New Zealand Tour of Sri Lanka 2024: It is time for another action-packed Test series to get underway. New Zealand will be touring Sri Lanka for an all-important Test series, starting on September 18. Both teams will play two matches on this tour, and these games are part of the ongoing World Test Championship 2023-25, which is why both teams will be looking forward to this series.
The first test will start on September 19, while the second game is scheduled to start on September 26. Both teams will take place at Galle International Stadium. New Zealand and Sri Lanka both have a great chance of making it to the WTC final next year at Lord's, and this series will surely give a team a push in the race.
SL vs NZ: New Zealand Tour of Sri Lanka 2024: Venue and Records
Galle International Stadium is one of the most iconic Sri Lankan stadiums, which was established back in 1876. Sri Lanka play most of the home test matches at this venue, along with Premadasa Stadium. The first Test was played at this venue in 1998. The average first-inning score here is 365, and the batting in the fourth inning is always hard. That is why the team that bats first has a better record, and the pitch is expected to be spin-friendly. This venue will host matches in the coming tour.
SL vs NZ: New Zealand Tour of Sri Lanka 2024: Schedule
There will be two matches on New Zealand's tour of Sri Lanka. The first test will be played between September 18 and 23. Meanwhile, the second test is scheduled to take place between September 26 and 30. Here is the complete schedule for New Zealand's tour of Sri Lanka. Notably, the first game of the series will be a historic event as it will be a six-day game because of the Sri Lankan presidential elections on September 21 in Sri Lanka. This is the first time since 2021 that Sri Lanka will play a six-day Test at home.
1st Test: September 18 – September 23, 2024
Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
Time: 10:00 AM (IST)
2nd Test: September 26 – September 30, 2024
Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
Time: 10:00 AM (IST)
SL vs NZ: New Zealand Tour of Sri Lanka 2024: Head-to-Head Records in Tests
The first ever test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was played back in 1982/83. Since then, these two teams have met consistently in the longest format of the game. These two teams have played 38 test matches so far. New Zealand have won 18 games, Sri Lanka won and 11 have ended in a draw. In Sri Lanka, New Zealand have won five Tests until now.
Total Matches: 38
New Zealand: 18
Sri Lanka: 9
Draws: 11
Highest Total: 671/4 by NZ vs SL in 1991
Lowest Total: 93 All out by SL vs NZ in 1983
SL vs NZ: New Zealand Tour of Sri Lanka 2024: Squads
Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya De Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake
New Zealand: Tim Southee (c), Kane Williamson, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Daryl Mitchell, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell, Tom Latham, Matt Henry, Devon Conway, William O'Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Ben Sears
SL vs NZ: New Zealand Tour of Sri Lanka 2024: Live Streaming Details in India
In India, the live telecast of the coming test matches between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will be televised on Sony Sports Network whereas cricket lovers can catch the live streaming on Sony LIV and Fancode.
TV: Sony Sports
Digital: Sony LIV and FanCode
SL vs NZ Statistics: Top Five Run-Scorers in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Tests
The rivalry between Sri Lanka and New Zealand is over 40 years old in test cricket, and many leendary batters have been part of this rivalry. Kane Williamson is the leading scorer in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand test history. He has most runs along with most centuries. For Sri Lanka, former captain Mahela Jayawardene has scored most runs. Only five batters have scored more than 1000 SL vs NZ tests.
Kane Williamson (NZ) – 1329 runs
Stephen Fleming (NZ) – 1166 runs
Tom Latham (NZ) – 1039 runs
Mahela Jayawardene (SL) – 1028 runs
Angelo Mathews (SL) – 1004 runs
SL vs NZ Statistics: Top Five Wicket-takers in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Tests
Muthiah Muralidaran had a legendary test career with over 800 wickets. So, it is not a surprise that he is sitting on the list of most wickets in SL vs NZ test history. For New Zealand, Tim Southee has taken most wickets in this rivalry. Only three bowlers have taken more than 50 wickets in SL vs NZ tests.
Muthiah Muralidaran (SL) – 82 wickets
Tim Southee (NZ) – 64 wickets
Daniel Vettori (NZ) – 51 wickets
Trent Boult (NZ) – 45 wickets
Chaminda Vaas (SL) – 42 wickets