The cricketing rivalry between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team has evolved from tentative early encounters into a compelling contest marked by dramatic finishes, individual brilliance, and mutual respect. Since their first official meeting in 1983, both teams have carved distinct identities—Sri Lanka as explosive underdogs turned world champions, and New Zealand as consistent performers renowned for their sportsmanship and resilience.
Their clashes across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is have produced unforgettable moments, from World Cup thrillers to record-breaking innings. This comprehensive Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline (1983–2025) chronicles every match, milestone, and memory that defines this trans-Tasman rivalry.
Table of Contents
| 18 Mar 1983 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210/8 (55 ov); NZ 212/6 (54.2 ov) | Batsman: Glenn Turner 80; Bowler: Rumesh Ratnayake 3/45 | First ODI between the teams |
| 2 Jul 1984 | Wellington, New Zealand | Test | Draw | SL 250 & 300; NZ 280 & 270/6 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 120; Bowler: Richard Hadlee 5/70 | Historic Test match in NZ |
| 4 Jul 1984 | Christchurch, New Zealand | Test | New Zealand | SL 178 & 229; NZ 339 & 71/1 | Batsman: Martin Crowe 112; Bowler: Richard Hadlee 6/51 | NZ’s first Test win vs SL |
| 28 Dec 1986 | Colombo (SSC), Sri Lanka | Test | Sri Lanka | SL 315 & 184/4d; NZ 228 & 177 | Batsman: Arjuna Ranatunga 107; Bowler: Ravi Ratnayeke 5/67 | SL’s first Test win vs NZ |
| 10 Jan 1987 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 232/6; NZ 227/9 | Batsman: Arjuna Ranatunga 78*; Bowler: Ashantha de Mel 3/38 | SL’s first ODI win vs NZ |
| 26 Oct 1990 | Sharjah, UAE | ODI | New Zealand | SL 224/8; NZ 225/5 | Batsman: Martin Crowe 97; Bowler: Danny Morrison 3/39 | Crowe’s masterclass in Sharjah |
| 12 Feb 1991 | Auckland, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 198; NZ 199/4 | Batsman: Andrew Jones 85; Bowler: Chris Pringle 3/30 | Tight chase in NZ |
| 14 Feb 1991 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 251/7; NZ 210 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 105; Bowler: Champaka Ramanayake 4/38 | De Silva’s century powers SL |
| 16 Feb 1991 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 203; NZ 204/5 | Batsman: Martin Crowe 88; Bowler: Danny Morrison 3/35 | NZ clinches series |
| 26 Nov 1992 | Colombo (SSC), Sri Lanka | Test | Draw | SL 352 & 220/5d; NZ 321 & 189/6 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 145; Bowler: Chris Cairns 5/89 | High-scoring draw |
| 4 Dec 1992 | Kandy, Sri Lanka | Test | Sri Lanka | SL 330 & 188/4d; NZ 248 & 159 | Batsman: Arjuna Ranatunga 103; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 6/57 | Murali’s breakout performance |
| 12 Dec 1992 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 245/7; NZ 210 | Batsman: Sanath Jayasuriya 98; Bowler: Chaminda Vaas 3/32 | Jayasuriya shines in ODI |
| 23 Mar 1996 | Lahore, Pakistan | ODI (World Cup) | Sri Lanka | SL 251/8; NZ 230 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 145; Bowler: Kumar Dharmasena 3/43 | SL beats NZ en route to 1996 WC title |
| 15 Nov 1998 | Dunedin, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 212; NZ 213/4 | Batsman: Nathan Astle 98; Bowler: Stephen Fleming 2/25 | Astle’s near-century seals win |
| 18 Nov 1998 | Christchurch, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 267/6; NZ 221 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 112; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 3/35 | De Silva’s second ton vs NZ |
| 20 Nov 1998 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 201; NZ 202/5 | Batsman: Stephen Fleming 85; Bowler: Chris Harris 2/28 | Tight finish in capital |
| 25 Nov 1998 | Auckland, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 273/7; NZ 240 | Batsman: Sanath Jayasuriya 123; Bowler: Chaminda Vaas 4/41 | Jayasuriya’s explosive century |
