Table of Contents
The rivalry between the Sri Lanka national cricket team and the New Zealand national cricket team has produced memorable contests across Test cricket, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Both teams have enjoyed periods of success, with Sri Lanka producing outstanding performances at home and New Zealand demonstrating consistency in different conditions.
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Stats offer a detailed overview of their head-to-head records, recent match results, biggest victories, batting performances, bowling figures, and important tournament encounters. Their history includes competitive Test series, high-scoring ODI matches, and dramatic T20I finishes.
New Zealand have the stronger overall record in all three formats according to the available head-to-head figures. However, Sri Lanka have recorded important victories, including their ODI series win in New Zealand in January 2025 and several memorable Test performances at home.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Head-to-Head Stats
Sri Lanka and New Zealand have faced each other regularly since the late 1970s in ODIs, with Test and T20I meetings adding further chapters to the rivalry.
| Format | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | New Zealand Wins | Other Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 39 | 10 | 18 | 11 draws |
| ODI | 108 | 44 | 54 | 1 tie, 9 no results |
| T20I | 29 | 10 | 17 | 1 tie, 1 no result |
| Total | 176 | 64 | 89 | 23 other results |
The format-specific figures come from published head-to-head records, with the T20I summary reflecting the ICC’s current head-to-head display following the 2026 T20 World Cup. Statistical databases can differ slightly in their treatment of ties and no-results, so the figures should be refreshed when publishing a newly updated record. <Cite refs={[“turn815616search0″,”turn815616search1″,”turn815616search2”]}/>
New Zealand’s advantage is particularly clear in Test cricket and T20Is. ODI cricket has been more competitive, with Sri Lanka winning 44 matches against New Zealand’s 54.
Test Match Records: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand
Test cricket has delivered some of the most memorable matches between these teams. Across 39 Tests, New Zealand have won 18, Sri Lanka have won 10, and 11 matches have ended in draws.
| Test Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Test matches | 39 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 10 |
| New Zealand wins | 18 |
| Draws | 11 |
New Zealand have often relied on their seam-bowling resources and disciplined batting to succeed in Test matches. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have used home conditions, spin bowling, and technically accomplished batters to challenge visiting teams.
Sri Lanka’s Dominant Test Series in 2024
Sri Lanka produced an outstanding performance during New Zealand’s September 2024 Test tour. They won the first Test by 63 runs and followed it with an innings-and-154-run victory in the second Test.
In the second match, Sri Lanka declared at 602/5 in their first innings. New Zealand replied with 88 and then 360 after being asked to follow on. The result demonstrated Sri Lanka’s batting depth and their ability to maintain pressure over several days.
The two victories gave Sri Lanka a 2–0 series win and highlighted how difficult it can be for visiting teams to recover after conceding a substantial first-innings lead. <Cite refs={[“turn815616search0”]}/>
New Zealand’s Test Strengths
New Zealand have also recorded significant victories against Sri Lanka. Their wins have often depended on fast bowlers taking wickets at important moments and the batting lineup building partnerships under pressure.
In March 2023, New Zealand won the first Test by two wickets in Christchurch after chasing a challenging target. They then won the second Test by an innings and 58 runs. Those results demonstrated their ability to perform in different match situations, from a close fourth-innings chase to a dominant innings victory. <Cite refs={[“turn815616search0”]}/>
ODI Head-to-Head Records
One Day International cricket has been an important part of the Sri Lanka–New Zealand rivalry since their first meeting in 1979. Across 108 ODIs, New Zealand have won 54 matches and Sri Lanka have won 44. One match was tied, while nine produced no result.
| ODI Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total ODI matches | 108 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 44 |
| New Zealand wins | 54 |
| Tied matches | 1 |
| No-result matches | 9 |
These numbers show that New Zealand have the historical advantage, but Sri Lanka have been competitive in this format. Their results have varied depending on venue, batting conditions, and the effectiveness of each team’s bowling attack. <Cite refs={[“turn815616search1″,”turn815616search4”]}/>
Sri Lanka’s ODI Series Victory in January 2025
Sri Lanka toured New Zealand for an ODI series in January 2025. New Zealand won the first match by nine wickets and the second by 113 runs, putting themselves in a strong position to complete a series sweep.
