Some intense battles and outstanding performances are what the test rivalry between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the New Zealand National Cricket Team is known for. The head-to-head record of tests reflects the long journey between the Black Caps and the Lankan Lions.
Starting from their first face-off on 4 March 1983 where New Zealand defeated the Lankans by an innings and 25 runs till now, these two teams have had face-offs in a series of tests. Since then, the Kiwis are recognized for their in-depth batting and all-rounders whereas the Lankans are known for their flexibility and tactical skill.
This is prominent both for individual performances and for great team efforts. It continues to keep the spectators glued and captivate their attention, providing them with some memorable test highlights.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand head-to-head record in Tests
The Lankan Lions have faced Black Caps in 38 tests. Out of the 38 tests, New Zealand has won 18 tests, whereas Sri Lanka has registered only 9 wins, showcasing clear dominance by the Kiwis. Additionally, out of those 38 tests, 11 were declared drawn, and there is no history of ties or results.
| Total Matches | 38 |
| SL Won | 9 |
| NZ Won | 18 |
| SL Loss | 18 |
| NZ Loss | 9 |
| Draw | 11 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
Read More: NZ vs NED Head to Head in Test || AFG Vs BAN Head to Head in Test
SL vs NZ Head-to-Head Record at Home Ground in Tests
Lankans Record at Away Ground against Kiwis in Tests
The Lankan Lions have played 21 tests against the Kiwis in New Zealand. Out of the 21 tests, the Lankans registered 2 victories, whereas the Black Caps won 13 tests. Besides, no matches have been tied or concluded without any results but 6 matches have been declared drawn.
| Total Matches | 21 |
| SL Won | 2 |
| NZ Won | 13 |
| SL Loss | 13 |
| NZ Loss | 2 |
| Draw | 6 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
Kiwis Record at Away Ground against Sri Lanka in Test
At their home ground, the Lankans have an upper hand because the Kiwis have played 17 tests against the Lankans, and out of those, they have won only 5 tests, while the Lankan Lions have registered 7 victories. Besides, 5 matches have been drawn, with no ties or inconclusive results.
| Total Matches | 17 |
| NZ Won | 5 |
| SL Won | 7 |
| NZ Loss | 7 |
| SL Loss | 5 |
| Draw | 5 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand head-to-head record at Neutral Venue in Test
Notably, there is no data on the SL vs NZ test in a neutral venue. Both teams have never faced each other at a neutral venue.
| Total Matches | 0 |
| SL Won | 0 |
| NZ Won | 0 |
| SL Loss | 0 |
| NZ Loss | 0 |
| Draw | 0 |
| Tied | 0 |
| No Result | 0 |
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Stats & Records in Test
Highest Score in the SL vs NZ test
The Black Caps hold the record for the highest score in a test against the Lankans. They recorded a score of 671/4 in the second innings of 220.3 overs on 31 January 1991 at Wellington.
Highest Score by the Black Caps against the Lankan Lions in test
The record for Kiwi’s highest test score against Sri Lanka stands at 671/4. They set this record on 31 January 1991 at Wellington while playing the second innings of 220.3 overs.
Highest Score by the Lankan Lions against New Zealand in Tests
The Lankan’s highest record against the Black Caps in a test is registered at 498 runs. The team scored their highest total on 4 April 2005 at Napier during Sri Lanka’s visit to New Zealand.
Lowest Total in the SL vs NZ test
The lowest-ever total in the SL vs NZ test is recorded by the Lankans. They recorded the lowest score of just 93 runs against the Kiwis on 11 March 1983 at Wellington.
Lowest Score by the Lankan Lions against the Kiwis in the test
The lowest score of Sri Lanka against New Zealand stands at just 93 runs. The score was registered on 11 March 1983 at Wellington.
Lowest Score by the Black Caps against Sri Lanka in Tests
The Kiwis have the lowest score of 102 runs against the Lankan Lions. They scored this total on 6 December 1992 at Colombo (SSC).
