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The upcoming two-match T20I series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Dambulla promises to be a thrilling encounter. This series marks a continuation of a rivalry that has seen New Zealand emerge as the dominant force in the T20 format. New Zealand has secured 13 victories out of 23 matches played between the two teams, solidifying their position as the more successful side in this format. The series opener on November 9th will see Sri Lanka, led by Chraith Aalanka, face off against a New Zealand side captained by all-rounder Mitchell Santner. Notably, Will Young, Glenn Phillips, and Ish Sodhi, who all featured in the recent Test series against India, will be eager to contribute for the Kiwis.
Looking at the records, New Zealand holds the distinction of recording the highest total against Sri Lanka with 196/8 in 20 overs, a feat achieved in Auckland on April 2, 2023. Sri Lanka has also managed to achieve the same score of 196, but with fewer wickets lost, in the same match. On the other hand, New Zealand's lowest score in this rivalry stands at 60 all out in 15.3 overs, a disappointing performance that occurred in Chattogram on March 31, 2014. New Zealand's biggest victory came in Sydney on October 29, 2022, where they defeated Sri Lanka by a comfortable 65 runs. In terms of victories by wickets, their most dominant performance was a 9-wicket win against Sri Lanka in Auckland on January 10, 2016.
Individual performances have also left their mark on this rivalry. Ross Taylor, a seasoned New Zealand batsman, stands out as the highest run-scorer with 342 runs in 17 matches. Glenn Phillips, another key batsman for New Zealand, holds the record for the highest individual score with a blistering 104 runs off 64 balls, achieved in Sydney in 2022. Tim Southee, known for his bowling prowess, boasts the highest average among New Zealand players with 70.00, highlighting his consistency and effectiveness. Colin Munro, with his aggressive batting style, has the highest strike rate, smashing 144 runs in seven matches at a rate of 167.44. In terms of century milestones, Glenn Phillips is the only player to have achieved a century against Sri Lanka, demonstrating his ability to dominate with the bat.
The bowling department has seen its share of remarkable performances as well. Lasith Malinga, a legendary Sri Lankan fast bowler, leads the wicket-taking charts with 20 wickets in 15 matches. Rangana Herath, another Sri Lankan bowling stalwart, holds the record for the best bowling figures with 5 wickets for 3 runs in 3.3 overs, a stunning performance against New Zealand in Chattogram. Interestingly, both Herath and Malinga, along with Adam Milne of New Zealand, have each claimed a five-wicket haul in this rivalry. The most wickets taken in a series are held by Lasith Malinga and Adam Milne, both with 7 wickets each. In terms of dismissals, Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka tops the list with 8 dismissals, encompassing 5 catches and 3 stumpings, showcasing his excellent fielding skills. Ross Taylor, with 10 catches in 17 matches, is the leading catcher for New Zealand.
The highest partnership in the series belongs to New Zealand's Colin de Grandhomme and Tom Bruce, who amassed 109 runs for the 4th wicket in Pallekele on September 3, 2019. Ross Taylor, with his participation in 17 matches, leads the list for the most appearances in this rivalry. Daniel Vettori, a former New Zealand captain, holds the record for the most victories as captain, securing 4 wins in 7 matches. The last T20I match between the two teams, played in Queenstown on April 8, 2023, saw New Zealand chase down a target of 183 runs in 19.5 overs to win by four wickets. This upcoming series in Dambulla promises exciting battles between these two teams, with both aiming to showcase their talent and claim victory in this crucial encounter.
Source: Sri Lanka Vs New Zealand In T20Is: Most Wins, Runs, Wickets, 100s, Sixes & More