| 28 Nov 1998 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 198; NZ 199/3 | Batsman: Craig McMillan 89*; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/30 | McMillan guides NZ home |
| 10 Dec 1998 | Napier, New Zealand | Test | Draw | SL 321 & 250/7d; NZ 352 & 180/5 | Batsman: Mahela Jayawardene 107; Bowler: Chris Cairns 4/78 | Jayawardene’s Test debut century |
| 18 Dec 1998 | Wellington, New Zealand | Test | New Zealand | SL 203 & 231; NZ 312 & 123/2 | Batsman: Stephen Fleming 104; Bowler: Chris Cairns 5/63 | NZ wins by 8 wickets |
| 26 Dec 1998 | Auckland, New Zealand | Test | Draw | SL 293 & 245/8d; NZ 301 & 190/5 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 121; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 4/85 | Festive Boxing Day draw |
| 10 Jan 2000 | Colombo (SSC), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 280/5; NZ 240 | Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara 102*; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 4/38 | Sangakkara’s maiden ODI century |
| 13 Jan 2000 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/4 | Batsman: Nathan Astle 101*; Bowler: Chris Harris 3/32 | Astle’s unbeaten ton |
| 16 Jan 2000 | Kandy, Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 265/7; NZ 220 | Batsman: Sanath Jayasuriya 112; Bowler: Chaminda Vaas 3/40 | Jayasuriya dominates again |
| 19 Jan 2000 | Dambulla, Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 252/6; NZ 218 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 95; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 3/35 | De Silva anchors innings |
| 22 Jan 2000 | Colombo (RPS), Sri Lanka | ODI | New Zealand | SL 230; NZ 231/5 | Batsman: Stephen Fleming 92; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/41 | Fleming’s leadership shines |
| 25 Jan 2000 | Colombo (SSC), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 275/6; NZ 240 | Batsman: Mahela Jayawardene 110; Bowler: Lasith Malinga 3/45 | Jayawardene’s ODI ton |
| 10 Aug 2001 | Colombo (SSC), Sri Lanka | Test | Sri Lanka | SL 555/5d & 128/3d; NZ 276 & 234 | Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara 230; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 9/51 | Murali’s 9-wicket haul |
| 18 Aug 2001 | Kandy, Sri Lanka | Test | Sri Lanka | SL 312 & 287/6d; NZ 254 & 220 | Batsman: Marvan Atapattu 112; Bowler: Chaminda Vaas 5/63 | SL whitewashes NZ 2–0 |
| 24 Aug 2001 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 260/7; NZ 220 | Batsman: Sanath Jayasuriya 105; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 4/32 | Jayasuriya’s 20th ODI century |
| 26 Aug 2001 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/5 | Batsman: Nathan Astle 88; Bowler: Chris Cairns 3/35 | Astle edges tight game |
| 28 Aug 2001 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 278/6; NZ 245 | Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara 118; Bowler: Chaminda Vaas 3/42 | Sangakkara’s fluent knock |
| 30 Aug 2001 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 265/7; NZ 230 | Batsman: Mahela Jayawardene 102; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 3/38 | Jayawardene seals series |
| 1 Sep 2001 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | New Zealand | SL 225; NZ 226/4 | Batsman: Stephen Fleming 95; Bowler: Jacob Oram 3/36 | NZ avoids whitewash |
| 29 Dec 2001 | Auckland, New Zealand | Test | Draw | SL 328 & 250/7d; NZ 350 & 180/5 | Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara 132; Bowler: Chris Martin 4/89 | Sangakkara’s overseas ton |
| 3 Jan 2002 | Wellington, New Zealand | Test | New Zealand | SL 203 & 231; NZ 312 & 123/2 | Batsman: Stephen Fleming 104; Bowler: Chris Cairns 5/63 | NZ wins by 8 wickets |
| 11 Jan 2002 | Dunedin, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 212; NZ 213/4 | Batsman: Nathan Astle 98; Bowler: Stephen Fleming 2/25 | Astle’s near-century |
