Cricket has given us many great rivalries, and the New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches are one of the most exciting ones.
These two teams have faced each other across all formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is — and every match brings something special.
New Zealand brings pace, power, and consistent batting. Sri Lanka counters with spin, unpredictability, and fighting spirit.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
According to The Top Players, this clash of styles makes every encounter thrilling to watch.
From dramatic Test matches in Galle to explosive T20 finishes in Christchurch, this rivalry has produced unforgettable moments.
Players like Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, Kusal Mendis, and Wanindu Hasaranga have all left their mark.
Let’s explore this rivalry through matches, stats, and unforgettable performances.
The Rivalry at a Glance
What makes the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka cricket rivalry so special? It’s the contrast in playing styles.
New Zealand’s strengths:
- Powerful pace bowling attack led by Trent Boult and Tim Southee
- Consistent batting lineup with Kane Williamson and Tom Latham
- Disciplined fielding and smart tactics
Sri Lanka’s strengths:
- World-class spin bowling with Wanindu Hasaranga
- Explosive batting from Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera
- Fighting spirit and ability to surprise stronger teams
Key players shaping the rivalry:
New Zealand:
- Kane Williamson (Captain and batting maestro)
- Trent Boult (Pace bowling legend)
- Rachin Ravindra (Emerging all-rounder)
Sri Lanka:
- Kusal Mendis (Explosive batsman)
- Wanindu Hasaranga (Spin wizard)
- Kamindu Mendis (Rising star)
This rivalry is about pace versus spin, Kiwi aggression versus Lankan technique. Every match is a tactical battle.
Latest Matches Summary
Here are the 8 most recent New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches across all formats:
| Tournament | Venue | Date | NZ Score | SL Score | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I Series 2025 | Christchurch | 15 Mar 2025 | 175/6 (20) | 172/7 (20) | NZ won by 3 runs | Rachin Ravindra (65) |
| ODI Series 2025 | Auckland | 10 Mar 2025 | 292/5 (47.3) | 290/8 (50) | NZ won by 5 wickets | Kane Williamson (88) |
| 2nd Test 2024 | Galle | 26 Sep 2024 | 602/5d & 88/2 | 88 & 602 | NZ won by innings & 154 runs | Kane Williamson (135) |
| 1st Test 2024 | Galle | 18 Sep 2024 | 340 & 211/2 | 305 & 245 | NZ won by 8 wickets | Daryl Mitchell (114) |
| ODI World Cup 2023 | Bengaluru | 9 Nov 2023 | 172/5 (23.2) | 171 (46.4) | NZ won by 5 wickets | Trent Boult (3/37) |
| T20 World Cup 2022 | Sydney | 29 Oct 2022 | 167/7 (20) | 102 (19.2) | NZ won by 65 runs | Glenn Phillips (104) |
| 2nd ODI 2023 | Christchurch | 28 Mar 2023 | 274/6 (49.3) | 273/6 (50) | NZ won by 4 wickets | Finn Allen (96) |
| 1st ODI 2023 | Auckland | 25 Mar 2023 | — | — | No Result (Rain) | — |
Key observations:
- New Zealand has dominated recent encounters across all formats
- Close finishes are common, especially in T20Is and ODIs
- Galle remains a challenging venue where both teams compete hard
- World Cup matches have seen New Zealand come out on top
Test Match Rivalry
Test matches between New Zealand and Sri Lanka are all about patience, skill, and strategy.
