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The Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women’s National Cricket Team timeline highlights the history of two competitive sides in international women’s cricket. Sri Lanka Women and New Zealand Women have faced each other in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), producing memorable performances, important series results, and exciting individual achievements. Their encounters have also helped showcase the growth of women’s cricket across different international tournaments.
New Zealand Women have traditionally been a strong force in international cricket, with considerable experience in major ICC competitions. Sri Lanka Women have continued to develop their team through talented batters, disciplined bowlers, and impactful all-rounders. Although New Zealand have often entered these contests with a strong reputation, Sri Lanka have demonstrated that they can challenge established teams and deliver impressive victories.
The timeline below covers important periods in the rivalry, notable bilateral series, recent match results, and the key moments that have shaped their meetings.
Early Years of the Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women Rivalry
The rivalry developed as women’s international cricket expanded and more bilateral series were added to the international calendar. New Zealand Women had an established record in international tournaments, while Sri Lanka Women continued building experience against some of the strongest sides in the world.
Their meetings across ODI and T20I cricket have offered different challenges. ODI matches require teams to manage longer innings, build partnerships, and maintain discipline across 50 overs. T20Is place greater emphasis on quick scoring, aggressive bowling strategies, and making effective decisions under pressure.
New Zealand have frequently used their experience and depth to control matches, while Sri Lanka have looked to their top-order batters and versatile all-rounders to change the momentum. Over time, the matchup has become an important opportunity for both teams to test their strategies and prepare for major international competitions.
Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women Timeline: Important Milestones
The following timeline highlights notable periods and verified recent results from the rivalry.
| Year or period | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | Regular international meetings in ODI and T20I cricket | The rivalry developed through bilateral and tournament fixtures |
| 2023 | New Zealand Women toured Sri Lanka for ODI and T20I cricket | The teams competed in a series hosted in Sri Lanka |
| January 2025 | Sri Lanka Women defeated New Zealand Women in the third T20I | Sri Lanka recorded a memorable consolation victory |
| March 2025 | Sri Lanka Women toured New Zealand for three ODIs and three T20Is | The teams met across both limited-overs formats |
| June 2026 | Sri Lanka Women defeated New Zealand Women at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup | Sri Lanka completed a successful chase of 151 |
The rivalry has evolved through bilateral series and global competitions. While historical encounters provide context, recent results are particularly useful for understanding the teams’ current competitive relationship.
Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women T20I Timeline: January 2025
One of the standout moments in recent meetings came during the third T20I in Nelson, New Zealand, on 2 January 2025. Sri Lanka produced an impressive batting performance to win the match by seven runs, earning a consolation victory in the three-match series.
Sri Lanka scored 218/5, with Kusal Perera hitting 101 runs from just 46 deliveries. His explosive innings gave the team a substantial total to defend. Charith Asalanka also contributed with a quick 46 from 24 balls, helping Sri Lanka maintain an aggressive scoring rate.
New Zealand responded strongly during the chase. Rachin Ravindra scored 69, and Tim Robinson contributed 37 as the hosts established an encouraging start. However, Sri Lanka managed to take important wickets during the middle overs and defended their total despite New Zealand finishing on 211/7.
This match is an important example of how aggressive batting and timely wickets can determine the outcome of a high-scoring T20 contest. Although New Zealand won the series 2–1, Sri Lanka finished with a memorable victory. The match also demonstrated how a strong individual performance can keep a team competitive even when the overall series result is already decided.
Note: This match featured the men’s national teams, not the women’s teams. It is not part of the Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women timeline and is included here only to distinguish the similarly named fixtures.
Sri Lanka Women Tour of New Zealand: March 2025 ODI Series
The women’s teams met again when Sri Lanka Women toured New Zealand in March 2025 for three ODIs and three T20Is. The tour provided a valuable opportunity for both sides to compete across formats and assess their preparations for future international events.
The first ODI, played at McLean Park in Napier on 4 March, was abandoned without a result because of rain. Sri Lanka were 147/5 after 36.4 overs when the weather interrupted the contest.
The second ODI took place at Saxton Oval in Nelson on 7 March. New Zealand scored 245/7 in 50 overs and then dismissed Sri Lanka for 167, winning by 78 runs.
In the third ODI on 9 March, New Zealand again posted a strong total, finishing on 280/6. Sri Lanka responded with 182 in their 50 overs, giving New Zealand a 98-run victory and a 2–0 series win, with one match abandoned.
| Date | Format | Match summary | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 March 2025 | ODI | Sri Lanka 147/5 in 36.4 overs when rain stopped play | No result |
| 7 March 2025 | ODI | New Zealand 245/7; Sri Lanka 167 | New Zealand won by 78 runs |
| 9 March 2025 | ODI | New Zealand 280/6; Sri Lanka 182 | New Zealand won by 98 runs |
The ODI series demonstrated New Zealand’s ability to build substantial totals and put pressure on Sri Lanka’s batting lineup. Their performances with the bat gave their bowlers a useful cushion, allowing them to attack and take wickets without having to defend a small score.
Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women T20I Series: March 2025
The T20I portion of the March 2025 tour produced a more mixed set of results. Sri Lanka began with an impressive win before New Zealand levelled the contest in the second match.
The first T20I was played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on 14 March. New Zealand were dismissed for 101 in 18.5 overs, and Sri Lanka reached 102/3 in 14.1 overs to win by seven wickets.
In the second T20I on 16 March, Sri Lanka scored 113/7 in their allotted 20 overs. New Zealand chased the target, reaching 117/3 in 18.3 overs to win by seven wickets.
