The Black Caps have earned themselves an international reputation for performing consistently above expectations on a variety of fronts, such as two appearances at both ICC Knockout Trophy and World Cup finals and several tournaments hosted by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s division, along with having an outstanding track record against Sri Lanka.
New Zealand are a team that thrive on pressure, excelling in fast pitches. Their lineup features talented players such as Matt Henry, Rachin Ravindra, and Trent Boult – among many others.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of New Zealand National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Match Scorecard.
| # | Date | Format | Venue | Winner | Margin | Highlights / Player(s) of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 11, 2025 | ODI | Eden Park, Auckland | Sri Lanka | Won by 140 runs | Sri Lanka 290/8; NZ only 150 📌 |
| 2 | Jan 8, 2025 | ODI | Seddon Park, Hamilton | New Zealand | Won by 113 runs | NZ chased 255 off 142‑over chase 📌(, ESPN ) |
| 3 | Jan 5, 2025 | ODI | Basin Reserve, Wellington | New Zealand | Won by 9 wickets | NZ chased 178 with minimal fuss (Will Young 90*) 📌turn0search1turn0search7 |
| 4 | Jan 2, 2025 | T20I | Saxton Oval, Nelson | Sri Lanka | Won by 7 runs | Kusal Perera 101 (fastest SL T20I ton), SL 218 vs NZ 211 📌turn0search2turn0search8 |
| 5 | Dec 30, 2024 | T20I | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | New Zealand | Won by 45 runs | NZ posted ~186; SL bundled for ~141 📌turn0search8turn0search9 |
Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand
Will Young’s unbeaten 90 and an opening stand of 93 with Rachin Ravindra led New Zealand to an emphatic nine-wicket win against Sri Lanka in their first one-day international on Sunday at Wellington, and gave them an edge heading into Thursday’s three-match series at Galle.
The Kiwis suffered two early wickets in their chase and soon fell to 88/5 before the drinks break came around, where whatever captain Asalanka Theekshana told his men was key in turning around their fortunes – by the time Ravindra fell for an incredible 92, they had made considerable headway towards reaching 207/6 at tea time.
William O’Rourke took two early wickets that put Sri Lanka on their heels, dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne with an accurate rising delivery and two overs later cleaning up Pathum Nissanka with a yorker.
As New Zealand began rebuilding their innings, Nissanka was struck in the back of his neck by Matt Henry and slumped down in pain with what appeared to be either a hip or groin injury. After continuing his innings briefly before being taken off by team doctor for further evaluation and being likely ruled out for the remainder of the match, Avishka too could no longer play after being struck on his arm by Sodhi’s bowling delivery.
ODI 1
One-day internationals (ODI) are played between two eleven-player teams of eleven. The winning side of a toss decides who bats or fields first; match duration varies, typically comprising 40, 45 or 55 overs per side.
In One-Day Internationals (ODI), the team that bats first is usually at an advantage because they can score more runs before their opposition bowls – this puts pressure on their opposition while providing opportunities to take wickets before being outed themselves. But, equally importantly, opponents may score plenty of runs themselves and make for a close and competitive matchup!
New Zealand and Sri Lanka rivalry is one of the fiercest in cricket, producing some stunning duels over the years. Although New Zealand have maintained an edge against Sri Lankan counterparts for many years now, recently Sri Lanka are seeing better performances under new coach Sanath Jayasuriya and are showing that they too can produce remarkable displays.
Sri Lanka cruised to victory in their third ODI against New Zealand with ease, taking four wickets through seamers Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga who each claimed three wickets en route to restricting New Zealand to 290-8 before spinner Maheesh Theekshana completed Sri Lankan bowling figures of 4/44 bowling figures for Maheesh Theekshana’s hat-trick and finishing with 4/44 figures himself – this defeat marked New Zealand’s worst loss since they faced Pakistan five-match ODI series from 1998-1999.
