For decades, the Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand ODI clash has provided some of the most thrilling cricket clashes. It’s also been a very contrasting style since their first meeting in the 1979 World Cup: New Zealand’s pace and power hitting meets Sri Lanka’s spin and tactical play. Over 100 times, this unique rivalry has taken place, resulting in broken records, breathtaking chases, and unforgettable bowling spells. In all, New Zealand has the advantage generally but Sri Lanka has been dominant in its home conditions.
In this article, we will explore their New Zealand national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team stats, top performances, player stats, and a couple of memorable moments for them, offering a complete picture of this intense cricket rivalry.
Overall Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
As a continuation of the rivalry between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the 1979 ICC Cricket World Cup, the rivalry began in ODIs. Since then, New Zealand and the South Islanders have faced each other 102 times, with New Zealand consistently emerging victorious.
| Total Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | New Zealand Wins | Tied | No Result |
| 102 | 41 | 52 | 1 | 8 |
ODI Records by Venue
a) Matches Played in New Zealand
Playing in New Zealand has been difficult for Sri Lanka, always having been one of the provinces that favor New Zealand’s fast bowlers and never having been a place where any odd spinners have been able to shine.
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| Total Matches in NZ | Sri Lanka Wins | New Zealand Wins | No Result |
| 45 | 12 | 30 | 3 |
- New Zealand has dominated at home with 30 wins in 45 matches.
- Sri Lanka has managed to win only 12 games in New Zealand.
b) Matches Played in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a better record at home, thanks to its slow pitches and spin-friendly 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.
- New Zealand has struggled in Sri Lankan conditions, winning only 13 matches.
c) Matches Played at Neutral Venues
At neutral venues, the record is fairly even.
| Total Neutral Venue Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | New Zealand Wins | Tied | No Result |
| 21 | 8 | 9 | 1 | 3 |
Highest & Lowest Team Totals in ODIs
a) Highest Team Totals
| 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 is the highest total between the two teams.
b) Lowest Team Totals
| 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 remains the lowest total.
Individual Batting and Bowling Records
a) Highest Individual Scores
| 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 |
Martin Guptill’s 180 in 2017* remains the highest individual score in this rivalry.
b) Best Bowling Figures in a Match
| 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 is the best bowling performance.
Key Players in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODIs
a) 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 run charts with 1678 runs.
b) 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 holds the record for most wickets (65).
Memorable Matches
a) New Zealand’s 409/8 in 2023
- Finn Allen’s century helped New Zealand score 409/8, the highest total in this rivalry.
b) 2015 World Cup – Sri Lanka Bowled Out for 88
- Tim Southee took 7/33, leading New Zealand to a huge victory.
c) Sri Lanka’s 315-run Chase in 1995
- One of the best chases in ODI history, led by Jayasuriya.
Conclusion
Historical Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODI encounters have been full of drama, amazing individual achievements and nail biting finishes. In overall head to head matches New Zealand has performed better but Sri Lanka has been competitive, particularly in the subcontinent. Some of the greatest performances in the history of cricket such as Sanath Jayasuriya, Kane Williamson, Mahela Jayawardene, and Trent Boult are a part of this rivalry.
It remains one of the most captivating rivalries in this sport and as both teams are introducing new players, the competition promises to be fierce. Each team has the desire to rule the world of cricket which guarantees even more interesting clashes in the future. This is New Zealand national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team stats.
FAQs
Ans. New Zealand has an edge over Sri Lanka in their ODI duels in which they have won more games than Sri Lankans.
Ans. Sanath Jayasuriya has the highest number of runs scored in ODIs between these two teams.
Ans. Muttiah Muralitharan is the one with the highest number of wickets in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand ODIs, which stands at 62.
Ans. New Zealand possesses the record for maximum team total in ODIs matches against Sri Lanka.
Ans. They often match in bilateral series as well as ICC events.
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