For millions of people it is not only the type of recreation, but the object of passion, pride and excitement. Comparing the various exciting rivalry between different countries in the cricket ground, there can be few teams which have such competative passion alongwith spice of sportsmanship as that of New Zealand and Sri Lanka teams. For all the differences in their cricketing approaches and background these two sides have maintained a rivalry that has provided some fascinating battles over the years.
A Brief History of the Rivalry
The cricketing relationship of New Zealand and Sri Lanka could trace its roots back to June 8, 1973 when they played their first One Day International (ODI) match in the first Cricket World Cup in England . Since then, the two teams have faced each other in all formats of the game: One day international matches or Test matches and the T20 Internationals. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Whereas New Zealand boasts of a fast bowling and changing.according to the conditions Sri Lanka, on the other hand has majorly depended on their spinners and Test Specialist batsmen.
Memorable Encounters
Some of the experiences that occurred between these two cricket playing affiliates have been labeled in cricket history. Here are some of the most notable matches:
1992 Semi Final – Cricket World Cup: The 1992 Cricket World Cup was organized by New Zealand and the host nation proved to be a force to reckon as a cricket team. In a one-point group stage game against Sri Lanka, New Zealand Captain Martin Crowe starred with help of a ton which determined his side’s win. It was clear from this match that the Kiwis were mighty at home during that tournament.
2007 Cricket World Cup: Two Sri Lankan versus New Zealand confrontations are defined in this tournament. Sri Lanka as usual dominated the group stages and then in the semi-finals Mahela and Murali were simply phenomenal. The Sri Lanka’s triumph in these matches proved that they are a classy side in the world during those years.
2014 ICC T20 World Cup: Both the teams faced each other in a quaifer stage of the competition in Chattogram. New Zealand was bowled out for a paltry total by Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly Rangana Herath who sent the Kiwi batsmen packing for a duck, 5 for 3. For Sri Lanka, this was the turning point of the tournament; they won the final match.
Test Series Rivalry: In the recently concluded Test series between the two teams in New Zealand last year, which was a heroic knock of double hundred by Angelo Mathews in Wellington. Nevertheless, Kiwi fast bowlers, Boult and Southee persisted and delivered a series victory for the New Zealand side.
Head-to-Head Statistics
The rivalry’s intensity can be gauged through the teams’ head-to-head records across formats:
Tests: However, New Zealand has dominated Test cricket as their fast bowling lineup has had success on home soil. But Sri Lanka has also staged some outstanding wins on home soil particularly on helpful spinning wickets.
ODIs: ODI series has been of relatively a closer tense with Sri Lanka team having the advantage of versatility in the climatic conditions. Some of these players signify important match players and include Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara and Ross Taylor.
T20Is: As we have seen it, in both formats, both teams have expressed talent and intellect of the game. The performances in each of the contests are sometimes dependent on talented players, meaning each performance is unique.
Key Players Over the Years
A number of players have been involved in setting foundation of this contest. There are so many special players for New Zealand but at the top we have Richard Hadlee, Stephen Fleming, Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and many others. Williamson has been very good as a leader, and of late he has been consistent as a batsman too.
As for the Sri Lankan side, Aravinda de Silva, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga and Mahela Jayawardene have been the key performers. Muralitharan’s spin and deceptive ability have always caused headache to New Zealand’s batsmen and Malinga who chucks yorker that you don’t want to touch with a balm in his arsenal.
Contrasting Styles and Strategies
The cricketing styles of New Zealand and Sri Lanka reflect their geographical and cultural differences:
New Zealand: Popular for seaming pitches and the ability to suit the bowling specials, New Zealand have had their moments centering mainly on their bowlers. Cricket playing nations, such as New Zealand having bowlers named Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner have effectively utilized such condition. Also, the Kiwis also have impressive records in fielding and they believe in the concept of the team.
Sri Lanka: At home, they have had powerplaying surfaces which have made spinners, Muralitharan and Herath for long control the show against opposition. Most of the time their line up has been formulated with technically correct batsmen who have the ability to perform well under different circumstance.
The Role of Home Advantage
From the above analysis, both teams have a capability to harness the home advantage in the best way. New Zealand’s short grass and bouncy tracks make it difficult for opponents unaccustomed to its conditions, whereas Sri Lanka’s slow, turning pitches do the same for any opposition. This factor has spiced the rivalry in a way that a team’s fortunes can be greatly influenced by the other depending on the arena.
The Spirit of Sportsmanship
However, unlike other rivalry relationships within the international cricket competition, the relationship between New Zealand and Sri Lanka has been well described by sportsmanship. There will always be players from both the side who have had nice things to say about the cricketing cultures of the other side. This was evident this year during the unfortunate event that occurred in New Zealand where Sri Lankan cruising team rather sympathized with the New Zealand players and fans.
Looking Ahead
With both teams changing with new talents the future for this rivalry looks great. Newcomers who are expected to thrill cricket enthusiasts include opening batsman Devon Conway, New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Daryl Mitchell, and Finn Allen of New Zealand, as well as the Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga of Sri Lanka and Maheesh Theekshana.
The recent future events like world cups, bilateral series will continue to build up this rivalry. Since both teams are keen on improving their ICC rankings and having better stability, their meetings should provide more dramatic spectacles.
Conclusion
Speaking of cricket battles, the cricketing confrontation between New Zealand and Sri Lanka is perhaps one of the best things international cricket has to offer. It demonstrates the difference in the apparels, cut-throat competition and especially the spirit of raffia. That is why seven faktors have been conducting new challenges every year heading towards many more fascinating conflicts between the teams Onward for many striking and invigorating games of this unique sport.