Sri Lanka responded impressively in the third ODI on 11 January. Batting first, they scored 290/8 before bowling New Zealand out for 150. Sri Lanka won by 140 runs, finishing the series with a convincing victory.
The result highlighted Sri Lanka’s ability to recover after two defeats. Their batting lineup posted a competitive total, and the bowlers prevented New Zealand from building a successful chase. <Cite refs={[“turn815616search1″,”turn815616search5”]}/>
New Zealand’s ODI Consistency
New Zealand have generally maintained a strong ODI record through disciplined bowling, adaptable batting, and effective fielding. They have shown the ability to chase targets quickly when conditions favour batting and defend totals when the bowling attack finds movement or grip.
Their 2025 victories against Sri Lanka demonstrated how quickly an ODI match can move away from the opposition. New Zealand’s nine-wicket win in the first ODI and 113-run victory in the second gave them control of the series before Sri Lanka’s late response.
T20I Head-to-Head Records
T20I cricket has produced a fast-paced and competitive contest between the two nations. New Zealand have won more matches in this format, but Sri Lanka have recorded important victories in bilateral series and international tournaments.
| T20I Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total T20I matches | 29 |
| New Zealand wins | 17 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 10 |
| Tied matches | 1 |
| No-result matches | 1 |
New Zealand’s T20I advantage reflects their ability to combine aggressive batting with a varied bowling attack. Sri Lanka have also produced impressive performances, particularly when their batters establish a strong platform and their spinners restrict scoring in the middle overs. <Cite refs={[“turn815616search2″,”turn815616search3”]}/>
Sri Lanka’s T20I Victory in January 2025
One memorable match took place on 2 January 2025, when Sri Lanka faced New Zealand in the third T20I of their series. New Zealand scored 211/7, setting Sri Lanka a challenging target.
Sri Lanka responded with 218/5, winning by seven runs in a high-scoring encounter. The successful chase showed their ability to maintain a demanding scoring rate while preserving wickets for the final overs. The result was one of the standout T20I performances in the recent history of the rivalry. <Cite refs={[“turn815616search3″,”turn815616search5”]}/>
New Zealand’s 2026 T20 World Cup Victory
New Zealand recorded a major win over Sri Lanka in the Super Eight stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on 25 February 2026 in Colombo.
New Zealand batted first and scored 168/7 in 20 overs. Sri Lanka were restricted to 107/8, giving New Zealand a 61-run victory. Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match after scoring 32 runs from 22 balls and taking four wickets for 27 runs. <Cite refs={[“turn815616search2”]}/>
The match demonstrated the impact of an all-round performance in T20 cricket. Ravindra contributed with both bat and ball, while New Zealand’s bowlers kept Sri Lanka from building the partnerships needed to chase the target.
Recent Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Match Results
Recent results show how the balance of power has changed from one format to another. Sri Lanka enjoyed success in the 2024 Test series and the final ODI of the January 2025 tour, while New Zealand won several limited-overs matches and the 2026 T20 World Cup meeting.
| Date | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 26 September 2024 | Test | Sri Lanka won by an innings and 154 runs |
| 13 November 2024 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 45 runs, DLS method |
| 17 November 2024 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets, DLS method |
| 5 January 2025 | ODI | New Zealand won by 9 wickets |
| 8 January 2025 | ODI | New Zealand won by 113 runs |
| 11 January 2025 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 140 runs |
| 2 January 2025 | T20I | Sri Lanka won by 7 runs |
| 25 February 2026 | T20 World Cup | New Zealand won by 61 runs |
The results underline the importance of conditions and match format. Sri Lanka’s home Test success in 2024 contrasted with New Zealand’s dominance in the 2026 T20 World Cup Super Eight. In ODIs, the January 2025 series ended with New Zealand winning two matches and Sri Lanka winning one. <Cite refs={[“turn815616search0″,”turn815616search1″,”turn815616search2″,”turn815616search3”]}/>
Key Players and Performance Factors
Several factors help explain the results between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Individual player contributions change from series to series, but the same areas often influence the outcome.
