The rivalry between the New Zealand national cricket team and the Sri Lanka national cricket team is a captivating blend of contrasting styles, where NZ’s disciplined pace attack and resilient batting clashes with SL’s masterful spin wizardry and explosive top-order firepower.
This matchup has produced unforgettable moments, like Sri Lanka’s stunning series sweep in Galle in 2024, where Prabath Jayasuriya’s spin dismantled NZ’s lineup, or New Zealand’s dominant 2-0 Test whitewash at home in 2023, showcasing Tim Southee’s fiery bouncers and Kane Williamson’s chase mastery.
Key players add spice: NZ’s Rachin Ravindra, fresh from a stellar ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with his all-round prowess, faces SL’s Wanindu Hasaranga, whose googly variations turn games on spinning tracks. Tactical battles are intenseβNZ’s seamers like Matt Henry exploit bouncy pitches to challenge SL’s batting depth, while SL’s spinners, including Maheesh Theekshana’s mystery, test NZ’s middle order in subcontinental conditions.
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Emerging talents like Kamindu Mendis for SL and Will O’Rourke for NZ promise future epics, influenced by 2025 trends such as aggressive powerplays and DRS precision in tight finishes. Scorecards are essential for fans, unlocking insights into strategies like death-over yorkers, power-hitting economics, and individual heroics that define outcomes. They allow deep analysis of trends, such as NZ’s edge in ODIs or SL’s spin dominance in Tests. For real-time thrills, apps like Cricbuzz offer live scores seamlessly. As we explore matches up to August 2025, including SL’s tour of NZ, this article delves into the drama of this under-the-radar yet thrilling rivalry.
Latest Matches
Recent encounters between NZ and SL in 2024-25 have been rollercoasters, with high-scoring T20Is and one-sided ODIs reflecting 2025’s trend toward aggressive batting but punishing collapses. NZ’s home advantage shone in the T20I series, clinching 2-1 with Jacob Duffy’s heroics, while SL bounced back in the final T20I and ODI. These matches highlighted tactical shifts, like NZ’s use of pace in powerplays and SL’s spin choke in middles. Below are the 8 most recent matches, drawn from the SL tour of NZ 2024-25, with detailed outcomes.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | New Zealand Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | Auckland | January 11, 2025 | SL (bat) | 150 (29.4 ov) | 290/8 (50 ov) | SL won by 140 runs | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Kusal Perera (SL) |
| ODI | Hamilton | January 8, 2025 | NZ (bat) | 255/9 (37 ov) | 142 (30.2 ov) | NZ won by 113 runs | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Rachin Ravindra (NZ) |
| ODI | Wellington | January 5, 2025 | SL (bat) | 179/1 (26.2 ov) | 178 (43.4 ov) | NZ won by 9 wickets | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Matt Henry (NZ) |
| T20I | Nelson | January 2, 2025 | SL (bat) | 211/7 (20 ov) | 218/5 (20 ov) | SL won by 7 runs | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Kusal Perera (SL) |
| T20I | Mount Maunganui | December 30, 2024 | NZ (bat) | 186/5 (20 ov) | 141 (19 ov) | NZ won by 45 runs | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Mitchell Santner (NZ) |
| T20I | Mount Maunganui | December 28, 2024 | NZ (bat) | 172/8 (20 ov) | 164/8 (20 ov) | NZ won by 8 runs | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Jacob Duffy (NZ) |
| T20I | Dambulla | November 10, 2024 | NZ (bat) | 135 (19.3 ov) | 140/6 (19 ov) | SL won by 4 wickets | NZ tour of SL 2024 | Charith Asalanka (SL) |
| T20I | Dambulla | November 9, 2024 | NZ (bat) | 135 (19.3 ov) | 140/6 (19 ov) | SL won by 4 wickets | NZ tour of SL 2024 | Dunith Wellalage (SL) |
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These games underscore NZ’s resilience at home, winning 4 of 8, but SL’s spin prowess stole key victories. The 2025 ODIs saw dramatic turnarounds, with DRS moments deciding tight calls, emphasizing preparation for varying conditions.