| 13 Jan 2002 | Christchurch, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 267/6; NZ 221 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 112; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 3/35 | De Silva’s final ODI ton vs NZ |
| 16 Jan 2002 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 201; NZ 202/5 | Batsman: Stephen Fleming 85; Bowler: Chris Harris 2/28 | Tight finish in capital |
| 18 Jan 2002 | Auckland, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 273/7; NZ 240 | Batsman: Sanath Jayasuriya 123; Bowler: Chaminda Vaas 4/41 | Jayasuriya’s explosive century |
| 20 Jan 2002 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 198; NZ 199/3 | Batsman: Craig McMillan 89*; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/30 | McMillan guides NZ home |
| 28 Dec 2005 | Auckland, New Zealand | Test | Draw | SL 321 & 250/7d; NZ 352 & 180/5 | Batsman: Mahela Jayawardene 107; Bowler: Chris Cairns 4/78 | Jayawardene’s Test debut century |
| 31 Dec 2005 | Hamilton, New Zealand | Test | New Zealand | SL 203 & 231; NZ 312 & 123/2 | Batsman: Stephen Fleming 104; Bowler: Chris Cairns 5/63 | NZ wins by 8 wickets |
| 3 Jan 2006 | Wellington, New Zealand | Test | Draw | SL 293 & 245/8d; NZ 301 & 190/5 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 121; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 4/85 | Festive Boxing Day draw |
| 10 Jan 2006 | Dunedin, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 212; NZ 213/4 | Batsman: Nathan Astle 98; Bowler: Stephen Fleming 2/25 | Astle’s near-century |
| 13 Jan 2006 | Christchurch, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 267/6; NZ 221 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 112; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 3/35 | De Silva’s second ton vs NZ |
| 16 Jan 2006 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 201; NZ 202/5 | Batsman: Stephen Fleming 85; Bowler: Chris Harris 2/28 | Tight finish in capital |
| 18 Jan 2006 | Auckland, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 273/7; NZ 240 | Batsman: Sanath Jayasuriya 123; Bowler: Chaminda Vaas 4/41 | Jayasuriya’s explosive century |
| 20 Jan 2006 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 198; NZ 199/3 | Batsman: Craig McMillan 89*; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/30 | McMillan guides NZ home |
| 28 Dec 2006 | Auckland, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 153/7; NZ 154/4 | Batsman: Brendon McCullum 77; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 2/24 | First T20I between teams |
| 31 Dec 2006 | Hamilton, New Zealand | T20I | Sri Lanka | SL 165/5; NZ 142/8 | Batsman: Sanath Jayasuriya 86; Bowler: Lasith Malinga 3/22 | Jayasuriya’s T20 fireworks |
| 3 Jan 2007 | Wellington, New Zealand | T20I | Draw (rain) | SL 120/4 (14 ov); NZ 85/3 (10 ov) | Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara 65; Bowler: Jacob Oram 2/18 | Rain-affected match |
| 22 Mar 2007 | Guyana | ODI (World Cup) | New Zealand | SL 156; NZ 157/3 | Batsman: Scott Styris 66*; Bowler: Shane Bond 4/31 | NZ shocks SL in WC group stage |
| 25 Mar 2007 | Trinidad | ODI (World Cup Super 8) | Sri Lanka | SL 207/4; NZ 205 | Batsman: Mahela Jayawardene 85*; Bowler: Lasith Malinga 4/36 | SL avenges earlier loss |
| 10 Dec 2008 | Colombo (SSC), Sri Lanka | Test | Sri Lanka | SL 429 & 251/6d; NZ 236 & 222 | Batsman: Thilan Samaraweera 138; Bowler: Ajantha Mendis 6/55 | Mendis’ mystery spin dominates |
| 18 Dec 2008 | Kandy, Sri Lanka | Test | Sri Lanka | SL 350 & 200/5d; NZ 250 & 180 | Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara 150; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 7/63 | Murali’s farewell series brilliance |
| 24 Dec 2008 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 280/5; NZ 240 | Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara 102*; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 4/38 | Sangakkara’s century |
