New Zealand and Sri Lanka are set to meet in an eight-match international series during January and February 2027, with the Black Caps hosting the Sri Lankan side for a multi-format tour. The itinerary includes three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and two Test matches.
The tour begins with the first ODI at McLean Park in Napier on January 16, 2027, and concludes with the second Test at Seddon Park in Hamilton from February 12 to 16.
The series will provide both teams with opportunities to assess their squads across different formats, while cricket fans in New Zealand can look forward to international action at venues across the country.
New Zealand Cricket and Sri Lanka Cricket announced the itinerary in June 2026. Here is the complete schedule, including match dates, venues and scheduled start times in New Zealand local time.
New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2027: Full Schedule
The tour features eight matches across three formats. The ODIs take place first, followed by the T20I series and then the two-Test contest.
ODI Series Schedule
Match | Date | Venue | Start time (NZ local) |
|---|---|---|---|
1st ODI | January 16, 2027 | McLean Park, Napier | 11:00 AM |
2nd ODI | January 19, 2027 | Basin Reserve, Wellington | 11:00 AM |
3rd ODI | January 22, 2027 | University of Otago Oval, Dunedin | 11:00 AM |
The three-match ODI series opens in Napier before moving to Wellington and Dunedin. The one-day fixtures will give both teams an opportunity to build momentum before the shortest-format matches begin.
T20I Series Schedule
Match | Date | Venue | Start time (NZ local) |
|---|---|---|---|
1st T20I | January 26, 2027 | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 6:00 PM |
2nd T20I | January 29, 2027 | Saxton Oval, Nelson | 4:00 PM |
3rd T20I | January 31, 2027 | Saxton Oval, Nelson | 1:00 PM |
The T20I series begins in Christchurch before the final two matches take place in Nelson. With three fixtures scheduled over six days, the teams will have limited time to adjust their tactics between games.
The shorter format is likely to place particular emphasis on powerplay batting, middle-over control and death bowling. Final squads and playing XIs will be confirmed closer to the matches.
Test Series Schedule
Match | Dates | Venue | Start time (NZ local) |
|---|---|---|---|
1st Test | February 4–8, 2027 | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 11:00 AM |
2nd Test | February 12–16, 2027 | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 11:00 AM |
The two-Test series will conclude the tour. Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui hosts the opening Test, while Seddon Park in Hamilton stages the second match.
Test cricket will offer a different challenge from the limited-overs fixtures, with patience, batting depth and sustained bowling pressure likely to be decisive. Conditions at both venues could influence team selection and the balance between pace and spin.
Key Details of the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Tour
Tour: Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2027
Total matches: Eight
ODIs: Three
T20Is: Three
Tests: Two
First match: January 16, 2027
Final match: February 12–16, 2027
Host country: New Zealand
What to Expect From the Series
The multi-format tour will test both sides across different playing conditions and match situations. The ODI fixtures will demand consistency over 50 overs, while the T20Is will reward teams that adapt quickly and make effective use of their batting and bowling resources.
The Test series will provide the most extended examination of each team's technique and endurance. New Zealand will have the advantage of playing at home, while Sri Lanka will aim to adapt to local conditions and compete across all three formats.
Supporters should watch for official squad announcements, injury updates and any changes to the published itinerary as the tour approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2027 series start?
The tour begins on January 16, 2027, with the first ODI at McLean Park in Napier.
2. How many matches will be played during the tour?
The tour consists of eight international matches: three ODIs, three T20Is and two Tests.
3. When is the first T20I between New Zealand and Sri Lanka?
The first T20I is scheduled for January 26, 2027, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, with a listed start time of 6:00 PM New Zealand local time.
4. When will the Test series begin?
The first Test is scheduled for February 4–8, 2027, at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
5. Where will the second Test take place?
The second Test is scheduled for February 12–16, 2027, at Seddon Park in Hamilton.
6. Where can fans check live scores and team news?
Fans can follow official updates from New Zealand Cricket and Sri Lanka Cricket, along with live scorecards and match coverage from established cricket websites. Broadcast and streaming arrangements should be confirmed closer to the series.
7. Are the squads confirmed?
The schedule has been announced, but readers should check official team announcements for the final squads, playing XIs and any subsequent changes.
The New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 2027 tour promises eight international matches across three formats. With fixtures spread across several New Zealand venues, the series will give supporters a month of cricket to follow from the opening ODI in Napier to the final day of the Hamilton Test.
