Cricket fans across the world are no strangers to the electrifying encounters between two of Asia’s cricketing powerhouses — Sri Lanka and India. The Sri Lanka national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline spans decades, showcasing epic battles, iconic moments, and unforgettable player rivalries. From their first meeting in international cricket to their recent T20 duels, every game adds a new chapter to this rich history.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a curious new follower of cricket, understanding the journey of this fierce competition helps you appreciate how far both teams have come. This blog takes you through an engaging and easy-to-follow timeline filled with highlights, memorable stats, and milestones that define the Sri Lanka national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline.
A Timeline of Encounters: From the 1970s to 2025
The journey of Sri Lanka and India’s cricketing relationship began long before Sri Lanka was granted Test status. Over time, their battles have grown from friendly tours to world tournament deciders.
1979–1981: Early One-Day Meetings
Sri Lanka first played India in an official One-Day International (ODI) at the 1979 Cricket World Cup. Although not a Test-playing nation yet, Sri Lanka stunned the cricketing world by defeating India, setting the tone for a spirited rivalry.
- June 1979 (World Cup): Sri Lanka defeated India by 47 runs at Old Trafford, Manchester.
- Sri Lanka gained Test status in 1981, leading to more regular fixtures between the two nations.
1982–1985: First Test Encounters
India and Sri Lanka played their first Test series in 1982. It marked the beginning of red-ball battles between the neighbors.
- Aug 1982 (First Test series): India toured Sri Lanka.
- 1985: Sri Lanka won their first-ever Test against India at Colombo (SSC).
1996: The World Cup That Changed Everything
The 1996 Cricket World Cup saw the most significant shift in the rivalry. Co-hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, this tournament redefined cricket in the subcontinent.
- March 1996 Semi-Final (Eden Gardens): Sri Lanka won via default as crowd violence halted the match.
- This match was pivotal in the Sri Lanka national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline, elevating Sri Lanka’s cricketing stature.
2000–2010: Tournaments and Tensions
Throughout the 2000s, both teams regularly clashed in tri-series, Asia Cups, and ICC events.
- 2002 Champions Trophy Final: Declared joint winners due to rain.
- 2008 Asia Cup Final: Sri Lanka beat India by 100 runs.
- 2009–10 India Tour of Sri Lanka: Multiple Test and ODI encounters strengthened the rivalry.
2011: World Cup Final Glory
- April 2, 2011 (Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai): India defeated Sri Lanka to win their second World Cup title.
- Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni’s heroics contrasted with Mahela Jayawardene’s century in a thriller of a final.
- This game is a highlight of the Sri Lanka national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline.
Recent Decade: India’s Dominance and Sri Lanka’s Resilience (2012–2025)
While India has maintained a stronghold in recent years, Sri Lanka has always shown the ability to spring surprises, particularly in multi-nation events.
2013–2014: Emerging Players and High Stakes
- Both teams began transitioning as legends like Tendulkar, Sangakkara, and Jayawardene neared retirement.
- India whitewashed Sri Lanka 5-0 in ODIs in 2014.
2017–2018: Frequent Tours and Format Switches
- India toured Sri Lanka and vice versa almost every year.
- India won all formats during the 2017 away tour.
- Sri Lanka bounced back with close contests in T20Is.
2021 Limited Overs Series
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, India sent a second-string team to Sri Lanka in 2021.
- Sri Lanka won the T20I series 2-1 — a much-needed win and a boost for younger players.
2023 Asia Cup Final
- India dismissed Sri Lanka for just 50 runs and chased it within 6.1 overs — one of the most dominant wins in finals history.
- This game marked a modern-day high point in the Sri Lanka national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline.
Statistical Summary: Head-to-Head Records
Here’s a table that breaks down their matches by format:
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 46 | 22 | 7 | 17 |
| ODIs | 167 | 99 | 57 | 11 |
| T20Is | 30 | 21 | 9 | 0 |
| Total | 243 | 142 | 73 | 28 |
Data accurate as of 2025.
Most Memorable Matches in the Timeline
Here are some standout games worth revisiting:
- 1996 World Cup Semi-Final: Crowd chaos, Lanka’s advance.
- 2011 World Cup Final: India’s win on home soil.
- 2013 Tri-Series Final: Dhoni finishes with a last-ball six.
- 2023 Asia Cup Final: Sri Lanka bowled out for 50.
Top Individual Performers Over the Years
| Player | Country | Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | Most runs in ODIs vs SL (3,113) |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | Most wickets in Tests vs India (105) |
| MS Dhoni | India | Key finisher in ICC matches |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | Multiple centuries vs India |
Batting
| Player | Runs (ODI) | Average | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 2,431 | 48.62 | 5 |
| Virat Kohli | 1,843 | 61.43 | 4 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 1,382 | 47.65 | 3 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 1,272 | 47.11 | 3 |
| Player | Runs (Tests) | Average | Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rahul Dravid | 1,068 | 53.40 | 3 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 982 | 49.10 | 3 |
| Virat Kohli | 961 | 53.38 | 3 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 934 | 51.88 | 3 |
| Player | Runs (T20I) | Average | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 598 | 54.36 | 5 |
| Suresh Raina | 489 | 32.60 | 4 |
| Lasith Malinga | 367 | 23.10 | 1 |
| Dinesh Chandimal | 342 | 26.30 | 2 |
Bowling
| Player | Wickets (ODI) | Economy | 4-wicket hauls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | 64 | 5.11 | 7 |
| Anil Kumble | 56 | 4.34 | 6 |
| Zaheer Khan | 49 | 4.62 | 5 |
| Lasith Embuldeniya | 44 | 5.22 | 4 |
| Player | Wickets (Tests) | Average | 5-wicket hauls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anil Kumble | 64 | 29.12 | 6 |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | 59 | 27.32 | 5 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 49 | 31.67 | 4 |
| Rangana Herath | 46 | 33.28 | 3 |
| Player | Wickets (T20I) | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | 36 | 6.92 | 4/13 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | 28 | 6.34 | 3/11 |
| Ajantha Mendis | 24 | 6.12 | 4/12 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 22 | 6.21 | 3/17 |
The Timeline’s Impact on Asian Cricket Culture
The India-Sri Lanka cricket rivalry has done more than produce good matches. It has inspired generations, fostered cross-border respect, and contributed to the economic and social influence of cricket in South Asia. Several players from both sides have become icons in each other’s countries, and that’s rare in international sport.
From diplomacy to digital fandom, the ripple effects of the Sri Lanka national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline continue to grow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When did Sri Lanka and India first play each other in cricket?
They first played an ODI match in the 1979 World Cup, and their first Test series was in 1982.
Q2: What is the most famous match between India and Sri Lanka?
The 2011 World Cup Final in Mumbai is considered the most iconic match between the two sides.
Q3: How many ICC trophies has Sri Lanka won against India?
Sri Lanka won the 1996 World Cup and the 2014 T20 World Cup but didn’t face India in the finals of those events. However, they have defeated India in key Asia Cup finals.
Q4: Has Sri Lanka ever whitewashed India?
In Test or ODI formats, Sri Lanka has not whitewashed India in a full bilateral series. However, they did win a T20I series 2-1 in 2021.
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Conclusion: A Rivalry Still Evolving
The Sri Lanka national cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline is more than just a sequence of matches. It’s a story of growth, comebacks, heartbreaks, and triumphs. Each game adds a new flavor, whether it’s a thrilling run chase or a dramatic collapse. Fans on both sides wait eagerly every year for the next chapter.
As both teams continue to rebuild with young talents and new strategies, one thing remains certain — the battles between India and Sri Lanka will keep cricket lovers talking for generations.