket announced an all-format home tour by Sri Lanka for the 2026-27 season.
The scheduled tour includes three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests. The tour is scheduled to begin in January 2027, followed by the two-Test series in February.
The two Tests are scheduled for Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui from February 4-8, 2027, and Seddon Park in Hamilton from February 12-16, 2027.
| Format | Matches |
|---|---|
| T20Is | 3 |
| ODIs | 3 |
| Tests | 2 |
| Total | 8 |
The upcoming tour will provide Sri Lanka with another opportunity to challenge New Zealand in their own conditions.
Why New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Matches Are Popular
The popularity of the rivalry comes from the contrasting cricket styles of the two nations.
New Zealand are known for disciplined team cricket, strong seam bowling, athletic fielding and adaptable all-rounders. Sri Lanka are famous for creative batting, quality spin bowling and technically skilled players.
The teams have also met frequently in ICC tournaments, increasing the importance of their games.
Close contests such as the 2023 Test and high-scoring matches such as the 2025 T20I have helped make this a compelling rivalry.
Future of the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Rivalry
The rivalry is likely to remain important in all three formats.
New Zealand’s next home tour against Sri Lanka will provide eight scheduled matches across T20I, ODI and Test cricket.
Both teams are also developing younger players. New Zealand have players such as Rachin Ravindra and other emerging all-rounders, while Sri Lanka continue to develop a new generation around players such as Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana.
The combination of experienced stars and emerging talent should keep future matches competitive.
Conclusion
The history of New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches includes more than a century of cricketing development, competitive Test series, exciting ODI contests, T20 thrillers and major ICC tournament encounters.
New Zealand currently hold the stronger overall record. They lead the Test head-to-head 18-11, the ODI record 54-44 and the T20I record 17-11.
However, Sri Lanka have shown that they can dominate in home conditions. Their 2-0 Test victory over New Zealand in 2024 is a strong example, while their 2025 ODI and T20I performances also demonstrated their competitiveness.
The latest major meeting saw New Zealand defeat Sri Lanka by 61 runs at the 2026 T20 World Cup, with Rachin Ravindra taking four wickets.
With an eight-match all-format tour scheduled for 2027, the rivalry will soon have another major chapter. Fans can expect more exciting New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.
FAQs
How many times have New Zealand and Sri Lanka played Test cricket?
New Zealand and Sri Lanka have played 40 Test matches. New Zealand have won 18, Sri Lanka have won 11, and 11 matches have ended in draws.
Who has won more ODI matches between New Zealand and Sri Lanka?
New Zealand have the better ODI record. They have won 54 of the 108 meetings, while Sri Lanka have won 44. Nine matches had no result and one was tied.
Who has won more T20I matches between New Zealand and Sri Lanka?
New Zealand have won 17 of the 29 T20Is between the teams, while Sri Lanka have won 11. One match ended without a result.
Who won the latest New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match?
New Zealand won the latest major completed meeting by 61 runs at the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup. New Zealand scored 168/7 and Sri Lanka finished on 107/8. Rachin Ravindra was Player of the Match.
When will New Zealand and Sri Lanka play next?
New Zealand are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for an all-format tour beginning in January 2027. The tour includes three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.
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