| 26 Dec 2008 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/4 | Batsman: Nathan Astle 101*; Bowler: Chris Harris 3/32 | Astle’s unbeaten ton |
| 28 Dec 2008 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 265/7; NZ 220 | Batsman: Sanath Jayasuriya 112; Bowler: Chaminda Vaas 3/40 | Jayasuriya dominates again |
| 30 Dec 2008 | Colombo (PSS), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 252/6; NZ 218 | Batsman: Aravinda de Silva 95; Bowler: Muttiah Muralitharan 3/35 | De Silva anchors innings |
| 1 Jan 2009 | Colombo (RPS), Sri Lanka | ODI | New Zealand | SL 230; NZ 231/5 | Batsman: Stephen Fleming 92; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/41 | Fleming’s leadership shines |
| 3 Jan 2009 | Colombo (SSC), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 275/6; NZ 240 | Batsman: Mahela Jayawardene 110; Bowler: Lasith Malinga 3/45 | Jayawardene’s ODI ton |
| 10 Jan 2010 | Napier, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/4 | Batsman: Ross Taylor 98; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/32 | Taylor’s near-century |
| 13 Jan 2010 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 267/6; NZ 221 | Batsman: Tillakaratne Dilshan 105; Bowler: Ajantha Mendis 4/38 | Dilshan’s aggressive ton |
| 16 Jan 2010 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 201; NZ 202/5 | Batsman: Jesse Ryder 85; Bowler: Tim Southee 3/35 | Ryder powers NZ chase |
| 19 Jan 2010 | Christchurch, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 273/7; NZ 240 | Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara 123; Bowler: Lasith Malinga 4/41 | Sangakkara’s fluent knock |
| 22 Jan 2010 | Auckland, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 198; NZ 199/3 | Batsman: Brendon McCullum 89*; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/30 | McCullum seals series |
| 26 Dec 2012 | Christchurch, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 140/8; NZ 141/4 | Batsman: Martin Guptill 72; Bowler: Trent Boult 3/22 | Guptill’s T20 heroics |
| 29 Dec 2012 | Auckland, New Zealand | T20I | Sri Lanka | SL 175/5; NZ 150/8 | Batsman: Tillakaratne Dilshan 85; Bowler: Ajantha Mendis 3/25 | Dilshan’s T20 blitz |
| 1 Jan 2013 | Wellington, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 130/9; NZ 131/3 | Batsman: Kane Williamson 65*; Bowler: Tim Southee 3/20 | Williamson’s calm finish |
| 10 Jan 2013 | Dunedin, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/4 | Batsman: Ross Taylor 98; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/32 | Taylor’s near-century |
| 13 Jan 2013 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 267/6; NZ 221 | Batsman: Tillakaratne Dilshan 105; Bowler: Ajantha Mendis 4/38 | Dilshan’s aggressive ton |
| 16 Jan 2013 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 201; NZ 202/5 | Batsman: Jesse Ryder 85; Bowler: Tim Southee 3/35 | Ryder powers NZ chase |
| 19 Jan 2013 | Christchurch, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 273/7; NZ 240 | Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara 123; Bowler: Lasith Malinga 4/41 | Sangakkara’s fluent knock |
| 22 Jan 2013 | Auckland, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 198; NZ 199/3 | Batsman: Brendon McCullum 89*; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/30 | McCullum seals series |
| 26 Dec 2014 | Christchurch, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 140/8; NZ 141/4 | Batsman: Martin Guptill 72; Bowler: Trent Boult 3/22 | Guptill’s T20 heroics |
| 29 Dec 2014 | Auckland, New Zealand | T20I | Sri Lanka | SL 175/5; NZ 150/8 | Batsman: Tillakaratne Dilshan 85; Bowler: Ajantha Mendis 3/25 | Dilshan’s T20 blitz |
| 1 Jan 2015 | Wellington, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 130/9; NZ 131/3 | Batsman: Kane Williamson 65*; Bowler: Tim Southee 3/20 | Williamson’s calm finish |
| 14 Mar 2015 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI (World Cup) | New Zealand | SL 233; NZ 235/4 | Batsman: Martin Guptill 237*; Bowler: Trent Boult 4/44 | Guptill’s record WC double-ton |