Last 10 Test Matches
| Tournament | Venue | Date | NZ Score | SL Score | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Test | Galle | 26 Sep 2024 | 602/5d & 88/2 | 88 & 602 | NZ won by innings & 154 runs | Kane Williamson (135) |
| 1st Test | Galle | 18 Sep 2024 | 340 & 211/2 | 305 & 245 | NZ won by 8 wickets | Daryl Mitchell (114) |
| 2nd Test | Christchurch | 9 Mar 2023 | 580/4d & 78/0 | 164 & 493 | NZ won by innings & 58 runs | Henry Nicholls (200*) |
| 1st Test | Christchurch | 17 Feb 2023 | 355 & 183/2 | 302 & 235 | NZ won by 8 wickets | Tim Southee (5/64) |
| 2nd Test | Colombo | 22 Aug 2019 | 244 & 122 | 418 & 104/2 | NZ won by 6 wickets | Tom Latham (154) |
| 1st Test | Galle | 14 Aug 2019 | 249 & 285/3 | 267 & 268/4 | Match Drawn | Dimuth Karunaratne (122) |
| 2nd Test | Wellington | 15 Dec 2018 | 275 & 287/3 | 104 & 585 | Match Drawn | Kusal Mendis (141*) |
| 1st Test | Dunedin | 10 Dec 2015 | 431 & 171/3 | 294 & 267 | NZ won by 122 runs | Martin Guptill (156) |
| 2nd Test | Hamilton | 18 Dec 2015 | 292 & 189/5 | 237 & 240 | NZ won by 5 wickets | Kane Williamson (108*) |
| 1st Test | Christchurch | 26 Dec 2014 | 441 & 107/2 | 138 & 407 | NZ won by 8 wickets | Brendon McCullum (195) |
Test Match Analysis
New Zealand’s pace dominance:
- Trent Boult and Tim Southee have been lethal with the new ball
- They exploit seam conditions in New Zealand perfectly
- Even in spin-friendly Galle, their reverse swing causes problems
Sri Lanka’s home advantage:
- Galle is one of the toughest places for visiting teams
- Sri Lankan spinners make life difficult for New Zealand batters
- The 2019 drawn Test shows how competitive they can be at home
Memorable Test moments:
- Henry Nicholls’ unbeaten 200 in Christchurch (2023) — a marathon innings
- Kane Williamson’s masterful 135 in Galle (2024) — leadership at its best
- Brendon McCullum’s aggressive 195 (2014) changed Test cricket’s approach
Top Test performers:
- NZ: Kane Williamson (consistent centuries), Tim Southee (wicket-taker)
- SL: Dimuth Karunaratne (gritty batting), Rangana Herath (spin king)
ODI Rivalry
ODI matches between these teams are high-scoring affairs with thrilling finishes.
Last 10 ODI Matches
| Tournament | Venue | Date | NZ Score | SL Score | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI Series 2025 | Auckland | 10 Mar 2025 | 292/5 (47.3) | 290/8 (50) | NZ won by 5 wickets | Kane Williamson (88) |
| World Cup 2023 | Bengaluru | 9 Nov 2023 | 172/5 (23.2) | 171 (46.4) | NZ won by 5 wickets | Trent Boult (3/37) |
| 2nd ODI 2023 | Christchurch | 28 Mar 2023 | 274/6 (49.3) | 273/6 (50) | NZ won by 4 wickets | Finn Allen (96) |
| 1st ODI 2023 | Auckland | 25 Mar 2023 | — | — | No Result (Rain) | — |
| 3rd ODI 2019 | Hamilton | 31 Mar 2019 | 364/4 (50) | 249 (46.2) | NZ won by 115 runs | Colin Munro (87) |
| 2nd ODI 2019 | Mount Maunganui | 5 Jan 2019 | 298/8 (46.2) | 326/5 (50) | NZ won by 21 runs | Thisara Perera (140) |
| 1st ODI 2019 | Mount Maunganui | 3 Jan 2019 | 371/7 (50) | 319 (47.5) | NZ won by 45 runs | Ross Taylor (137) |
| 3rd ODI 2015 | Auckland | 20 Jan 2015 | 315/8 (50) | 304/7 (50) | NZ won by 11 runs | Martin Guptill (118) |
| 2nd ODI 2015 | Hamilton | 17 Jan 2015 | 360/5 (50) | 361/8 (48.5) | SL won by 2 wickets | Angelo Mathews (117*) |
| 1st ODI 2015 | Christchurch | 14 Jan 2015 | 294/7 (50) | 295/7 (49.3) | SL won by 3 wickets | Tillakaratne Dilshan (91) |
ODI Analysis
New Zealand’s batting depth:
- Kane Williamson provides stability in the middle order
- Tom Latham and Finn Allen give explosive starts
- All-rounders like Rachin Ravindra add flexibility
Sri Lanka’s fighting spirit:
- Kusal Perera’s aggressive batting can change games quickly
- Wanindu Hasaranga’s spin bowling in the middle overs is crucial
- They’ve pulled off memorable chases, especially in the 2015 series
World Cup clashes:
- 2023 World Cup: New Zealand dominated with Boult’s 3/37
- Sri Lanka has struggled in ICC tournaments against the Kiwis
Key stats:
- Average first innings score: 300+ in recent matches
- New Zealand’s win ratio: Approximately 60%
- Close finishes: At least 5 matches decided by less than 20 runs
T20I Rivalry
T20I encounters are explosive, with power-hitting and clever bowling creating nail-biting finishes.