Read More: IND vs NZ Head to Head in ODI || WI vs AUS Head to Head in T20
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Stats: Individual Records in SL vs NZ Tests
Most runs & Highest Score in the Lankans vs Kiwis Test rivalry
Kane Williamson, ace batsman Kwi holds the record for most no. of runs against the Lankans whereas, Mahela Jayawardene, Sri Lanka’s former batsman has scored the most runs against the Black Caps. Martin Crowe, the former right-hand batsman of the New Zealand team has the record for scoring the most runs against the Lankans. On the other hand, Aravinda de Silva from the Lankan team piled up the most no. of runs against the Kiwis.
| Stats | Sri Lanka | New Zealand |
| Most Runs | Mahela Jayawardene (1028 runs) | Kane Williamson (1329 runs) |
| Highest scorer | Aravinda de Silva (267 runs) | Martin Crowe (299 runs) |
Most Wickets & Best Bowling in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Tests
Muttiah Muralitharan, the former Right arm Off break bowler of Sri Lanka has secured the most wickets against the Black Caps. Whereas, Tim Southee from New Zealand has recorded the most no. of wickets against Lankans. Rangana Herath from the Lankans has the best bowling figures against the Black Caps. Whereas, Daniel Vettori from New Zealand holds the best bowling stats against the Lankan Lions.
| Stats | Sri Lanka | New Zealand |
| Most Wickets | Muttiah Muralitharan (82 wickets) | Tim Southee (64 wickets) |
| Best bowling | Rangana Herath (6/43) | Daniel Vettori (7/130) |
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline: Test
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team test rivalry is no less than a thrilling experience for both spectators and fans. The test history between both teams has witnessed many memorable instances that are remembered by their respective fans till now. This clash started on 4 March 1983 when New Zealand defeated the Lankans by an innings and 25 runs.
Since then, the test battles between the Black Caps and the Lankan Lions have evolved over the years. Be it 31 January 1991 when the Kiwis registered their highest ever test total of 671/4 in the 2nd innings against the Lankans or the lowest test score of 93 runs by the Lankan Lions on 11 March 1983 at Wellington, testes between these teams have seen it all. This is what has kept their fans glued and captivated to the test.
The history of test face-offs between both teams showcases memorable performances, outstanding milestones, and changing strategies. Throughout time, the rivalry between these teams has witnessed significant changes in techniques, demonstrating the triumphs and struggles faced by both sides.
| Match Date | Series/Tournament | Result | Venue |
| 04/03/1983 | 1982-1983 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by an innings and 25 runs | AMI Stadium |
| 11/03/1983 | 1982-1983 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by 6 wickets | Basin Reserve |
| 09/03/1984 | 1983-1984 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | New Zealand won by 165 runs | Asgiriya Stadium |
| 16/03/1984 | 1983-1984 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Match Drawn | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground |
| 24/03/1984 | 1983-1984 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | New Zealand won by an innings and 61 runs | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
| 16/04/1987 | 1986-1987 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Match Drawn | Colombo Cricket Club Ground |
| 31/01/1991 | 1990-1991 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | Match Drawn | Basin Reserve |
| 22/02/1991 | 1990-1991 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | Match Drawn | Seddon Park |
| 01/03/1991 | 1990-1991 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | Match Drawn | Eden Park |
| 27/11/1992 | 1992-1993 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Match Drawn | Tyronne Fernando Stadium |
| 06/12/1992 | 1992-1993 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground |
| 11/03/1995 | 1994-1995 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won by 241 runs | McLean Park |
| 18/03/1995 | 1994-1995 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | Match Drawn | Carisbrook |
| 07/03/1997 | 1996-1997 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by an innings and 36 runs | Carisbrook |
