Introduction: Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
The cricket rivalry between India and Sri Lanka has produced some of the most iconic moments in the history of international cricket. Over the decades, both nations have shared a competitive yet respectful relationship on the field. While India has generally had the upper hand, Sri Lanka has had its share of glorious victories, especially in ICC tournaments. In this article, we’ll explore the complete timeline of matches between the Sri Lanka and India national cricket teams, along with important details, highlights, and head-to-head records.
Table of Contents
Overview of India vs Sri Lanka Cricket Rivalry
The first official match between India and Sri Lanka was held in 1979. Since then, the two teams have played across all formats: Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The rivalry has intensified over the years due to frequent encounters in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
Key Highlights of the Rivalry
- The first Test match between the two teams was in 1982.
- India and Sri Lanka met in the 2011 ICC World Cup Final.
- Sri Lanka has toured India multiple times, and vice versa.
- Both teams are known for producing legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, Muttiah Muralitharan, MS Dhoni, and Kumar Sangakkara.
India vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record (As of April 2025)
| Format | Matches Played | India Won | Sri Lanka Won | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 47 | 22 | 7 | 18 |
| ODI | 167 | 98 | 57 | 12 |
| T20I | 30 | 19 | 11 | 0 |
| Total | 244 | 139 | 75 | 30 |
Timeline of India vs Sri Lanka Matches (Key Events)
Here’s a timeline table of the most important encounters between India and Sri Lanka across formats:
| Year | Format | Event / Series | Winner | Venue | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | ODI | World Cup | India | England | First official ODI match between the two teams. |
| 1982 | Test | Bilateral Series | Drawn | India | First ever Test match between India and Sri Lanka. |
| 1996 | ODI | World Cup Semi-Final | Sri Lanka | Kolkata | Sri Lanka advanced to the final after crowd trouble led to India forfeiting. |
| 1997 | Test | Bilateral Series | Sri Lanka | Colombo | Jayasuriya scored 340; Sri Lanka made a record 952/6. |
| 2002 | ODI | Champions Trophy Final | Shared | Sri Lanka | Final washed out twice; both teams declared joint winners. |
| 2005 | ODI | Bilateral Series | India | India | Dhoni scored 183* in Jaipur. |
| 2009 | T20I | Bilateral Series | India | Sri Lanka | First T20I series between the teams. |
| 2011 | ODI | World Cup Final | India | Mumbai | India won the World Cup after 28 years. |
| 2014 | T20I | World T20 Final | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh | Sri Lanka won their first T20 World Cup. |
| 2017 | Test | Bilateral Series | India | Sri Lanka | India won 3-0 in Sri Lanka. |
| 2021 | ODI/T20I | Limited-overs Tour | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won T20I series 2-1. |
| 2023 | ODI | Asia Cup Final | India | Sri Lanka | India bowled out SL for 50 and won by 10 wickets. |
| 2024 | T20I | Bilateral Series | India | India | Young stars like Jaiswal and Tilak Varma impressed. |
Major ICC Encounters: India vs Sri Lanka
1996 World Cup Semi-Final
India and Sri Lanka met in the semi-final of the 1996 Cricket World Cup at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Sri Lanka posted a competitive total, and India collapsed during the chase. The match was awarded to Sri Lanka after crowd trouble.
2011 World Cup Final
Held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India won the toss and chose to field. Sri Lanka, riding on Mahela Jayawardene’s century, posted 274. Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni led India to victory, clinching their second World Cup title.
2014 World T20 Final
In a reversal of the 2011 final, Sri Lanka defeated India in the ICC World T20 final. Kumar Sangakkara played a match-winning knock in his last T20I match.
Legendary Players from Both Teams
From India:
- Sachin Tendulkar – Most runs in India-Sri Lanka matches.
- MS Dhoni – Captain during the 2011 World Cup final.
- Virat Kohli – Consistent performer against Sri Lanka.
- Rohit Sharma – Holds record for highest individual ODI score (264 vs Sri Lanka).
From Sri Lanka:
- Sanath Jayasuriya – One of the most destructive openers.
- Kumar Sangakkara – Elegant and consistent with the bat.
- Muttiah Muralitharan – Most wickets in India-Sri Lanka Tests.
- Lasith Malinga – Match-winner in ODIs and T20Is.
India vs Sri Lanka Series Results Summary
Test Series
India has dominated most Test series, especially post-2000s. Sri Lanka’s memorable Test victory came in 1997, when they recorded the highest team total in Test history.
ODI Series
India has had the upper hand in ODIs, especially at home. Rohit Sharma’s 264 in 2014 is still the highest score in ODIs, and it came against Sri Lanka.
T20I Series
While India leads the T20 head-to-head, Sri Lanka has clinched some key wins, including the 2014 T20 World Cup Final.
Evolution of the Rivalry
The India-Sri Lanka rivalry has evolved from being a one-sided contest to a more competitive and frequent fixture. Due to geographic proximity and cricketing relations, both teams have faced each other more often than any other pair in world cricket.
Early Years (1979–1996)
- Sri Lanka was still developing as a cricketing nation.
- India dominated most matches but Sri Lanka pulled off a surprise win in the 1996 World Cup.
Golden Era (1997–2011)
- Jayasuriya, Sangakkara, and Muralitharan led Sri Lanka’s charge.
- Sachin Tendulkar, Sehwag, and Dhoni made India formidable.
- The 2011 World Cup final was a climax to this era.
Recent Years (2012–2025)
- India has seen a wave of young talents.
- Sri Lanka has been rebuilding post the retirement of senior players.
- Matches are now more balanced and unpredictable.
Memorable Performances
- Virender Sehwag’s 293 – Nearly became India’s second triple centurion against Sri Lanka in 2009.
- Rohit Sharma’s 264 – Highest individual ODI score.
- MS Dhoni’s 183 in 2005* – Cemented his place in the Indian team.
- Mahela Jayawardene’s 103 in 2011 Final* – A World Cup final century in a losing cause.
- Ajantha Mendis’ debut in 2008 – Bamboozled Indian batsmen with his variations.
Why India vs Sri Lanka Matches Matter
- High Viewership: These matches always draw large TV and stadium audiences in Asia.
- Historic Significance: Some of cricket’s most iconic matches were between these teams.
- Cultural Connection: Strong ties between the countries make the rivalry emotional and respectful.
- Player Rivalries: Kohli vs Malinga, Dhoni vs Sangakkara, and others have enriched the storyline.
Future of the Rivalry
Looking ahead, the future India vs Sri Lanka series are expected to bring more exciting talent, nail-biting finishes, and new heroes. With both nations investing in young players and better infrastructure, their clashes promise continued entertainment.
Upcoming Series (Expected)
- 2025 Bilateral Series in India (Planned for late 2025)
- Asia Cup 2025 – Possible encounter in the knockout stage.
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – India and Sri Lanka may cross paths again.
Conclusion
The India vs Sri Lanka cricket timeline is rich with history, drama, and unforgettable performances. From legendary players to thrilling World Cup finals, this rivalry has something for every cricket fan. While India has maintained a stronger overall record, Sri Lanka has given India some of its toughest cricketing tests. As new players emerge, the legacy of this great rivalry continues to evolve, promising even more thrilling moments in the years ahead.