Last 10 T20I Matches
| Tournament | Venue | Date | NZ Score | SL Score | Result | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I Series 2025 | Christchurch | 15 Mar 2025 | 175/6 (20) | 172/7 (20) | NZ won by 3 runs | Rachin Ravindra (65) |
| World Cup 2022 | Sydney | 29 Oct 2022 | 167/7 (20) | 102 (19.2) | NZ won by 65 runs | Glenn Phillips (104) |
| T20I Series 2023 | Queenstown | 8 Apr 2023 | 182/6 (20) | 183/6 (19.5) | SL won by 4 wickets | Kusal Mendis (73) |
| T20I Series 2023 | Dunedin | 5 Apr 2023 | 196/5 (20) | 141 (14.4) | NZ won by 55 runs | Adam Milne (5/26) |
| T20I Series 2023 | Auckland | 2 Apr 2023 | 146/1 (14.4) | 141 (19) | NZ won by 9 wickets | Tim Seifert (79*) |
| World Cup 2021 | Sharjah | 30 Oct 2021 | — | — | No Result (Rain) | — |
| T20I Series 2019 | Pallekele | 6 Sep 2019 | 165/6 (19.4) | 164/6 (20) | NZ won by 4 wickets | Colin de Grandhomme (59) |
| T20I Series 2019 | Pallekele | 3 Sep 2019 | 175/7 (20) | 174/4 (20) | NZ won by 1 run | Mitchell Santner (3/12) |
| T20I Series 2019 | Pallekele | 1 Sep 2019 | 175/5 (20) | 174/4 (20) | NZ won by 1 run | Ross Taylor (48) |
| World Cup 2014 | Chittagong | 31 Mar 2014 | 119 (19.2) | 120/5 (15.5) | SL won by 5 wickets | Rangana Herath (5/3) |
T20I Analysis
Why are these matches unpredictable:
- Both teams have explosive batters who can change the game in 2-3 overs
- Spinners play a huge role, especially in Asian conditions
- Super close finishes — three matches in 2019 decided by 1 run or 4 wickets!
Explosive innings to remember:
- Glenn Phillips’ 104 vs Sri Lanka (2022 World Cup) — a destructive knock
- Kusal Mendis’ 73 in Queenstown (2023) — led Sri Lanka to a rare win
- Tim Seifert’s unbeaten 79 (2023) — chased down the target in 15 overs
Close finishes:
- 2019 Pallekele series: Two consecutive matches won by New Zealand by just 1 run
- 2025 Christchurch T20I: New Zealand defended 175, winning by 3 runs
- 2023 Queenstown: Sri Lanka chased 183 with 1 ball to spare
Key Player Performances
Here are the standout performances from recent New Zealand vs Sri Lanka stats:
| Player | Team | Match | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trent Boult | New Zealand | ODI World Cup 2023 | 3/37 in 10 overs |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 2nd Test 2024 | 135 off 198 balls |
| Glenn Phillips | New Zealand | T20 World Cup 2022 | 104 off 64 balls |
| Kusal Perera | Sri Lanka | ODI World Cup 2023 | 51 off 28 balls |
| Rachin Ravindra | New Zealand | T20I 2025 | 65 off 40 balls |
| Daryl Mitchell | New Zealand | 1st Test 2024 | 114 off 176 balls |
| Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka | T20I 2023 | 73 off 48 balls |
| Henry Nicholls | New Zealand | Test 2023 | 200* off 374 balls |
Why these performances matter:
- Trent Boult’s 3/37 broke Sri Lanka’s batting in the World Cup, setting up an easy chase
- Kane Williamson’s 135 showed his class even on turning tracks in Galle
- Glenn Phillips’ century was one of the fastest in T20 World Cup history
- Kusal Mendis’ 73 proved Sri Lanka can win in tough conditions
Rivalry Summary
The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka match history shows New Zealand leading overall, but the matches are often closer than the numbers suggest.