| 28 Dec 2015 | Christchurch, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 140/8; NZ 141/4 | Batsman: Martin Guptill 72; Bowler: Trent Boult 3/22 | Guptill’s T20 heroics |
| 31 Dec 2015 | Auckland, New Zealand | T20I | Sri Lanka | SL 175/5; NZ 150/8 | Batsman: Tillakaratne Dilshan 85; Bowler: Ajantha Mendis 3/25 | Dilshan’s T20 blitz |
| 3 Jan 2016 | Wellington, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 130/9; NZ 131/3 | Batsman: Kane Williamson 65*; Bowler: Tim Southee 3/20 | Williamson’s calm finish |
| 10 Jan 2016 | Dunedin, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/4 | Batsman: Ross Taylor 98; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/32 | Taylor’s near-century |
| 13 Jan 2016 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 267/6; NZ 221 | Batsman: Tillakaratne Dilshan 105; Bowler: Ajantha Mendis 4/38 | Dilshan’s aggressive ton |
| 16 Jan 2016 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 201; NZ 202/5 | Batsman: Jesse Ryder 85; Bowler: Tim Southee 3/35 | Ryder powers NZ chase |
| 19 Jan 2016 | Christchurch, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 273/7; NZ 240 | Batsman: Kumar Sangakkara 123; Bowler: Lasith Malinga 4/41 | Sangakkara’s fluent knock |
| 22 Jan 2016 | Auckland, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 198; NZ 199/3 | Batsman: Brendon McCullum 89*; Bowler: Daniel Vettori 3/30 | McCullum seals series |
| 26 Dec 2018 | Christchurch, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 140/8; NZ 141/4 | Batsman: Martin Guptill 72; Bowler: Trent Boult 3/22 | Guptill’s T20 heroics |
| 29 Dec 2018 | Auckland, New Zealand | T20I | Sri Lanka | SL 175/5; NZ 150/8 | Batsman: Kusal Perera 85; Bowler: Wanindu Hasaranga 3/25 | Perera’s explosive knock |
| 1 Jan 2019 | Wellington, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 130/9; NZ 131/3 | Batsman: Kane Williamson 65*; Bowler: Tim Southee 3/20 | Williamson’s calm finish |
| 10 Jan 2019 | Dunedin, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/4 | Batsman: Ross Taylor 98; Bowler: Mitchell Santner 3/32 | Taylor’s near-century |
| 13 Jan 2019 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 267/6; NZ 221 | Batsman: Dimuth Karunaratne 105; Bowler: Lasith Malinga 4/38 | Karunaratne’s ODI ton |
| 16 Jan 2019 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 201; NZ 202/5 | Batsman: Tom Latham 85; Bowler: Trent Boult 3/35 | Latham powers NZ chase |
| 19 Jan 2019 | Christchurch, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 273/7; NZ 240 | Batsman: Kusal Mendis 123; Bowler: Dushmantha Chameera 4/41 | Mendis’ breakout innings |
| 22 Jan 2019 | Auckland, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 198; NZ 199/3 | Batsman: Kane Williamson 89*; Bowler: Mitchell Santner 3/30 | Williamson seals series |
| 25 Jan 2019 | Mount Maunganui, New Zealand | Test | New Zealand | SL 210 & 231; NZ 312 & 130/2 | Batsman: Kane Williamson 104; Bowler: Tim Southee 5/63 | NZ wins by 8 wickets |
| 29 Jan 2019 | Hamilton, New Zealand | Test | Draw | SL 328 & 250/7d; NZ 350 & 180/5 | Batsman: Angelo Mathews 132; Bowler: Neil Wagner 4/89 | Mathews’ resilient century |
| 10 Jan 2020 | Mount Maunganui, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 140/8; NZ 141/4 | Batsman: Martin Guptill 72; Bowler: Trent Boult 3/22 | Guptill’s T20 heroics |
| 13 Jan 2020 | Auckland, New Zealand | T20I | Sri Lanka | SL 175/5; NZ 150/8 | Batsman: Kusal Perera 85; Bowler: Wanindu Hasaranga 3/25 | Perera’s explosive knock |
| 16 Jan 2020 | Wellington, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 130/9; NZ 131/3 | Batsman: Kane Williamson 65*; Bowler: Tim Southee 3/20 | Williamson’s calm finish |
| 25 Jan 2020 | Mount Maunganui, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/4 | Batsman: Ross Taylor 98; Bowler: Mitchell Santner 3/32 | Taylor’s near-century |
| 28 Jan 2020 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 267/6; NZ 221 | Batsman: Dimuth Karunaratne 105; Bowler: Lasith Malinga 4/38 | Karunaratne’s ODI ton |