The third T20I, played at University Oval in Dunedin on 18 March, was abandoned without a result because of rain. New Zealand were 101/3 after 14.1 overs when the match was interrupted.
| Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 14 March 2025 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets |
| 16 March 2025 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | New Zealand won by 7 wickets |
| 18 March 2025 | University Oval, Dunedin | No result |
These matches illustrated the contrasting strengths of both teams. Sri Lanka’s bowlers restricted New Zealand to a modest total in the opening match, allowing the batters to complete a comfortable chase. New Zealand responded in the second T20I by limiting Sri Lanka to 113/7 before completing their own chase.
Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women Timeline: ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
One of the most significant recent results came at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June 2026. Sri Lanka Women defeated New Zealand Women by five wickets after successfully chasing a target of 151.
New Zealand batted first and scored 150/6 in 20 overs. Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine each contributed 45 runs, helping their team establish a competitive total.
Sri Lanka’s chase began under pressure as they slipped to 55/4. Nilakshika Silva then produced a match-winning performance, scoring an unbeaten 54. She built an important partnership with Kavisha Dilhari before combining with Kaushini Nuthyangana to complete the chase.
Sri Lanka reached 153/5 in 19.4 overs, securing a five-wicket victory. The result was particularly notable because New Zealand entered the tournament as the reigning champions.
This match demonstrated Sri Lanka’s resilience. Rather than allowing the loss of early wickets to determine the outcome, the team rebuilt its innings and maintained enough scoring momentum to reach the target. Silva’s unbeaten half-century was central to the successful chase.
| Match detail | Result |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| New Zealand Women | 150/6 in 20 overs |
| Sri Lanka Women | 153/5 in 19.4 overs |
| Winning margin | 5 wickets |
| Key Sri Lankan performer | Nilakshika Silva, 54 not out |
| Notable New Zealand performers | Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine, 45 runs each |
The victory reinforced Sri Lanka’s ability to compete against leading international teams and added an important moment to the history of this rivalry.
Key Players in the Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women Rivalry
Individual performances often make the difference in matches between these sides. Both teams have players capable of influencing a game with the bat, ball, or in the field.
Chamari Athapaththu: The Sri Lankan captain has been a major figure in women’s international cricket. Her aggressive batting and all-round abilities make her an important player whenever Sri Lanka face strong opposition.
Nilakshika Silva: Silva’s unbeaten 54 against New Zealand at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure. Her innings helped Sri Lanka recover from a difficult position and complete a successful chase.
Amelia Kerr: Kerr is an important contributor for New Zealand through her batting and leg-spin bowling. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas makes her valuable in both ODI and T20I cricket.
Sophie Devine: Devine has been one of New Zealand’s prominent all-rounders. Her power-hitting and experience can help New Zealand establish competitive totals and handle pressure in close matches.
New Zealand’s bowling unit: The team’s pace and spin options have played an important role in restricting Sri Lanka during bilateral series. Effective use of the new ball and control during the middle overs remain important parts of New Zealand’s strategy.
Player availability and form can change between series, so fans should check the confirmed playing XI before evaluating an upcoming match.
What Makes Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women Matches Competitive?
Several factors influence the outcome when these teams meet. New Zealand’s experience and structured approach can give them an advantage, particularly in ODI cricket, where maintaining consistency over a longer innings is essential.
Sri Lanka’s strengths include aggressive batting, capable all-rounders, and the ability to recover from difficult situations. The 2026 T20 World Cup victory showed that Sri Lanka can remain competitive even after losing several early wickets.
Pitch conditions also matter. A surface that offers movement to fast bowlers may reward disciplined bowling, while a flatter pitch can favour aggressive batters. In T20 cricket, the powerplay and final overs are often decisive, whereas ODI matches require teams to manage partnerships, wickets, and scoring rates over a longer period.
Recent results should therefore be considered alongside the overall historical record. A team’s past success can provide useful context, but each match presents new conditions and challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Sri Lanka Women and New Zealand Women last play each other?
One of their most significant recent meetings took place at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June 2026, when Sri Lanka Women defeated New Zealand Women by five wickets.
2. Who won the Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women match at the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup?
Sri Lanka Women won by five wickets, chasing New Zealand’s 150/6 and finishing on 153/5 in 19.4 overs.
3. What happened in the Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women ODI series in March 2025?
New Zealand won the series 2–0. The first ODI ended without a result because of rain, while New Zealand won the second by 78 runs and the third by 98 runs.
4. Did Sri Lanka Women win any T20Is against New Zealand Women in March 2025?
Yes. Sri Lanka won the first T20I by seven wickets. New Zealand won the second by seven wickets, and the third match was abandoned because of rain.
5. Who was the standout player in Sri Lanka’s 2026 T20 World Cup victory?
Nilakshika Silva was the standout performer, scoring an unbeaten 54 to guide Sri Lanka to victory after the team had fallen to 55/4.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women’s National Cricket Team timeline reflects a rivalry shaped by bilateral tours, international tournaments, and important individual performances. New Zealand have demonstrated their strength in ODI cricket, including their series victory in March 2025, while Sri Lanka have shown their ability to respond with strong performances in T20Is.
Sri Lanka’s five-wicket win at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was a particularly important moment. Nilakshika Silva’s unbeaten half-century helped her team overcome early setbacks and chase down a competitive target against the reigning champions.
As women’s international cricket continues to develop, future encounters between these sides will provide more opportunities for new records and memorable performances. Fans following this rivalry should consider both historical results and current form to understand how the teams compare across ODI and T20I formats.
