The T20I encounters between Sri Lanka and New Zealand have produced some of the most thrilling matches in cricket’s shortest format. While New Zealand has generally dominated, Sri Lanka has pulled off memorable upsets, especially in high-pressure tournaments.
Head-to-Head Overview (As of July 2024)
| Stat | Sri Lanka | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 24 | 24 |
| Wins | 8 | 14 |
| Highest Score | 215/5 (2019) | 219/7 (2023) |
| Lowest Score | 88 (2019) | 60 (2014) |
| Win % | 33.33% | 58.33% |
Key Takeaways:
New Zealand leads 14-8 in T20Is against Sri Lanka
5 matches were decided in the final over
Sri Lanka’s 2014 T20 WC win remains their most famous victory
New Zealand has dominated recent encounters (won 5 of last 6)
Detailed Match Scorecards (Last 10 T20Is)
1. 2019 T20I (Sri Lanka’s Record Chase)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | 3rd T20I, New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka |
| Venue | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium |
| Date | September 6, 2019 |
| Toss Winner | New Zealand |
| Toss Decision | Bat first |
| New Zealand | 211/5 (20 overs) |
| Sri Lanka | 215/5 (19.4 overs) |
| Result | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets |
| Player of Match | Kusal Perera (53 off 24) |
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2. 2022 T20 World Cup (NZ’s Clinical Win)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | 2022 ICC T20 World Cup |
| Venue | Sydney Cricket Ground |
| Date | October 29, 2022 |
| Toss Winner | New Zealand |
| Toss Decision | Field first |
| Sri Lanka | 167/7 (20 overs) |
| New Zealand | 168/5 (19.5 overs) |
| Result | New Zealand won by 5 wickets |
| Player of Match | Glenn Phillips (104 off 64) |
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3. 2023 T20I (NZ’s Record Total)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | 2nd T20I, New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka |
| Venue | Eden Park, Auckland |
| Date | April 5, 2023 |
| Toss Winner | New Zealand |
| Toss Decision | Bat first |
| New Zealand | 219/7 (20 overs) |
| Sri Lanka | 144/9 (20 overs) |
| Result | New Zealand won by 75 runs |
| Player of Match | Mark Chapman (83 off 44) |
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Statistical Breakdown (Last 10 Meetings)
| Year | Venue | Winner | Margin | Top Scorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Auckland | NZ | 75 runs | Chapman (83) |
| 2023 | Dunedin | NZ | 5 wickets | Mitchell (66*) |
| 2022 | Sydney | NZ | 5 wickets | Phillips (104) |
| 2022 | Nottingham | NZ | 65 runs | Conway (36) |
| 2021 | Colombo | SL | 35 runs | Asalanka (53) |
| 2019 | Pallekele | SL | 5 wickets | Gunathilaka (83) |
| 2019 | Auckland | NZ | 7 wickets | Munro (58*) |
| 2016 | Eden Park | NZ | 9 wickets | Williamson (32*) |
| 2015 | New Plymouth | NZ | 5 wickets | Ronchi (48*) |
| 2014 | Chittagong | SL | 59 runs | Dilshan (55) |
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Key Player Performances
Batting Leaders:
Martin Guptill (NZ) – 412 runs @ 34.33
Kusal Perera (SL) – 389 runs @ 29.92
Kane Williamson (NZ) – 327 runs @ 36.33
Bowling Leaders:
Ish Sodhi (NZ) – 18 wickets @ 18.22
Lasith Malinga (SL) – 15 wickets @ 21.40
Mitchell Santner (NZ) – 14 wickets @ 19.07
Memorable Encounters
2014 T20 World Cup (SL’s Dominance)
Sri Lanka bundled NZ out for 60 (lowest T20I total between them)
Malinga took 2/5 in his 2 overs
SL chased target in 5.2 overs (fastest in T20 WC history at the time)
2021 T20I (SL’s Surprise Win)
Defended 141 against strong NZ batting
Hasaranga’s 4/22 destroyed NZ middle-order
Proved SL’s ability to punch above weight
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Conclusion
While New Zealand has been the dominant force (winning 58% of matches), Sri Lanka has shown they can compete, especially in subcontinent conditions. The rivalry has seen:
Record-breaking performances (Phillips’ 104, NZ’s 219/7)
Thrilling last-over finishes (3 matches decided by <5 runs)
Bowling masterclasses (Malinga, Boult, Hasaranga)