| 14/03/1997 | 1996-1997 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by 120 runs | Seddon Park |
| 27/05/1998 | 1997-1998 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | New Zealand won by 167 runs | R Premadasa Stadium |
| 03/06/1998 | 1997-1998 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Sri Lanka won by an innings and 16 runs | Galle International Stadium |
| 10/06/1998 | 1997-1998 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Sri Lanka won by 164 runs | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground |
| 25/04/2003 | 2002-2003 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Match Drawn | P Sara Oval |
| 03/05/2003 | 2002-2003 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Match Drawn | Asgiriya Stadium |
| 04/04/2005 | 2004-2005 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | Match Drawn | McLean Park |
| 11/04/2005 | 2004-2005 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by an innings and 38 runs | Basin Reserve |
| 07/12/2006 | 2006-2007 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by 5 wickets | AMI Stadium |
| 15/12/2006 | 2006-2007 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won by 217 runs | Basin Reserve |
| 18/08/2009 | 2009-2010 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Sri Lanka won by 202 runs | Galle International Stadium |
| 26/08/2009 | 2009-2010 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Sri Lanka won by 96 runs | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground |
| 17/11/2012 | 2012-2013 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets | Galle International Stadium |
| 25/11/2012 | 2012-2013 Sri Lanka v. New Zealand | New Zealand won by 167 runs | P Sara Oval |
| 26/12/2014 | 2014-2015 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by 8 wickets | Hagley Oval |
| 03/01/2015 | 2014-2015 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by 193 runs | Basin Reserve |
| 10/12/2015 | 2015-2016 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by 122 runs | University Oval |
| 18/12/2015 | 2015-2016 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by 5 wickets | Seddon Park |
| 15/12/2018 | 2018-2019 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | Match Drawn | Basin Reserve |
| 26/12/2018 | 2018-2019 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by 423 runs | Hagley Oval |
| 14/08/2019 | 2019 Sri Lanka v New Zealand | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets | Galle International Stadium |
| 22/08/2019 | 2019 Sri Lanka v New Zealand | New Zealand won by an innings and 65 runs | P Sara Oval |
| 09/03/2023 | 2022-2023 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by 2 wickets | Hagley Oval |
| 17/03/2023 | 2022-2023 New Zealand v. Sri Lanka | New Zealand won by an innings and 58 runs | Basin Reserve |
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Last 5 tests
1. Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2023 – 2nd Test
- Wellington
- March 17-20, 2023
- Sri Lanka chose to bowl first.
- Sri Lanka 164 & 358
- New Zealand 580/4d
- New Zealand seized victory with a lead of one innings and 58 runs.
- Man of the Match – Henry Nicholls
2. Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2023 – 1st Test
- Christchurch
- March 9-13, 2023
- New Zealand won the toss and chose to field initially.
- Sri Lanka 355 & 302
- New Zealand 373 & 285/8
- New Zealand emerged victorious with a margin of 2 wickets.
- Man of the Match – Daryl Mitchell
3. Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: ICC World Test Championship 2019 – 2nd Test
- Colombo
- August 22-26, 2019
- Sri Lanka won the coin toss and chose to bat first.
- Sri Lanka 244 & 122
- New Zealand 431/6d
- New Zealand claimed victory with a lead of 65 runs after one innings.
- Man of the Match – Tom Latham
4. Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: ICC World Test Championship 2019 – 1st Test
- Galle
- August 14-18, 2019
- New Zealand opted to bat first after winning the toss.
- Sri Lanka 267 & 268/4
- New Zealand 249 & 285
- Sri Lanka achieved victory with a margin of 6 wickets.
- Man of the Match – Dimuth Karunaratne
5. Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2018 – 2nd Test
- Christchurch
- December 26-30, 2018
- Sri Lanka chose to bowl first after winning the toss.
- Sri Lanka 104 & 236
- New Zealand 178 & 585/4d
- New Zealand emerged victorious with a margin of 423 runs.
- Man of the Match – Tim Southee