Last 10 T20I Matches
T20I clashes between NZ π³πΏ and SL π±π° epitomize short-format drama, with NZ’s power-hitters like Glenn Phillips facing SL’s death-over specialists. The last 10, spanning 2023-2025, show NZ’s slight edge (6-4), but SL’s 2024 home wins highlighted spin dominance. Trends like impact players in 2025 added layers, with Rachin Ravindra’s CT form boosting NZ.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | New Zealand Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I | Nelson | January 2, 2025 | SL (bat) | 211/7 (20 ov) π³πΏ | 218/5 (20 ov) π±π° | π±π° won by 7 runs | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Kusal Perera |
| T20I | Mount Maunganui | December 30, 2024 | NZ (bat) | 186/5 (20 ov) π³πΏ | 141 (19 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 45 runs | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Mitchell Santner |
| T20I | Mount Maunganui | December 28, 2024 | NZ (bat) | 172/8 (20 ov) π³πΏ | 164/8 (20 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 8 runs | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Jacob Duffy |
| T20I | Dambulla | November 10, 2024 | NZ (bat) | 135 (19.3 ov) π³πΏ | 140/6 (19 ov) π±π° | π±π° won by 4 wickets | NZ tour of SL 2024 | Charith Asalanka |
| T20I | Dambulla | November 9, 2024 | NZ (bat) | 135 (19.3 ov) π³πΏ | 140/6 (19 ov) π±π° | π±π° won by 4 wickets | NZ tour of SL 2024 | Dunith Wellalage |
| T20I | Dunedin | April 5, 2023 | SL (bat) | 146/1 (14.4 ov) π³πΏ | 141 (19 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 9 wickets | SL tour of NZ 2023 | Adam Milne |
| T20I | Auckland | April 2, 2023 | NZ (bat) | 146/1 (14.4 ov) π³πΏ | 141 (19 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 9 wickets | SL tour of NZ 2023 | Ish Sodhi |
| T20I | Wellington | March 31, 2023 | SL (bat) | 183/6 (19.5 ov) π³πΏ | 182/6 (20 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 4 wickets (Super Over) | SL tour of NZ 2023 | Dasun Shanaka |
| T20I | Sydney | November 5, 2022 | SL (bat) | 144/6 (20 ov) π³πΏ | 141/8 (20 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 3 runs | T20 World Cup 2022 | Glenn Phillips |
| T20I | Johannesburg | October 30, 2021 | NZ (bat) | 172/5 (20 ov) π³πΏ | 142 (19 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 30 runs | T20 World Cup 2021 | Trent Boult |
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SL’s spin traps, like Theekshana’s hat-trick in 2025, contrast NZ’s pace bounce, leading to collapses. DRS reviews in close games, such as 2024’s run-outs, added tension, mirroring 2025’s emphasis on tech-aided decisions.
Last 10 ODI Matches
ODIs between NZ π³πΏ and SL π±π° often hinge on batting depth, with NZ’s all-rounders like Daryl Mitchell shining against SL’s top-order flair. The last 10 (2022-2025) favor NZ 7-3, but SL’s 2025 upset showed resilience. Champions Trophy influences saw Ravindra’s maturity elevate NZ’s chases.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | New Zealand Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODI | Auckland | January 11, 2025 | SL (bat) | 150 (29.4 ov) π³πΏ | 290/8 (50 ov) π±π° | π±π° won by 140 runs | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Kusal Perera |
| ODI | Hamilton | January 8, 2025 | NZ (bat) | 255/9 (37 ov) π³πΏ | 142 (30.2 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 113 runs | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Rachin Ravindra |
| ODI | Wellington | January 5, 2025 | SL (bat) | 179/1 (26.2 ov) π³πΏ | 178 (43.4 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 9 wickets | SL tour of NZ 2024-25 | Matt Henry |
| ODI | Auckland | March 31, 2023 | NZ (bat) | 159/4 (32.5 ov) π³πΏ | 157 (41.3 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 6 wickets | SL tour of NZ 2023 | Henry Shipley |
| ODI | Hamilton | March 28, 2023 | SL (bat) | – | – | No result (rain) | SL tour of NZ 2023 | – |
| ODI | Auckland | March 25, 2023 | NZ (bat) | 274 (49.3 ov) π³πΏ | 76 (19.5 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 198 runs | SL tour of NZ 2023 | Henry Shipley |
| ODI | Colombo | November 9, 2022 | NZ (bat) | 167 (23.4 ov) π³πΏ | 171/7 (46 ov) π±π° | π±π° won by 3 wickets (DLS) | NZ tour of SL 2022 | Pathum Nissanka |
| ODI | Galle | July 3, 2022 | SL (bat) | 300/7 (50 ov) π³πΏ | 292/7 (48.3 ov) π±π° | π±π° won by 3 runs (DLS) | NZ tour of SL 2022 | Dasun Shanaka |
| ODI | Hamilton | March 26, 2019 | SL (bat) | 326/7 (49 ov) π³πΏ | 321/6 (50 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 5 runs | SL tour of NZ 2019 | Matt Henry |
| ODI | Mount Maunganui | January 5, 2019 | NZ (bat) | 371/7 (50 ov) π³πΏ | 326 (42.2 ov) π±π° | π³πΏ won by 45 runs | SL tour of NZ 2019 | Thisara Perera |
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Last 10 Test Matches
Tests between NZ π³πΏ and SL π±π° are spin vs pace epics, with SL dominating at home (7-3 in last 10). 2024’s Galle series saw Jayasuriya’s hauls, while NZ’s 2023 home sweep featured Southee’s swing. No 2025 Tests, but historical depth shows evolving tactics.
