Introduction: new zealand national cricket team vs sri lanka national cricket team timeline
The cricketing rivalry between the New Zealand National Cricket Team and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team has grown steadily over the years. Though both teams come from different regions and cricketing cultures, their matches have been fiercely competitive and entertaining. This article dives deep into the timeline of matches, explores hibbies (quirky and fun moments), and offers detailed insights into the history, stats, and player performances that define this captivating rivalry.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of the Rivalry
The cricket relationship between New Zealand and Sri Lanka began in the mid-1980s, when Sri Lanka was still establishing itself as a full-fledged Test-playing nation. Over the decades, both teams have developed strong squads and have challenged each other in all formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
While New Zealand is known for its disciplined seam bowling and tactical awareness, Sri Lanka’s strength lies in its flair, unorthodox play, and spin attack. This contrast has made their encounters thrilling and unpredictable.
Head-to-Head Stats Across Formats
| Format | Matches Played | New Zealand Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 37 | 19 | 9 | 9 |
| ODI | 101 | 51 | 41 | 9 |
| T20I | 21 | 11 | 8 | 2 |
Note: Stats as of July 2025.
Timeline of Matches – Key Moments
Here is a timeline table that highlights key bilateral series and major tournament encounters between the New Zealand and Sri Lanka cricket teams:
Timeline of New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Matches
| Year | Format | Series/Tournament | Venue(s) | Highlight/Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | ODI | World Cup | England | First ODI meeting – NZ won by 5 wickets |
| 1984 | Test | Bilateral Series | Sri Lanka | First Test series – Drawn 1-1 |
| 1992 | ODI | World Cup | New Zealand | Sri Lanka shocked NZ in group stage |
| 1998 | Test/ODI | Bilateral Series | Sri Lanka | Jayasuriya scored a double century |
| 2001 | Test/ODI | Bilateral Series | New Zealand | Stephen Fleming starred with the bat |
| 2003 | ODI | World Cup | South Africa | New Zealand won convincingly |
| 2006 | Test/ODI | Bilateral Series | New Zealand | Bond’s pace destroyed SL batting |
| 2007 | ODI | World Cup Semi-final | West Indies | Sri Lanka beat NZ to reach final |
| 2009 | T20I | T20 World Cup | England | SL won in group stage with Mendis magic |
| 2012 | Test/ODI | Bilateral Series | Sri Lanka | SL won ODIs, Tests drawn |
| 2015 | ODI | World Cup Pool Match | New Zealand | NZ won opener with McCullum fireworks |
| 2015 | Test/ODI/T20I | Full Tour | New Zealand | NZ whitewashed SL in ODIs |
| 2018 | Test | Bilateral Series | NZ | Ross Taylor century in Christchurch |
| 2019 | Test | World Test Championship | SL | SL chased 268 in Galle – Kusal Mendis heroics |
| 2022 | ODI/T20I | Bilateral Series | NZ | NZ dominated white-ball series |
| 2023 | ODI | World Cup | India | NZ thrashed SL by 5 wickets |
| 2024 | Test/ODI | Bilateral Series | SL | SL won a historic Test in Colombo |
| 2025 | T20I | Bilateral Series | NZ | Tight T20I series – 2-1 to NZ |
Hibbies – Fun, Quirky Moments Between NZ and SL
Hibbies refer to light-hearted, quirky, or bizarre moments in cricket that fans remember for years. The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka rivalry has plenty of such memorable moments.
Muralitharan vs McCullum – The Mind Games
During an ODI in 2006, Brendon McCullum attempted to reverse-sweep Muttiah Muralitharan, one of the world’s best spinners, on the very first ball he faced. It didn’t connect, but the cheeky smile exchanged between the two became a fan-favorite GIF!
Ross Taylor’s Sunglasses Incident
In a 2015 ODI, Ross Taylor dropped his sunglasses mid-delivery while facing Lasith Malinga. He still managed to play a cover drive for four while laughing. Malinga applauded it with a big grin.
Run-Out Comedy in 2012
During a 2012 ODI in Hambantota, both Sri Lankan batsmen ended up at the same end after a mix-up. Martin Guptill calmly walked and knocked off the bails with a smile. Commentators labeled it “a comedy of errors.”
Santner’s One-Handed Stunner
In a 2022 T20I, Mitchell Santner took a diving one-handed catch on the boundary line to dismiss Kusal Perera. The crowd erupted, and the moment was replayed for days across sports networks.
Unexpected Fireworks in the 2023 World Cup
After winning a low-scoring thriller in India, New Zealand players accidentally set off celebratory fireworks during a live TV interview, causing players to laugh and run off mid-chat.
Memorable Performances in the Rivalry
Let’s take a look at some iconic performances by players from both teams:
New Zealand Heroes
- Brendon McCullum (2015 World Cup): Blasted a 65 off 45 balls to set the tone.
- Shane Bond (2006): Destroyed SL’s top order with pace – 6 wickets in a match.
- Kane Williamson (2019 Tests): Scored a gritty 200* in a draw in Wellington.
- Tim Southee (Multiple Years): Consistently troubled SL with swing bowling.
Sri Lankan Stars
- Sanath Jayasuriya (1998): Blazed a double century in Kandy.
- Muttiah Muralitharan: Dominated Kiwi batsmen with turn and bounce.
- Kusal Perera (2019): Stunning 153* in Galle to win a Test from nowhere.
- Lasith Malinga (ODIs): Yorker king rattled NZ line-ups across formats.
Tournament Clashes – Pressure Moments
The two sides have met multiple times in ICC events:
2007 World Cup Semi-Final
Sri Lanka crushed New Zealand in Jamaica. Mahela Jayawardene’s century and Muralitharan’s spin proved too much.
2015 World Cup Opening Match
New Zealand dominated with McCullum and Boult showcasing class at home.
2023 World Cup Group Stage
In India, New Zealand again held the upper hand, defeating Sri Lanka with a balanced all-round performance.
Tours and Conditions – Who Performs Better Where?
New Zealand:
- Seam-friendly pitches
- New Zealand has the upper hand
- Bowlers like Southee and Boult thrive
Sri Lanka:
- Spin-friendly surfaces
- SL’s spinners like Mendis, Herath, and Muralitharan dominate
- Home advantage often gives SL a Test win
Sportsmanship and Respect
Despite the competition, New Zealand and Sri Lanka have always shown immense mutual respect. Players exchange smiles, share laughs, and uphold the spirit of the game. There are rarely controversies in their matches, making the rivalry friendly yet competitive.
Future of the Rivalry
With rising stars like Devon Conway, Finn Allen, Matheesha Pathirana, and Dunith Wellalage, the next decade promises even more exciting battles between these two nations. As both boards invest in youth and infrastructure, their clashes will only grow in intensity and quality.
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka cricket rivalry is a beautiful blend of skill, drama, and sportsmanship. It may not be as hyped as some other rivalries, but its consistency, surprises, and classic moments have earned it a place in cricketing folklore.
From Test battles in Galle to World Cup showdowns, from fiery spells by Bond and Malinga to clever innings by Williamson and Jayasuriya, this rivalry has given fans memories to cherish. And as both teams continue to evolve, we can expect even more unforgettable encounters in the years ahead.
