sri lanka national cricket team vs new zealand national cricket team timeline
Introduction
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team have forged a compelling cricketing relationship over the past four decades. Both nations, though geographically distant, share a mutual respect built on competitive yet sportsmanlike encounters across all formats of the game. Sri Lanka, crowned 1996 ODI World Cup champions, brought flair and innovation to international cricket, while New Zealand, often labeled the “giant killers,” has consistently punched above its weight with disciplined, resilient performances.
Their matches are rarely one-sided, frequently delivering thrilling finishes and standout individual performances. Whether battling in ICC tournaments or bilateral series, the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline reflects a balanced and evolving rivalry that continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head Overview (as of 2025)
As of 2025, the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and New Zealand National Cricket Team have faced each other in a total of 182 international matches across all formats. In Test cricket, they have played 35 matches, with New Zealand leading the tally with 14 wins against Sri Lanka’s 11, while 10 matches ended in draws. In One Day Internationals (ODIs), the two sides have clashed 112 times—New Zealand holds a slight edge with 59 victories compared to Sri Lanka’s 49, with four matches ending without a result.
In the shortest format, T20 Internationals, they’ve met 35 times, with New Zealand winning 20 and Sri Lanka securing 14 victories, plus one no-result. Key performers include Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene for Sri Lanka, and Kane Williamson and Trent Boult for New Zealand, who have consistently delivered match-winning contributions throughout the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline.
Complete Timeline Table (All Formats)
| 1983 | ODI | Manchester, England | ICC Cricket World Cup | New Zealand | 8 wickets | Richard Hadlee |
| 1984 | ODI | Colombo, Sri Lanka | Bilateral Series | Sri Lanka | 5 wickets | Duleep Mendis |
| 1987 | Test | Dunedin, New Zealand | Test Series | Draw | Match drawn | Martin Crowe |
| 1992 | ODI | Auckland, New Zealand | World Cup | New Zealand | 7 wickets | Martin Crowe |
| 1994 | Test | Colombo, Sri Lanka | Test Series | Sri Lanka | 10 wickets | Muttiah Muralitharan |
| 1996 | ODI | Colombo, Sri Lanka | Singer World Series | Sri Lanka | 4 wickets | Aravinda de Silva |
| 2001 | Test | Wellington, New Zealand | Test Series | New Zealand | 7 wickets | Chris Cairns |
| 2006 | ODI | Colombo, Sri Lanka | Tri-Series | Sri Lanka | 3 wickets | Sanath Jayasuriya |
| 2009 | T20I | Colombo, Sri Lanka | T20I Series | Sri Lanka | 39 runs | Ajantha Mendis |
| 2013 | ODI | Hambantota, Sri Lanka | ODI Series | Sri Lanka | 8 wickets | Tillakaratne Dilshan |
| 2015 | ODI | Wellington, New Zealand | ICC Cricket World Cup | New Zealand | 5 wickets | Brendon McCullum |
| 2018 | Test | Wellington, New Zealand | Test Series | New Zealand | 121 runs | Tim Southee |
| 2019 | ODI | Cardiff, Wales | ICC Cricket World Cup | New Zealand | 10 wickets | Lockie Ferguson |
| 2022 | T20I | Pallekele, Sri Lanka | T20I Series | Sri Lanka | 6 wickets | Wanindu Hasaranga |
| 2023 | ODI | Dunedin, New Zealand | ODI Series | New Zealand | 7 wickets | Devon Conway |
| 2025 | Test | Galle, Sri Lanka | Test Series | Sri Lanka | 8 wickets | Dhananjaya de Silva |
Note: This table highlights key matches; the full Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline includes 182 encounters.
Early Encounters (1980s–1990s)
The rivalry between Sri Lanka and New Zealand began in earnest during the 1983 ICC Cricket World Cup in England, where New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by eight wickets in their first-ever ODI meeting. This encounter set the tone for a competitive yet respectful dynamic. Throughout the 1980s, bilateral ODI series were sporadic but intense, with Sri Lanka registering its first win in 1984 in Colombo thanks to Duleep Mendis’s composed half-century.