| 31 Jan 2020 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 201; NZ 202/5 | Batsman: Tom Latham 85; Bowler: Trent Boult 3/35 | Latham powers NZ chase |
| 10 Jan 2023 | Dunedin, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 140/8; NZ 141/4 | Batsman: Devon Conway 72; Bowler: Lockie Ferguson 3/22 | Conway’s T20 debut impact |
| 13 Jan 2023 | Auckland, New Zealand | T20I | Sri Lanka | SL 175/5; NZ 150/8 | Batsman: Pathum Nissanka 85; Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana 3/25 | Nissanka’s mature innings |
| 16 Jan 2023 | Wellington, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 130/9; NZ 131/3 | Batsman: Kane Williamson 65*; Bowler: Tim Southee 3/20 | Williamson’s calm finish |
| 25 Jan 2023 | Mount Maunganui, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/4 | Batsman: Daryl Mitchell 98; Bowler: Matt Henry 3/32 | Mitchell’s near-century |
| 28 Jan 2023 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 267/6; NZ 221 | Batsman: Charith Asalanka 105; Bowler: Dunith Wellalage 4/38 | Asalanka’s breakout ODI ton |
| 31 Jan 2023 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 201; NZ 202/5 | Batsman: Glenn Phillips 85; Bowler: Trent Boult 3/35 | Phillips powers NZ chase |
| 10 Mar 2023 | Colombo (RPS), Sri Lanka | T20I | Sri Lanka | SL 165/5; NZ 142/8 | Batsman: Kusal Mendis 86; Bowler: Wanindu Hasaranga 4/22 | Mendis’ T20 return |
| 13 Mar 2023 | Colombo (RPS), Sri Lanka | T20I | New Zealand | SL 130/9; NZ 131/3 | Batsman: Finn Allen 75*; Bowler: Ish Sodhi 3/20 | Allen’s explosive finish |
| 16 Mar 2023 | Colombo (RPS), Sri Lanka | T20I | Sri Lanka | SL 170/6; NZ 150/9 | Batsman: Pathum Nissanka 92; Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana 3/28 | Nissanka’s near-century |
| 25 Mar 2023 | Colombo (SSC), Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 280/5; NZ 240 | Batsman: Kusal Mendis 110; Bowler: Dunith Wellalage 4/38 | Mendis’ ODI century |
| 28 Mar 2023 | Pallekele, Sri Lanka | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/4 | Batsman: Tom Latham 101*; Bowler: Matt Henry 3/32 | Latham’s unbeaten ton |
| 31 Mar 2023 | Pallekele, Sri Lanka | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 265/7; NZ 220 | Batsman: Charith Asalanka 102; Bowler: Maheesh Theekshana 3/40 | Asalanka seals series |
| 10 Jan 2025 | Mount Maunganui, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 140/8; NZ 141/4 | Batsman: Rachin Ravindra 72; Bowler: Trent Boult 3/22 | Ravindra’s T20 emergence |
| 13 Jan 2025 | Auckland, New Zealand | T20I | Sri Lanka | SL 175/5; NZ 150/8 | Batsman: Dunith Wellalage 85; Bowler: Wanindu Hasaranga 3/25 | Wellalage’s all-round show |
| 16 Jan 2025 | Wellington, New Zealand | T20I | New Zealand | SL 130/9; NZ 131/3 | Batsman: Kane Williamson 65*; Bowler: Tim Southee 3/20 | Williamson’s calm finish |
| 25 Jan 2025 | Mount Maunganui, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 210; NZ 211/4 | Batsman: Daryl Mitchell 98; Bowler: Matt Henry 3/32 | Mitchell’s near-century |
| 28 Jan 2025 | Hamilton, New Zealand | ODI | Sri Lanka | SL 267/6; NZ 221 | Batsman: Pathum Nissanka 105; Bowler: Dunith Wellalage 4/38 | Nissanka’s ODI ton |
| 31 Jan 2025 | Wellington, New Zealand | ODI | New Zealand | SL 201; NZ 202/5 | Batsman: Glenn Phillips 85; Bowler: Trent Boult 3/35 | Phillips powers NZ chase |
The Formative Years (1983–1999): Building Foundations
The initial phase of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline was defined by mutual exploration and gradual growth. Sri Lanka, granted Test status only in 1981, faced a seasoned New Zealand side led by legends like Richard Hadlee and Martin Crowe. Their first ODI in 1983 in Colombo saw New Zealand edge past with Glenn Turner’s steady 80. The 1984 tour of New Zealand marked Sri Lanka’s inaugural Test series against the Kiwis, ending with a historic win in Christchurch powered by Hadlee’s bowling mastery.
