The rivalry between the Sri Lanka and New Zealand national cricket teams has produced some of the most exciting moments in ODI cricket. Since their first meeting in the 1979 ICC Cricket World Cup, these two teams have battled over 100 times, each bringing its own strengths to the contest. New Zealand relies on pace and power-hitting, while Sri Lanka’s game revolves around spin and tactical play.
Though New Zealand holds the overall edge, Sri Lanka has dominated at home. In this article, we will explore New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats and their head-to-head stats, key performances, record-breaking moments, and some of the most memorable clashes in ODI history.
Overall Head-to-Head Record in ODIs : New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats
Sri Lanka and New Zealand have faced each other 102 times in ODIs. The Black Caps have won more matches, but Sri Lanka has been a tough competitor, especially in subcontinent conditions.
| Total Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | New Zealand Wins | Tied | No Result |
| 102 | 41 | 52 | 1 | 8 |
New Zealand’s dominance is clear, but Sri Lanka’s 41 victories show that they have put up strong performances over the years.
ODI Records by Venue
1. Matches Played in New Zealand
New Zealand has been a difficult place for Sri Lanka to win, mainly because of the fast and bouncy pitches that favor Kiwi pacers.
| Total Matches in NZ | Sri Lanka Wins | New Zealand Wins | No Result |
| 45 | 12 | 30 | 3 |
New Zealand has won 30 out of 45 matches at home, making them the dominant side in their own conditions.
2. Matches Played in Sri Lanka
On home soil, Sri Lanka has performed much better, thanks to their spin-friendly pitches and familiarity with the conditions.
| Total Matches in SL | Sri Lanka Wins | New Zealand Wins | No Result |
| 36 | 21 | 13 | 2 |
Sri Lanka has won 21 out of 36 matches at home, while New Zealand has struggled with just 13 wins in Sri Lanka.
3. Matches Played at Neutral Venues
At neutral venues, the competition has been fairly balanced, with New Zealand having a slight advantage.
| Total Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | New Zealand Wins | Tied | No Result |
| 21 | 8 | 9 | 1 | 3 |
This indicates that while Sri Lanka is strong at home, New Zealand has been able to match them on neutral grounds.
Highest & Lowest Team Totals in ODIs
1. Highest Team Totals
Both teams have registered big scores against each other, but New Zealand holds the record for the highest total.
| Team | Score | Venue | Year |
| New Zealand | 409/8 | Dublin | 2023 |
| Sri Lanka | 356/8 | Nelson | 2015 |
| New Zealand | 341/6 | Christchurch | 2019 |
| Sri Lanka | 315/6 | Sharjah | 1995 |
New Zealand’s 409/8 in 2023 remains the highest total in ODIs between these two teams.
2. Lowest Team Totals
There have been some disastrous batting collapses in this rivalry.
| Team | Score | Venue | Year |
| Sri Lanka | 55 | Sharjah | 1986 |
| New Zealand | 74 | Wellington | 2007 |
| Sri Lanka | 88 | Christchurch | 2015 |
Sri Lanka’s 55 all out in 1986 is the lowest total in their head-to-head history.
Individual Batting and Bowling Records
1. Highest Individual Scores
Several players have played match-winning knocks in this rivalry.
| Player | Team | Score | Venue | Year |
| Martin Guptill | New Zealand | 180* | Hamilton | 2017 |
| Tillakaratne Dilshan | Sri Lanka | 161* | Lord’s | 2011 |
| Brendon McCullum | New Zealand | 153 | Napier | 2008 |
Guptill’s 180 in 2017* is the highest individual score in this rivalry.
2. Best Bowling Figures in a Match
Some bowlers have delivered exceptional spells in this fixture.
| Bowler | Team | Figures | Venue | Year |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 7/30 | Sharjah | 2000 |
| Tim Southee | New Zealand | 7/33 | Christchurch | 2015 |
| Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 6/25 | Colombo | 2001 |
Muralitharan’s 7/30 in 2000 remains the best bowling performance.
Key Players in Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand ODIs : New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats
1. Top Run Scorers
| Player | Team | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 46 | 1678 | 140 | 39.95 |
| Ross Taylor | New Zealand | 35 | 1546 | 119* | 47.75 |
| Kane Williamson | New Zealand | 29 | 1432 | 112 | 52.96 |
Jayasuriya leads the charts with 1678 runs.
2. Top Wicket-Takers
| Bowler | Team | Matches | Wickets | Best Figures |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 37 | 65 | 7/30 |
| Daniel Vettori | New Zealand | 42 | 58 | 5/30 |
| Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | 38 | 55 | 6/25 |
Muralitharan leads the bowling charts with 65 wickets.
Memorable Matches : New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats
1. New Zealand’s 409/8 in 2023
Finn Allen’s aggressive century helped New Zealand post 409/8, the highest score in this rivalry.
2. 2015 World Cup – Sri Lanka Bowled Out for 88
Tim Southee’s 7/33 led New Zealand to a crushing victory in a World Cup group-stage match.
3. Sri Lanka’s 315-Run Chase in 1995
Sanath Jayasuriya played a match-winning innings as Sri Lanka chased down 315 in Sharjah.
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Conclusion : New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats
The Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand ODI rivalry has seen some thrilling moments, record-breaking performances, and fierce competition. While New Zealand holds the upper hand in overall stats, Sri Lanka has been a strong force in home conditions. Legendary players like Sanath Jayasuriya, Kane Williamson, Mahela Jayawardene, and Trent Boult have shaped this rivalry, making it one of the most exciting contests in ODI cricket.
As both teams introduce new talent, the future of this rivalry promises even more thrilling encounters.