New Zealandia will face Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I of the ongoing series on Thursday (January 2). The match is scheduled to be played at Saxton Oval, Nelson.
New Zealand are currently leading the series 2-0 and looking to win. On the other hand, Sri Lanka have only pride to play for in the upcoming match. The visitors will be desperate to win the upcoming game to restore their pride as well as gain some momentum ahead of the three-match ODI series.
In the do-or-die second T20I, Sri Lanka were completely outplayed by the hosts. After winning the first game by 8 runs, New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 45 runs in the second T20I. Batting first, the Black Caps scored 186/5 in 20 overs.
In reply, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 141 runs. Jacob Duffy impressed with the ball for the home side, taking 4 wickets for just 15 runs in his 4 overs. With both the teams now set for the T20I final, this is their head-to-head score in the shortest format of the game.
NZ vs SL Head to Head Records – 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand 2024-25:
| Statistics | Matches | NZ won | SL won | Tie | NO |
| All in all | 27 | 16 | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| At Saxton Oval, Nelson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| In the last 5 games | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| In an ongoing series | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| In New Zealand | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| In 2024 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Head-to-head records between NZ and SL: key statistics
According to New Zealand vs Sri Lanka T20I match records, both teams have faced each other in 27 T20Is so far. Out of those 27 matches, New Zealand won 16 while Sri Lanka won 10 T20Is.
New Zealand completely dominated this rivalry at home. Both the teams have played 10 T20Is in New Zealand and the home team won 8 of those matches while Sri Lanka managed to win only 2. The upcoming match will be the first T20I between the two teams at Saxton Oval, Nelson.
NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Records: Last 5 Matches
New Zealand has an advantage in the last matches as well. Out of the last 5 T20Is between the two sides, New Zealand have won 4 while Sri Lanka have managed to emerge victorious in just 1.
NZ vs SL Head-to-Head Records: Top Performers
Former New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor holds the record for the highest score in NZ vs SL T20Is. The New Zealand great played 17 T20Is against Sri Lanka and scored 342 runs with the help of two half-centuries.
For Sri Lanka, the record is held by their former opener Tillakaratne Dilshan. The former batsman played 14 matches against New Zealand and scored 324 runs including three half-centuries.
Among the bowlers, former Sri Lankan pace spearhead Lasith Malinga holds the record for most wickets in NZ vs SL T20Is. The legendary pacer played 15 T20Is against New Zealand and claimed 20 wickets, including five wickets. For New Zealand, their current captain Mitchell Santner has the most T20I wickets against Sri Lanka – 13 wickets in 10 matches.
Conclusion
The record NZ v SL stats clearly show that New Zealand have completely dominated this rivalry so far. The Black Caps have not allowed Sri Lanka to improve on their ongoing series record and will be eyeing another win.