ODI 2
New Zealand’s top order struggled in Seddon Park against Sri Lankan spinners Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana’s early assault of bowling at Seddon Park. Sri Lankan spinners Asitha Fernando and Maheesh Theekshana bowled at over one run per ball to leave New Zealand six down for under 150. Dunith Wellalage made an outstanding contribution as he scored at over one run per ball against challenging conditions despite injuries suffered earlier on by India but his chase failed before reaching fifty despite impressive efforts by Rohit Sharma of India before an injury-induced blow ended his innings before reaching his debut fifty in this series.
A wet outfield delayed play, yet the pitch remained suitable for spinners and Sri Lanka were encouraged to bat. Pathum Nissanka and Janith Liyanage shared an opening stand of 67 runs before Pathum fell for 31 off 15 balls; Shreyas Iyer continued his impressive form with an unbeaten half century from 42 deliveries.
New Zealand openers Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls were quickly dismissed but Trent Boult and Matt Henry kept scoring runs to give New Zealand a platform from which to mount a late charge. Unfortunately, an unexpected collapse by their middle and lower order left them struggling; ultimately they ended on 102-8 with no chance to catch Sri Lanka again in this series. New Zealand captain Williamson admitted his side “tried our best” but acknowledged how outstandingly Sri Lankan bowlers performed: “Their bowlers did an incredible job – especially at death,” he stated.
ODI 3
New Zealand batsmen struggled against Sri Lanka’s potency during three one-day internationals at Eden Park in Auckland. Losing numerous wickets during their opening two innings enabled Sri Lanka to claim victory despite the hosts winning by 271 runs overall in this match-up.
Sri Lanka was determined to prove themselves after losing the opening game, so they opened with Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis struggling against Australia, followed by Charith Asalanka being run out under mysterious circumstances, leaving Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage to finish off a 168-run chase successfully.
Rivalry between these teams has produced some nail-biting duel, most recently when the Kiwis narrowly edged out Lankan Lions. Yet, both teams will strive to improve their batting and bowling performances in future matches.
On day four of ODI 3, there was only limited scoring but nonetheless some noteworthy performances. Pathum Nissanka led Sri Lanka with 31 off 15 balls while Maheesh Theekshana scored his own half century. Additionally, Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga provided formidable bowling performances; each picking up three wickets.
ODI 4
New Zealand and Sri Lanka’s rivalry has produced some of the most exciting cricket matches in history. While New Zealand holds a slight edge, Sri Lanka is making strides forward and playing some incredible cricket. We can only hope this rivalry continues to produce breathtaking matches for cricket fans everywhere.
New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 113 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. Batting first, they scored 255-9 after rain delays reduced play to 37 overs per side; lethal bowling from Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga quickly dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order while Maheesh Theekshana took four wickets with 4/44 bowling figures from Maheesh Theekshana who claimed an outstanding four wicket haul himself.
Sri Lanka’s innings was an absolute disaster as they folded for just 142 all out. Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyanage both scored half centuries while the rest of their batsmen struggled. New Zealand seamer Matt Henry continued his impressive series by taking 4-55 wickets; Lockie Ferguson contributed 2 wickets.
The match was filled with action and drama, featuring some stunning hitting from both teams. Sri Lanka was led by Pathum Nissanka who scored an outstanding 66 off 42 balls.
ODI 5
New Zealand and Sri Lanka have long engaged in fierce cricket rivalry. Over time, both sides have showcased outstanding batting and bowling performances to keep fans interested and entertained around the globe.
The third One Day International (ODI) between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was another nail-biter. Sri Lanka took control early with lethal pace bowling from Asitha Fernando and Eshan Malinga. Even when New Zealand scored runs quickly, Sri Lanka still maintained control; their top order failed to provide any resistance against Sri Lankan attack.
This match was an enthralling contest between Sri Lanka and New Zealand that left both teams gasping for breath as both sought to win by five wickets. Sri Lanka managed to hold their nerves and emerge victorious at last. Notable performances came from Mahela Jayawardene and Upul Tharanga of both teams as both scored over 300 runs each; an unprecedented feat indeed! It marked an unforgettable display of rivalry as both players gave all they could in pursuit of victory; truly one which will live long in memory!