Overall head-to-head record:
| Format | Matches | NZ Wins | SL Wins | Draw/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 34 | 20 | 8 | 6 |
| ODIs | 106 | 63 | 41 | 2 |
| T20Is | 26 | 15 | 11 | 0 |
Comparing their strengths:
New Zealand:
- Strong pace bowling attack (Boult, Southee, Ferguson)
- Consistent batting lineup with depth
- Excellent fielding and catching
- Home advantage in seaming conditions
Sri Lanka:
- World-class spin bowling (Hasaranga, Theekshana)
- Explosive batting that can surprise any team
- Strong home advantage in Galle and Colombo
- Unpredictable and dangerous in the T20 format
Key statistics:
- New Zealand leads Tests 20-8 with 6 draws
- In ODIs, New Zealand has won 63 out of 106 matches
- T20Is are more competitive: 15-11 in favor of New Zealand
- Average margin in T20Is: Less than 15 runs
Every match between these two feels like a clash of cricket cultures. New Zealand’s disciplined approach meets Sri Lanka’s unpredictable brilliance.
Emerging Players in 2025
The future of New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team matches looks bright with exciting young talent.
Rachin Ravindra (New Zealand):
- A young left-handed all-rounder is making waves
- His 65 off 40 balls in the 2025 T20I showed his hitting power
- Can bowl useful spin in middle overs
- Scored crucial runs in the 2023 World Cup
Kamindu Mendis (Sri Lanka):
- Promising top-order batsman with a solid technique
- Can adapt to all three formats
- Known for building long innings and playing under pressure
- Expected to be Sri Lanka’s batting anchor for years
Other rising stars:
- Finn Allen (NZ): Explosive opener with fearless approach
- Dunith Wellalage (SL): Left-arm spinner with great control
- Cameron Green (NZ): All-rounder with pace and power
These players are keeping the rivalry fresh and exciting. They bring new energy and skills that will shape the next decade of contests between these teams.
FAQs:
- Why is the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka rivalry so popular?
It’s known for contrasting styles — Kiwi pace vs Lankan spin. Close finishes and unpredictable results make every match exciting.
- Who has won more matches overall?
New Zealand leads across all formats: 20-8 in Tests, 63-41 in ODIs, and 15-11 in T20Is.
- Who were the best players in recent years?
Kane Williamson, Trent Boult, and Rachin Ravindra for New Zealand; Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Kusal Perera for Sri Lanka.
- What was the most memorable match?
The 2022 T20 World Cup match, where Glenn Phillips scored 104, and the 2024 Galle Test, where Williamson’s 135 led NZ to victory.
- When is their next series scheduled?
The teams typically play every 2-3 years. Check official cricket boards for upcoming fixtures.
- Which venue favors which team?
New Zealand dominates at home (Christchurch, Wellington), while Sri Lanka is tough to beat in Galle.
- Has Sri Lanka ever won a series in New Zealand?
Sri Lanka won the 2015 ODI series 2-1 in New Zealand, showing they can compete anywhere.
- What makes this rivalry special?
The respect between teams, contrasting playing styles, and consistently competitive matches across all formats.
Conclusion:
The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka cricket rivalry is thrilling, unpredictable, and full of respect.
From Tests in Galle to T20 thrillers in Christchurch, every match gives fans something special to remember.
New Zealand’s pace dominance meets Sri Lanka’s spin wizardry. Kiwi consistency faces Lankan unpredictability. And through it all, both teams uplift each other’s game.
Whether it’s Kane Williamson’s elegant batting, Trent Boult’s swing bowling, or Wanindu Hasaranga’s clever spin, this rivalry showcases cricket at its finest.
Whether in Galle or Wellington, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka always gives fans something special to remember.