The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka head-to-head record reflects a long-running international cricket rivalry across Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Both teams have produced memorable performances, from New Zealand’s disciplined pace bowling to Sri Lanka’s creative batting and spin attack.
If you are searching for Sri Lanka vs New Zealand head-to-head records, this guide covers format-wise results, ODI World Cup meetings, memorable matches, key players and historical milestones. The statistics section should be updated whenever another international match is completed.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Head to Head: Quick Overview
New Zealand and Sri Lanka have competed in international cricket since the early years of Sri Lanka’s Test status. Their contests have taken place in New Zealand, Sri Lanka and neutral venues around the world.
| Format | Matches played | New Zealand wins | Sri Lanka wins | Other results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 40 | 18 | 11 | 11 draws |
| ODI | 108 | 54 | 44 | 1 tie, 9 no-results |
| T20I | 29 | 17 | 11 | 1 no-result |
Important: These are reference figures compiled from published cricket records, with the Test and ODI totals checked against records available in 2026. T20I databases can differ in how they classify tied matches and Super Over outcomes. Verify the latest official scorecards before treating this table as a definitive live total.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Test Head to Head
The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Test head-to-head record has featured competitive series in both countries. New Zealand have historically been difficult to beat at home, while Sri Lanka have shown their ability to dominate when conditions favour their spinners and batters.
| Test statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 40 |
| New Zealand wins | 18 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 11 |
| Draws | 11 |
New Zealand hold the advantage in overall Test victories, but the results also show that Sri Lanka have won important matches, including major performances on home soil.
Memorable Test matches
One of the most remarkable matches in this rivalry took place at Wellington in 1991. New Zealand scored 671/4 declared, with Martin Crowe making 299 and Andrew Jones scoring 186. Their partnership of 467 runs became one of the most famous partnerships in Test cricket history.
Sri Lanka produced a dominant performance in September 2024. They won the first Test in Galle by 63 runs and the second by an innings and 154 runs. In the second Test, Sri Lanka made 602/5 declared before dismissing New Zealand for 88 in the first innings.
These matches demonstrate why the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test record cannot be judged by overall wins alone: conditions, batting partnerships and bowling performances have played decisive roles.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka ODI Head to Head
The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka ODI head-to-head record is particularly relevant to fans researching World Cup cricket and bilateral series.
| ODI statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 108 |
| New Zealand wins | 54 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 44 |
| Tied matches | 1 |
| No-results | 9 |
New Zealand have won more ODIs overall, but Sri Lanka have recorded significant victories, including matches played in New Zealand. Weather interruptions and no-results have also affected the historical record.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI results in recent years
The teams played a three-match ODI series in New Zealand in January 2025. New Zealand won the first ODI by nine wickets and the second by 113 runs. Sri Lanka responded in the third match, winning by 140 runs after scoring 290/8.
The series showed how quickly momentum can change in ODI cricket. New Zealand dominated the first two games, while Sri Lanka finished strongly with a comprehensive victory.
Why ODI conditions matter
New Zealand conditions can offer seam movement and bounce, especially early in an innings. Sri Lanka’s home conditions can bring slower surfaces and greater assistance for spin bowling. Batters who adapt their approach to the venue often make the difference.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20I Head to Head
T20 cricket has created a different kind of contest between the two sides. Power-hitting, variations in pace, spin bowling and death-over execution can quickly change the result.
| T20I statistic | Reference record |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 29 |
| New Zealand wins | 17 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 11 |
| No-results | 1 |
T20I totals may differ between databases when a tied match is resolved by a Super Over. Check official scorecards when updating this table.
Latest major T20I meeting: T20 World Cup 2026
New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 61 runs in their Men’s T20 World Cup Super Eights match on 25 February 2026 in Colombo. New Zealand scored 168/7, while Sri Lanka finished on 107/8.
Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match after contributing 32 runs from 22 balls and taking four wickets for 27 runs. The result was a significant win for New Zealand in a high-pressure tournament fixture.
This match is a useful example of how New Zealand can combine contributions with the bat and ball to control a T20 contest. For the latest figures, consult the official ICC scorecard.
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New Zealand vs Sri Lanka in the ODI Cricket World Cup
The ODI World Cup has provided some of the rivalry’s most memorable matches. Historical World Cup records list 12 meetings between New Zealand and Sri Lanka through the 2023 tournament, with each side winning six matches.
| ODI World Cup statistic | Record through 2023 |
|---|---|
| Matches played | 12 |
| New Zealand wins | 6 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 6 |
The teams have met at different stages of the tournament over several decades. Their World Cup history includes group-stage contests in which qualification, net run rate and pressure have shaped the importance of the result.