The 1990s marked a turning point as Sri Lanka’s cricketing prowess grew—culminating in their 1996 World Cup triumph. During this decade, Test cricket between the two nations intensified, notably in 1994 when Muttiah Muralitharan spun Sri Lanka to a dominant 10-wicket victory in Colombo. These early years laid the foundation for a balanced rivalry that would evolve across formats in the decades to come.
Major Series in the 2000s
The 2000s witnessed a significant escalation in the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline, with frequent bilateral tours and high-stakes ICC encounters. In 2001, New Zealand secured a historic Test series win on Sri Lankan soil—a rare feat at the time—led by Chris Cairns’s all-round brilliance. The decade also saw Sri Lanka dominate ODI contests at home, particularly during the 2006 Singer Tri-Series, where Sanath Jayasuriya’s explosive batting dismantled New Zealand’s bowling.
Although T20 Internationals were introduced globally in 2007, the first official T20I between the two sides occurred in 2009 in Colombo, with Sri Lanka prevailing behind Ajantha Mendis’s mystery spin. These matches not only showcased tactical evolution but also highlighted how both teams adapted to the changing landscape of international cricket.
Modern Era Rivalry (2010–2025)
From 2010 to 2025, the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline entered its most dynamic phase, characterized by tightly contested series and ICC tournament drama. The 2015 World Cup semifinal in Auckland saw New Zealand triumph convincingly, signaling their rise as a global powerhouse. Conversely, Sri Lanka enjoyed home success in 2018 and 2022, with spin-friendly conditions favoring their wrist-spinners.
The 2019 World Cup group-stage match in Cardiff was a masterclass in pace bowling, as Lockie Ferguson skittled Sri Lanka for just 136. In 2023, New Zealand toured Sri Lanka for a full-format series, splitting results but winning the ODI leg. Most recently, in early 2025, Sri Lanka reclaimed Test dominance with an 8-wicket victory in Galle, showcasing their renewed resilience. This era reflects both teams’ strategic maturity and competitive parity.
Top Players and Memorable Performances
Several legendary players have defined the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline through match-winning feats. For Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara’s 138 in the 2013 ODI at Hambantota and Mahela Jayawardene’s twin centuries in the 2007 Test in Wellington remain iconic. Muttiah Muralitharan’s 10-wicket haul in Colombo (1994) and Wanindu Hasaranga’s 5/18 in the 2022 T20I in Pallekele further underline Sri Lankan dominance in home conditions.
On the New Zealand side, Kane Williamson’s 148 in the 2015 World Cup semifinal and Martin Crowe’s 100* in the 1992 World Cup stand out. Trent Boult’s lethal new-ball spells and Tim Southee’s 7/64 in Wellington (2018) have repeatedly dismantled Sri Lankan top orders. These performances have not only shaped individual legacies but also the broader narrative of this transcontinental rivalry.
Statistical Records (as of 2025)
The statistical landscape of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline reveals fascinating insights into individual and team excellence. Below are key records as of 2025:
Most Runs (All Formats Combined)
- Kumar Sangakkara (SL) – 1,842 runs
- Kane Williamson (NZ) – 1,725 runs
- Mahela Jayawardene (SL) – 1,610 runs
Most Wickets (All Formats Combined)
- Muttiah Muralitharan (SL) – 68 wickets
- Trent Boult (NZ) – 61 wickets
- Daniel Vettori (NZ) – 54 wickets
Highest Team Total
Sri Lanka – 396/4 (ODI, Colombo, 2006)
New Zealand – 383/6 (ODI, Dunedin, 2023)
Best Bowling Figures
Muttiah Muralitharan – 9/51 (Test, Colombo, 1998)
Tim Southee – 7/64 (Test, Wellington, 2018)
These records underscore the depth of talent and competitive intensity that has defined this bilateral rivalry over four decades.
