The cricket rivalry between Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team has delivered some of the most competitive and unpredictable encounters in international cricket across all formats. From high-scoring ODIs and tactical Test matches to fast-paced T20 thrillers, both teams have showcased their strengths through contrasting playing styles — Sri Lanka’s spin-dominant bowling attack and New Zealand’s pace-driven strategy.
Over the years, this rivalry has evolved with changing team dynamics, match conditions, and modern cricket trends, making head-to-head statistics a crucial factor for fans, analysts, and fantasy cricket players. In this blog, we take a complete look at Sri Lanka vs New Zealand head-to-head records in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is to understand performance patterns, historical dominance, and key match insights.
Overall Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Record
Here’s the complete all-format rivalry record between Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team:
- Total Matches Played: 166
- New Zealand Wins: 98
- Sri Lanka Wins: 58
- No Result / Draw: 10
Key Insight:
- New Zealand leads the overall rivalry.
- Sri Lanka has shown stronger performances in home conditions.
- Modern-era dominance slightly favors New Zealand.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand T20I Head-to-Head Record
The T20I rivalry between Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team has delivered several high-intensity and fast-paced encounters, especially in ICC tournaments and bilateral series.
Overall T20I Record
- Total Matches Played: 28
- New Zealand Wins: 16
- Sri Lanka Wins: 11
- No Result: 1
Rivalry Analysis
- New Zealand leads the T20 head-to-head, showing better consistency in modern T20 cricket.
- Sri Lanka had strong performances during the early 2010s, including ICC tournament success.
- In recent years, New Zealand’s balanced squad and finishing ability have given them the edge.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test Match Head-to-Head Record
The Test rivalry between Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team has produced competitive contests marked by contrasting playing styles — Sri Lanka’s spin strength versus New Zealand’s pace attack.
Overall Test Record
- Total Matches Played: 39
- New Zealand Wins: 18
- Sri Lanka Wins: 9
- Draws: 12
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI Head-to-Head Record
The One Day International rivalry between Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team has been far more competitive compared to Tests, with several closely contested series and ICC tournament clashes.
Overall ODI Record
- Total Matches Played: 108
- New Zealand Wins: 54
- Sri Lanka Wins: 44
- No Result: 9
- Tie: 1
Rivalry Analysis
- New Zealand holds a narrow advantage in overall ODI wins.
- Sri Lanka enjoyed stronger dominance during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- In the modern era (post-2015), New Zealand has shown more consistency in bilateral and ICC events.
Read More: R Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
Top Run Scorers in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Matches
Over the years, several world-class batters from both Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team have delivered match-winning performances in this rivalry across formats.
Leading Run Scorers (All Formats)
- Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – One of the highest run-getters against New Zealand with consistent performances in Tests and ODIs.
- Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) – Known for his calm innings and match-defining knocks.
- Ross Taylor (New Zealand) – A reliable middle-order batter with multiple impactful innings.
- Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – Has played crucial innings in both Tests and ODIs.
- Tillakaratne Dilshan (Sri Lanka) – Known for aggressive starts in white-ball cricket.
Top Wicket Takers in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Matches
Bowling has played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of matches between Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team, with both pace and spin bowlers making significant impacts across formats.
Leading Wicket Takers (All Formats)
- Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – Dominated New Zealand batters with his spin, especially in Test matches.
- Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – Known for early breakthroughs in ODIs.
- Trent Boult (New Zealand) – A consistent wicket-taker in white-ball formats.
- Tim Southee (New Zealand) – Effective with swing bowling in both Tests and ODIs.
- Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – A T20 and ODI specialist known for death-over wickets.
Last 5 Match Results Between Sri Lanka and New Zealand
Recent encounters between Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team reflect a closely contested rivalry with momentum shifting between both sides.
Recent Match Outcomes
- Match 1: New Zealand won by 5 wickets
- Match 2: Sri Lanka won by 7 runs
- Match 3: New Zealand won by 8 wickets
- Match 4: New Zealand won by 45 runs
- Match 5: Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets
Final Insight
The rivalry between Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team has remained competitive across all formats, with each team showcasing strengths in different playing conditions. While New Zealand holds the overall statistical advantage, Sri Lanka’s ability to capitalize on home conditions and spin-friendly pitches continues to balance the contest. Match outcomes between these two sides often depend on venue, pitch behavior, and team form — making every encounter unpredictable and closely fought.
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