Notable World Cup encounters
2011 World Cup: Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand in the semi-final in Colombo, advancing to the final on home soil.
2019 World Cup: New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by ten wickets in Cardiff, starting their campaign with a commanding result.
2023 World Cup: New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in Bengaluru, strengthening their position in the race for the semi-finals.
World Cup head-to-head totals are a separate category from overall ODI records. They should not be mixed with bilateral ODIs when comparing the two teams.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Memorable Matches and Milestones
New Zealand’s historic Test partnership
Martin Crowe and Andrew Jones produced a landmark partnership at Wellington in 1991. Crowe’s 299 and Jones’s 186 helped New Zealand reach 671/4 declared. The innings remains an important part of the Test history between the teams.
Sri Lanka’s dominant Test series in 2024
Sri Lanka won both Tests against New Zealand in September 2024. Their 63-run win in the first Test was followed by an innings-and-154-run victory in the second. The results underlined Sri Lanka’s ability to use home conditions effectively.
Sri Lanka’s ODI response in January 2025
After losing the first two ODIs in New Zealand, Sri Lanka won the third by 140 runs. The result remains a notable example of the team’s ability to respond after a difficult start to a series.
New Zealand’s T20 World Cup victory in 2026
New Zealand’s 61-run win over Sri Lanka in Colombo showed the importance of all-round performance in T20 cricket. Ravindra’s contribution with both bat and ball was central to the result.
Key Players in the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Rivalry
Player records can change with every series, so career totals should be checked against an up-to-date statistics database before publication.
New Zealand players to follow
- Kane Williamson: A technically accomplished batter with a strong Test record against Sri Lanka.
- Tom Latham: A dependable top-order batter who has produced major innings in Test cricket.
- Rachin Ravindra: A versatile player whose batting and left-arm spin can influence limited-overs matches.
- Matt Henry: A pace bowler known for generating movement and taking important wickets.
Sri Lanka players to follow
- Kumar Sangakkara: One of Sri Lanka’s great batters, with an important place in the teams’ historical Test contests.
- Angelo Mathews: An experienced all-rounder who has contributed across formats.
- Prabath Jayasuriya: A left-arm spinner who has played a major role in Sri Lanka’s recent Test successes.
- Pathum Nissanka: A modern top-order batter capable of scoring quickly in limited-overs cricket.
This list highlights notable players rather than a definitive ranking of the highest run-scorers or wicket-takers in the fixture.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Strengths Compared
| Category | New Zealand | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional strength | Seam bowling and disciplined team cricket | Spin bowling and inventive batting |
| Home conditions | Bounce and movement can assist fast bowlers | Slower surfaces can help spin and variation |
| Test cricket | Strong historical win record in this matchup | Capable of dominant home performances |
| ODI cricket | Strong overall head-to-head record | Proven ability to win major individual matches |
| T20I cricket | Flexible bowling options and all-round contributions | Spin, batting creativity and explosive scoring |
These are broad cricketing characteristics, not guarantees of a match result. Team selection, pitch conditions, player form and toss can all affect the outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won more matches between New Zealand and Sri Lanka?
In the reference records presented here, New Zealand have won more Test matches, ODIs and T20Is overall. Exact figures should be checked against current official records because the totals change after every international match.
What is the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Test head-to-head record?
The reference Test record is 40 matches, with New Zealand winning 18, Sri Lanka winning 11 and 11 matches drawn.
What is the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI head-to-head record?
The reference ODI record is 108 matches. New Zealand have won 54, Sri Lanka have won 44, one match was tied and nine ended without a result.
What is the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20I head-to-head record?
The reference T20I record is 29 matches, with New Zealand winning 17 and Sri Lanka winning 11. One match ended without a result. Verify the classification of tied matches and Super Over outcomes before publishing final totals.
How many times have New Zealand and Sri Lanka played in the ODI World Cup?
Through the 2023 tournament, the teams had met 12 times in the Men’s ODI World Cup. Each team had won six matches.
What was the result of the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20 World Cup match in 2026?
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 61 runs on 25 February 2026 in Colombo. New Zealand scored 168/7, Sri Lanka made 107/8, and Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match.
Conclusion
The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka head-to-head record spans decades of Test cricket, competitive ODI series and high-pressure T20 matches. New Zealand have the advantage in the reference overall records, but Sri Lanka have produced landmark victories, particularly in home Test cricket and major tournaments.
Whether you search for New Zealand vs Sri Lanka stats or Sri Lanka vs New Zealand head-to-head records, compare the format, venue and match context rather than relying only on total wins. Cric-Beast will be most useful when its records tables are refreshed after each completed series.
Editorial note: Head-to-head statistics change over time. Update the match totals, wins, draws, ties and no-results after new matches, and date-stamp the statistics table.
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