Top 5 highest wicket-takers in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand tests

Only one bowler has claimed more than 80 wickets in the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand tests.

The test matches between Sri Lanka and New Zealand have often been decided by how well the visiting team’s batsmen tackle the host bowlers.

While both countries have produced plenty of great test batters, their skilful bowlers have played the defining roles in shaping the outcome of their encounters.

New Zealand and Sri Lanka have had several world-class bowlers in test cricket. These legendary pacemen and spinners have given many memorable performances and helped their team win matches. On that note, let’s take a look at the top five leading wicket-takers in the Sri Lanka vs New Zealand tests.

Most wickets for Sri Lanka vs New Zealand in Tests:

5. Chaminda Vaas (SL) – 42 wickets

Chaminda Vaas is hailed as Sri Lanka’s greatest pacer; he has the second-most international wickets for his country.

The legendary speedster picked up 42 wickets in 10 tests against New Zealand at a bowling average of 23.59. The former left-arm seamer bagged four five-wicket hauls against the Kiwis..

4. Trent Boult (NZ) – 45 wickets

New Zealand speedster Trent Boult is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the SL vs NZ test matches till now. The left-arm seamer bagged 45 wickets in 10 matches at a bowling average of 22.33 against the Lankans. Boult claimed one five-wicket haul against the Island Nation in test cricket.

3. Daniel Vettori (NZ) – 51 wickets

Legendary left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori played 11 test matches against the Sri Lanka cricket team, in which he snapped 51 wickets at a brilliant average of 18.00. Vettori picked up three four-wicket hauls and three five-wicket hauls against Sri Lanka.

Vettori is the third-highest wicket-taker in the SL vs NZ tests.

2. Tim Southee (NZ) – 64 wickets

Veteran New Zealand seamer and current test captain Tim Southee is the second-highest wicket-taker in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand test matches till now.

The speedster has claimed 64 wickets in 12 tests against the Island Nation, including three five-wicket hauls till now.

1. Muttiah Muralitharan (SL) – 82 wickets

Legendary spinner Muttiah Muralitharan is statistically the most successful bowler in history as he is the leading wicket-taker in both ODIs (534 wickets) and test cricket (800 wickets).

The great off-spinner is the only bowler to pick more than 80 wickets in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand test matches till now. Muralitharan played 14 matches against the Kiwis and took 82 scalps at a brilliant bowling average of 21.53 while bagging five five-fors and one ten-wicket match haul.

(All stats are updated till 16th September 2024.)

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