New Zeeland They 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 currently leads the series 2-0 and is looking to clear the situation. On the other hand, Sri Lanka only has pride at stake in the next match. The visitors will be desperate to win the next game to restore their pride and 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 thrashed Sri Lanka by 45 runs in the second T20I. Batting first, the Black Caps scored 186/5 in 20 overs.
In response, Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 141 runs. Jacob Duffy impressed with the ball for the home team, taking 4 wickets for just 15 runs in his 4 overs. Now that both teams are set for the final T20I, here is their head-to-head record 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 | New Zealand won | SL won | Tie | NR |
| In general | 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 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 the head-to-head records between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in T20Is, both teams have faced each other in 27 T20Is so far. Of those 27 games, New Zealand won 16, while Sri Lanka won 10 T20Is.
New Zealand have completely dominated this rivalry at home. Both teams played 10 T20Is in New Zealand and the home team won 8 of those games while Sri Lanka managed to win only 2. The next game will be the first T20I between the two teams at the Saxton Oval, Nelson.
Head-to-head records between NZ and SL: last 5 matches
New Zealand also has an advantage in the last few matches. Of the last 5 T20Is between the two sides, New Zealand has won 4, while Sri Lanka managed to emerge victorious in just 1.
Head-to-head records between NZ and SL: best players
Former New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor holds the record for scoring most runs 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 bowlers, former Sri Lanka paceman Lasith Malinga holds the record of taking the most wickets in NZ vs SL T20Is. The legendary pacer played 15 T20Is against New Zealand and picked up 20 wickets, including a five-wicket haul. For New Zealand, their current captain Mitchell Santner has the most T20I wickets against Sri Lanka – 13 wickets in 10 games.
Conclusion
The record-breaking statistics from the matchup between NZ and SL make it clear that New Zealand has completely dominated this rivalry so far. The Black Caps have not allowed Sri Lanka to improve their record in the ongoing series and will be looking for another win.