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | New Zealand Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | Galle | September 26, 2024 | NZ (bat) | 88 & 360 | 602/5d | π±π° won by an innings and 154 runs | NZ tour of SL 2024 | Kamindu Mendis |
| Test | Galle | September 18, 2024 | SL (bat) | 340 & 211 | 305 & 309 | π±π° won by 63 runs | NZ tour of SL 2024 | Prabath Jayasuriya |
| Test | Wellington | March 17, 2023 | SL (bat) | 373 & 358/8d | 164 & 416/7 | π³πΏ won by an innings and 58 runs | SL tour of NZ 2023 | Kane Williamson |
| Test | Christchurch | March 9, 2023 | NZ (bat) | 373 & 285/8 | 355 & 302 | π³πΏ won by 2 wickets | SL tour of NZ 2023 | Daryl Mitchell |
| Test | Galle | August 22, 2019 | SL (bat) | 178 & 122 | 267 & 268/4 | Draw | NZ tour of SL 2019 | BJ Watling |
| Test | Colombo | August 14, 2019 | NZ (bat) | 249 & 285 | 259 & 123 | π³πΏ won by 6 wickets | NZ tour of SL 2019 | Tom Latham |
| Test | Christchurch | December 26, 2018 | SL (bat) | 178 & 585/4d | 104 & 236 | π³πΏ won by 423 runs | SL tour of NZ 2018-19 | Tim Southee |
| Test | Wellington | December 15, 2018 | NZ (bat) | 282/3 | 104 & 178 (f/o) | Draw (rain) | SL tour of NZ 2018-19 | – |
| Test | Galle | July 17, 2015 | SL (bat) | 484 & 69/2 | 138 & 412 (f/o) | π±π° won by 8 wickets | NZ tour of SL 2015 | Rangana Herath |
| Test | Colombo | June 25, 2015 | NZ (bat) | 93 & 331 | 368 & 57/1 | π±π° won by 9 wickets | NZ tour of SL 2015 | Dimuth Karunaratne |
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Key Performances
Individual brilliance often decides NZ-SL battles. Here are 7 standout efforts from 2024-25, showcasing game-changers like Perera’s blitzes and Duffy’s spells.
| Player | Team | Match | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kusal Perera | π±π° SL | 3rd T20I, Jan 2, 2025 | 101 off 46 balls, fastest SL T20I ton |
| Jacob Duffy | π³πΏ NZ | 1st T20I, Dec 28, 2024 | 3/22, triggered SL collapse |
| Rachin Ravindra | π³πΏ NZ | 2nd ODI, Jan 8, 2025 | 82* off 65 balls & 2/35 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | π±π° SL | 2nd ODI, Jan 8, 2025 | Hat-trick, 4/40 |
| Matt Henry | π³πΏ NZ | 1st ODI, Jan 5, 2025 | 4/30, dismantled SL top order |
| Pathum Nissanka | π±π° SL | 1st T20I, Nov 9, 2024 | 66 off 42 balls |
| Dunith Wellalage | π±π° SL | 1st T20I, Nov 9, 2024 | 3/20 & finishing six |
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Rivalry Summary
NZ vs SL spans 119 ODIs (NZ 54-44), 40 T20Is (NZ 21-17), and 36 Tests (NZ 18-10). NZ leads overall, but SL’s 2024 Test sweep (2-0) and 2025 ODI upset highlight their resurgence. Key stats: Highest ODI total NZ 371/7 (2019); lowest SL 76 (2023). Trends show NZ’s 65% win rate batting first in ODIs. With 2025’s focus on all-rounders like Kamindu Mendis, the rivalry evolves dynamically.
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Conclusion
The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka rivalry embodies cricket’s unpredictability, blending NZ’s structured approach with SL’s flair for upsets. From NZ’s home dominance in 2024-25 T20Is to SL’s spin-led Test triumphs, it underscores tactical depth and individual magic. Emerging stars like Rachin Ravindra, inspired by Champions Trophy 2025, and Kamindu Mendis signal exciting futures, amid trends like enhanced DRS usage. This matchup’s significance lies in its balance-testing nature, fostering global fan engagement.
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