Sri Lanka’s National Men’s Cricket Team will undertake a demanding all-format tour of New Zealand in January and February 2027, featuring three One-Day Internationals (ODIs), three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and two Test matches.

The tour will provide Sri Lanka with a valuable opportunity to compete in New Zealand’s challenging conditions against one of the world’s leading cricketing nations. Matches will be played across several renowned venues throughout the country.

The ODI series will open at McLean Park in Napier on January 16 before moving to Wellington for the second match on January 19. The third and final ODI will be played in Dunedin on January 22.

The teams will then contest a three-match T20I series, beginning in Christchurch on January 26. The remaining two matches will be played in Nelson on January 29 and January 31.

The Test series will commence at Bay Oval in Tauranga from February 4 to 8, with the second and final Test scheduled at Seddon Park in Hamilton from February 12 to 16.
Tour Schedule
•⁠ ⁠January 16, 2027 – First ODI at McLean Park, Napier (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 19, 2027 – Second ODI at Basin Reserve, Wellington (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 22, 2027 – Third ODI at University of Otago Oval, Dunedin (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 26, 2027 – First T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch (11:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 29, 2027 – Second T20I at Saxton Oval, Nelson (09:30)
•⁠ ⁠January 31, 2027 – Third T20I at Saxton Oval, Nelson (06:30)
•⁠ ⁠February 4–8, 2027 – First Test at Bay Oval, Tauranga (04:30)
•⁠ ⁠February 12–16, 2027 – Second Test at Seddon Park, Hamilton (04:30)

Sri Lanka will launch a new chapter in their One-Day International journey when they face the West Indies in the opening match of a three-game series at Sabina Park today.

The encounter marks the first ODI assignment under newly appointed captain Kusal Mendis and head coach Gary Kirsten, with the team looking to establish a fresh identity and playing approach in the 50-over format.

Assistant coach Ryan van Niekerk expressed confidence in the squad’s preparations and said the players are eager to translate their plans into performances on the field.

“Our focus is on winning and implementing the style of cricket we have worked hard to develop,” van Niekerk said ahead of the series opener. “The group has embraced a clear vision for ODI cricket, and this tour provides an important opportunity to put those ideas into practice.”

Sri Lanka have enjoyed a productive build-up to the series after arriving in the Caribbean well ahead of schedule. The early arrival allowed the squad to adjust to local conditions and overcome the significant time difference between the two countries.

According to van Niekerk, the additional preparation time has been invaluable.

“Touring the West Indies can be challenging when teams have limited time to acclimatise,” he said. “This time, we were able to train effectively, spend quality time at Sabina Park, and use the warm-up match to reinforce our plans and processes.”

The tourists head into the series with confidence following an emphatic victory in their warm-up fixture against a Jamaica Select XI on Sunday. Sri Lanka piled up an imposing 335 for 7 before dismissing their opponents for just 108.

Several batters made notable contributions, with Charith Asalanka striking 61, Kamindu Mendis scoring 65, and Janith Liyanage adding 60. The bowling attack also impressed, led by Dushmantha Chameera’s figures of 3 for 8 and Dunith Wellalage’s 3 for 10.

Van Niekerk highlighted the intensity displayed by the players during the practice match, describing it as a positive sign ahead of the competitive fixtures.

“Warm-up games can sometimes lack energy, but the commitment and intensity shown by the players stood out. The squad has established strong processes, and the challenge now is to carry that momentum into the ODI series,” he said.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL crown with a composed five-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, powered by a masterful unbeaten 75 from Virat Kohli and a disciplined bowling performance.

After being asked to bat first, Gujarat Titans struggled to build momentum against a relentless RCB attack and were restricted to 155 for 8 in their allotted 20 overs.

The Titans lost both openers early as Bhuvneshwar Kumar removed Sai Sudharsan and skipper Shubman Gill inside the first four overs. Nishant Sindhu briefly resisted with 20, but wickets fell at regular intervals as RCB tightened their grip on the contest.

Washington Sundar stood firm amid the collapse, producing a fighting unbeaten 50 off 37 deliveries that featured five boundaries. However, he received little support from the middle order. Rasikh Salam emerged as the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of 3 for 27, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood claimed two wickets apiece. Krunal Pandya also chipped in with a crucial scalp as Gujarat finished below a par total.

In reply, RCB got off to a flying start through Venkatesh Iyer, who blasted 32 from just 16 balls. Although the defending champions lost a few quick wickets in the middle overs, Kohli anchored the chase with another vintage innings under pressure.

The veteran star struck nine fours and three sixes in his unbeaten 75 off 42 balls, controlling the innings with a blend of aggression and composure. Rajat Patidar contributed 15, while Tim David added a valuable 24 before falling with the target in sight.

Kohli then guided RCB home alongside wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who remained unbeaten on 11, as Bengaluru reached 161 for 5 in just 18 overs.

The victory secured back-to-back IPL titles for RCB and once again highlighted Kohli’s enduring class on the biggest stage.

Brief Scores:
Gujarat Titans 155/8 in 20 overs (Washington Sundar 50; Rasikh Salam 3/27, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 2/29, Josh Hazlewood 2/37) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 161/5 in 18 overs (Virat Kohli 75, Venkatesh Iyer 32, Tim David 24; Rashid Khan 2/25) by five wickets.