Memorable Matches Between Sri Lanka and New Zealand
1996 Singer World Series Final – Colombo
In a rain-affected but thrilling final at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Sri Lanka chased down 237 with four wickets to spare, powered by Aravinda de Silva’s unbeaten 86. New Zealand, led by Lee Germon, posted a competitive total thanks to Nathan Astle’s 72, but Sri Lanka’s middle order held firm under pressure.
This victory not only secured the tournament but also signaled Sri Lanka’s growing confidence ahead of their historic 1996 World Cup win months later. The match remains a cornerstone in the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline, showcasing home advantage and tactical acumen.
2015 ICC Cricket World Cup Semifinal – Auckland
New Zealand delivered a commanding performance at Eden Park, routing Sri Lanka by 5 wickets with more than 10 overs to spare. Brendon McCullum’s aggressive 65 set the tone, while Daniel Vettori’s 2/23 stifled Sri Lankan momentum. Sri Lanka collapsed to 233 all out, with Angelo Mathews top-scoring at 65.
The Black Caps’ disciplined bowling and clinical chase exemplified their evolution into World Cup contenders. This match is often cited as a turning point in New Zealand’s cricketing identity and remains one of the most lopsided yet significant encounters in the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline.
2018 Test in Wellington – Basin Reserve
In a gripping Test match, New Zealand triumphed by 121 runs on a seaming Basin Reserve pitch. Tim Southee’s career-best 7/64 in the first innings dismantled Sri Lanka for just 136. Despite Dinesh Chandimal’s defiant 80 in the second innings, Sri Lanka fell short chasing 259. Kane Williamson’s patient 89 and Neil Wagner’s reverse swing proved decisive.
The match highlighted New Zealand’s mastery in home conditions and marked a low point in Sri Lanka’s overseas Test record. It remains a textbook example of pace-dominated cricket and a pivotal moment in the modern Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline.
2022 T20I Series Decider – Pallekele
In a high-octane T20I decider, Sri Lanka clinched the series 2–1 with a six-wicket victory, led by Wanindu Hasaranga’s 5/18—the best T20I figures by a Sri Lankan against New Zealand. New Zealand was bowled out for 112, with Finn Allen top-scoring at 34. In reply, Pathum Nissanka’s unbeaten 58 guided Sri Lanka home with 22 balls to spare.
The match showcased Sri Lanka’s spin dominance in subcontinental conditions and signaled a new generation’s arrival. This victory revitalized Sri Lankan cricket post-2019 World Cup struggles and added a vibrant chapter to the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline.
Recent Updates (2025)
The year 2025 has already delivered significant developments in the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline. In January, New Zealand toured Sri Lanka for a two-Test series, with the opening match in Galle resulting in an 8-wicket victory for the hosts. Dhananjaya de Silva’s twin fifties and Ramesh Mendis’s five-wicket haul proved decisive on a turning track.
The second Test in Colombo ended in a draw due to rain, leaving Sri Lanka to win the series 1–0—their first Test series win over New Zealand since 2019. Looking ahead, both teams are scheduled to meet in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group stage in Pakistan, promising another high-stakes encounter. Additionally, a bilateral T20I series is planned for late 2025 in New Zealand, keeping this rivalry active across all formats.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline stands as a testament to competitive balance, mutual respect, and evolving cricketing philosophies. From early World Cup clashes to modern-day Test duels and T20 thrillers, their encounters have consistently delivered drama, skill, and unforgettable moments. While New Zealand holds a slight edge in overall wins, Sri Lanka’s home dominance—especially in spin-friendly conditions—ensures the rivalry remains fiercely contested.
As both teams rebuild and integrate young talent, future series promise even greater intensity. With upcoming ICC events and bilateral tours on the horizon, fans can expect this transcontinental rivalry to remain a cornerstone of international cricket for years to come. The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team timeline continues to unfold with anticipation and excitement.
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