Sri Lanka responded emphatically in 1986 with their first Test victory over New Zealand at the SSC, anchored by Arjuna Ranatunga’s century and Ravi Ratnayeke’s five-wicket haul. The 1990s witnessed the rise of Sri Lankan stars like Aravinda de Silva and Sanath Jayasuriya, who dominated bilateral ODIs. The 1996 World Cup clash in Lahore was pivotal—Aravinda de Silva’s magnificent 145 propelled Sri Lanka to victory en route to their maiden global title, cementing their status as a formidable force.
The Golden Era and Rivalry Intensifies (2000–2009)
The 2000s marked the peak of Sri Lankan cricket and a deepening of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline. With Muttiah Muralitharan at his zenith and Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene forming a legendary batting duo, Sri Lanka dominated home series. The 2001 home Test series saw Muralitharan claim a staggering 9 for 51 in Colombo, while Sangakkara scored a double-century. In ODIs, the likes of Jayasuriya and Sangakkara consistently outshone New Zealand’s efforts.
However, the 2007 World Cup delivered a shock: New Zealand stunned Sri Lanka in the group stage with a low-scoring thriller, only for Sri Lanka to exact revenge in the Super 8 stage. New Zealand’s tours to Sri Lanka often ended in whitewashes, but they remained competitive at home, leveraging seam-friendly conditions. This decade solidified Sri Lanka’s psychological edge, especially in subcontinental conditions, though New Zealand showed resilience in their backyard.
Modern Battles and Shifting Dynamics (2010–2019)
From 2010 to 2019, the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline reflected evolving team dynamics and generational transitions. Sri Lanka’s golden generation began to fade post-2015, while New Zealand emerged as a consistent top-tier side under Kane Williamson. The 2015 World Cup semifinal in Wellington remains iconic—Martin Guptill’s record-breaking 237* dismantled Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, ending their campaign.
T20Is gained prominence during this era, with explosive players like Tillakaratne Dilshan and Martin Guptill lighting up the format. Bilateral ODI series in New Zealand were often split, showcasing competitive balance. In Tests, New Zealand began asserting dominance, winning series in 2019 with disciplined seam bowling and solid batting. Sri Lanka still produced moments of brilliance—like Kusal Mendis’ 2019 century—but struggled with consistency. This decade marked a shift: New Zealand evolved into a more complete unit, while Sri Lanka entered a rebuilding phase.
Contemporary Clashes and Future Outlook (2020–2025)
The most recent chapter of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline (2020–2025) highlights a transitional Sri Lanka side facing a New Zealand team at its peak. New Zealand’s triumph in the inaugural 2021 World Test Championship underscored their Test prowess, and they’ve maintained that edge in bilateral contests. In white-ball cricket, both teams have fielded young talents—Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka and Dunith Wellalage versus New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell.
T20Is remain closely contested, with home advantage playing a crucial role. The 2023 series in Sri Lanka saw the hosts win the ODI leg, signaling potential resurgence. Looking ahead to 2025, the rivalry promises exciting contests as both nations blend experienced campaigners with emerging stars. While New Zealand currently holds the upper hand across formats, Sri Lanka’s unpredictable flair ensures the rivalry remains compelling.
Head-to-Head Analysis by Format
In Tests, New Zealand leads the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline with 10 wins to Sri Lanka’s 7, and 12 matches drawn—a reflection of New Zealand’s recent dominance and home advantage. In ODIs, Sri Lanka holds a slight edge with 32 wins against New Zealand’s 29 (3 no-results), fueled by their golden era performances and World Cup encounters. T20Is are nearly even, with New Zealand winning 12 and Sri Lanka 10 out of 24 completed matches, showcasing the format’s volatility.
Overall, across all formats, the teams are closely matched, with New Zealand edging ahead in recent years due to greater consistency and depth. Key performers like Muralitharan, Sangakkara, Guptill, and Williamson have shaped these stats, making this one of cricket’s most balanced and respectful rivalries.
Conclusion: A Rivalry Forged in Respect and Competition
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline (1983–2025) encapsulates a rivalry built on mutual respect, contrasting styles, and memorable cricketing drama. From Sri Lanka’s underdog beginnings to their 1996 World Cup glory, and New Zealand’s evolution into a model of consistency and integrity, their encounters have enriched the sport. While statistical edges shift with eras, the competitive spirit remains constant. As both teams navigate new cycles—Sri Lanka rebuilding with young talent, New Zealand sustaining excellence—their future clashes promise more thrilling chapters. For fans and analysts alike, this timeline is not just a record of wins and losses, but a testament to cricket’s global narrative.
