new zealand national cricket team vs sri lanka national cricket team stats
Introduction: New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats
Cricket is more than just a sport – it’s a passion for millions around the world. And when two top teams like New Zealand and Sri Lanka face off, it’s always a match to remember. In this article, we’ll explore the history, stats, key players, and memorable moments from matches between the New Zealand national cricket team and the Sri Lanka national cricket team. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into cricket, there’s something here for you!
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head Record
Let’s start by taking a look at how these two teams have performed against each other over the years.
Overall Record in All Formats
The New Zealand and Sri Lanka cricket teams have played many matches across formats – Test, ODI, and T20I. Here’s a quick look at their head-to-head record:
Test Matches:
- Total Matches Played: Around 40
- New Zealand Wins: About 18
- Sri Lanka Wins: About 9
- Draws: Around 13
ODI Matches (One Day Internationals):
- Total Matches Played: Over 100
- New Zealand Wins: Around 50+
- Sri Lanka Wins: Around 40+
- No Results / Ties: A few
T20I Matches (Twenty20 Internationals):
- Total Matches Played: Around 20
- New Zealand Wins: About 12
- Sri Lanka Wins: About 8
New Zealand has a slight edge in Tests and T20s, but ODIs have been quite close between the two.
Test Match History
Test Rivalry Overview
The first Test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was played in 1983. Since then, they’ve had some exciting five-day battles.
Memorable Test Moments
- 2014 in Christchurch: Kane Williamson scored a brilliant century, helping New Zealand win comfortably.
- 2006 in Wellington: Muttiah Muralitharan took 10 wickets in the match, but the game ended in a draw due to rain.
Star Players in Tests
- New Zealand: Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, Tim Southee
- Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Rangana Herath
ODI Match History
ODI Clashes Over the Years
Their first ODI was way back in 1979. Since then, the teams have played each other regularly in World Cups, bilateral series, and tournaments.
Memorable ODI Matches
- 2015 World Cup: New Zealand won their opening match against Sri Lanka with a powerful all-round performance.
- 2001 in Sharjah: Sanath Jayasuriya smashed the Kiwi bowlers, scoring over 100 runs in just 80 balls.
Top ODI Performers
- New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum, Trent Boult
- Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga
T20I Match History
The Short-Format Showdowns
T20 cricket is all about fun, energy, and big hits – and both these teams bring a lot of excitement when they meet in this format.
Unforgettable T20 Moments
- 2019 in Pallekele: Ross Taylor and Colin de Grandhomme chased down a tough target with big sixes.
- 2014 World T20: Sri Lanka’s spin bowlers dominated New Zealand in a low-scoring thriller.
Key T20 Stars
- New Zealand: Devon Conway, Glenn Phillips, Lockie Ferguson
- Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka
World Cup Encounters
ODI World Cup
New Zealand and Sri Lanka have met several times in the ODI World Cup. These matches are usually high-pressure games with big crowds watching.
Notable Encounters:
- 1992 World Cup: New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in a key group-stage match.
- 2007 World Cup Semi-Final: Sri Lanka beat New Zealand to enter the final, with Mahela Jayawardene scoring a match-winning century.
T20 World Cup
They’ve also faced each other in the T20 World Cup multiple times. Sri Lanka has had a slight upper hand in these games.
Top Run Scorers and Wicket Takers
Here are some of the best performers in matches between New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Top Run Scorers (All Formats Combined)
- Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – Over 1500 runs vs NZ
- Mahela Jayawardene (SL) – Consistent scorer
- Ross Taylor (NZ) – One of NZ’s best ever against SL
- Kane Williamson (NZ) – Elegant and reliable
Top Wicket Takers (All Formats Combined)
- Muttiah Muralitharan (SL) – Took the most wickets vs NZ in Tests
- Lasith Malinga (SL) – Deadly in ODIs and T20s
- Tim Southee (NZ) – Excellent in all formats
- Trent Boult (NZ) – Known for his early swing and pace
Home vs Away Records
Let’s break down how both teams have performed at home and away.
When New Zealand Plays at Home
- They usually perform strongly, especially in Tests.
- Fast bowlers like Southee and Boult thrive in New Zealand’s conditions.
When Sri Lanka Plays at Home
- The spin-friendly pitches favor bowlers like Hasaranga and Jayasuriya (in the past).
- They tend to win more Tests and ODIs at home than away.
Style of Play: A Quick Comparison
New Zealand
- Known for teamwork, calm attitude, and strong fielding.
- Focused on discipline and strategy over flashy play.
Sri Lanka
- More aggressive and unpredictable.
- Strong in spin bowling and creative stroke play.
Both styles make for exciting clashes!
Recent Series Highlights
Here are some of the most recent matchups:
2023 Series in New Zealand
- Test Series: New Zealand won 2-0 with strong batting and pace bowling.
- ODI Series: New Zealand again dominated with young stars stepping up.
- T20I Series: A bit more balanced, but NZ still edged it.
2022 Asia Cup
- Though not directly against NZ, Sri Lanka showed they are rebuilding well with young talent.
Future Matchups to Watch
Both teams are scheduled to meet again in upcoming ICC tournaments and possible bilateral series.
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- World Test Championship matches
- Possible series in Sri Lanka in late 2025
These games are expected to be competitive and fun to watch!
Fun Facts and Trivia
- First ODI between the two: 1979 – That’s over 40 years of cricket rivalry!
- Both teams have reached a World Cup final: SL won in 1996, NZ made it in 2015 and 2019.
- Captain Cool: Kane Williamson is admired even in Sri Lanka for his calm style.
- Legends: Muralitharan and Jayasuriya are household names in both countries.
Final Thoughts
The cricket rivalry between the New Zealand and Sri Lanka national teams is full of thrilling matches, iconic players, and unforgettable moments. While New Zealand has had a slight upper hand in recent years, Sri Lanka’s rich cricket history and talented youngsters always keep things interesting.