Rachin Ravindra: Ravindra’s all-round performance in the 2026 T20 World Cup match was a major highlight. His 32 runs and four wickets for 27 runs helped New Zealand secure a 61-run victory.
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup: Sri Lanka have shown that they can build large totals when their top and middle orders establish partnerships. Their 2025 T20I win, when they chased 212, demonstrated the value of maintaining momentum throughout an innings.
New Zealand’s seam bowling: New Zealand’s fast bowlers have frequently played an important role in ODI and Test victories. Taking early wickets can expose the middle order and prevent Sri Lanka from building a strong platform.
Sri Lanka’s spin bowling: Spin remains an important part of Sri Lanka’s strategy, especially on slower pitches. Their spinners can limit scoring and force batters to take risks, creating wicket-taking opportunities.
Fielding and match awareness: Catches, run-outs, and control during the final overs can determine close matches. Both sides need to execute their plans under pressure, particularly in T20 cricket.
Biggest Wins in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Matches
The rivalry includes dominant results in all three formats. Sri Lanka’s innings-and-154-run victory in September 2024 was one of their most impressive recent Test performances. A first-innings declaration of 602/5 gave them a huge advantage, and New Zealand could not overcome the deficit.
In ODI cricket, Sri Lanka’s 140-run win in January 2025 stands out. After scoring 290/8, they bowled New Zealand out for 150. The result showed how a strong total combined with effective bowling can produce a decisive victory.
New Zealand’s 61-run victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup was another notable result. Their 168/7 proved too much for Sri Lanka, who finished on 107/8. Ravindra’s four-wicket spell was central to the outcome.
These matches illustrate that both teams can produce commanding performances, even though New Zealand hold the stronger overall head-to-head record.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who has won more matches between Sri Lanka and New Zealand?
New Zealand have won more matches in the overall head-to-head record across Test, ODI, and T20I cricket. Sri Lanka have still recorded important victories, including their 2024 Test series win and the third ODI victory in New Zealand in January 2025.
2. What is the Test head-to-head record between Sri Lanka and New Zealand?
The teams have played 39 Test matches. New Zealand have won 18, Sri Lanka have won 10, and 11 matches have ended in draws.
3. How many ODIs have Sri Lanka and New Zealand played?
The teams have played 108 ODIs in the published head-to-head record. New Zealand have won 54, Sri Lanka have won 44, one match was tied, and nine ended without a result.
4. Who won the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand T20 World Cup match in 2026?
New Zealand won by 61 runs on 25 February 2026. New Zealand scored 168/7 before restricting Sri Lanka to 107/8. Rachin Ravindra was Player of the Match.
5. What was Sri Lanka’s biggest recent ODI victory against New Zealand?
Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 140 runs on 11 January 2025. Sri Lanka scored 290/8, then bowled New Zealand out for 150.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Stats show a long-running rivalry with New Zealand holding the overall advantage. New Zealand lead the head-to-head record in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, but Sri Lanka have produced several outstanding results of their own.
Sri Lanka’s 2–0 Test series victory in 2024 and their 140-run ODI win in January 2025 highlight their ability to challenge New Zealand. New Zealand’s 61-run victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup, led by Rachin Ravindra’s all-round performance, shows why they remain difficult opponents in limited-overs cricket.
The rivalry continues to offer different challenges in each format. Test cricket rewards patience and sustained pressure, ODI matches require balanced innings and disciplined bowling, and T20Is demand quick decisions and efficient execution. Future series will provide further opportunities for both teams to strengthen their records and create new memorable moments.
