by Cricket in the Asian subcontinent is more than just a sport – it’s a passion that unites millions across borders.
Among the many cricket rivalries that have captivated fans over the decades, the contest between India and Sri Lanka stands as one of the most enduring and statistically rich.
The Sri Lanka national cricket team vs India national cricket team stats reveal a fascinating narrative of dominance, resilience, and extraordinary individual performances that have shaped cricket history.
This rivalry began in the 1970s and has evolved through various eras of cricket, from the traditional five-day Test matches to the adrenaline-fueled T20 encounters.
What makes this rivalry special is not just the frequency of their meetings – a staggering 248 matches across formats – but also the memorable moments these encounters have produced, including the historic 2011 World Cup final, where India triumphed on home soil.
Both nations have produced cricketing legends who have left indelible marks on the sport.
From India’s batting maestros like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli to Sri Lanka’s bowling wizard Muthiah Muralitharan and elegant batsman Kumar Sangakkara, these players have elevated this rivalry to iconic status.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Stats
Let’s delve deep into the numbers, records, and stories that define this remarkable cricketing relationship.
The Historical Evolution of India-Sri Lanka Cricket Rivalry
The cricketing relationship between India and Sri Lanka has evolved significantly over the decades:
Early Years (1979-1990)
The first Test match between these nations was played in 1982, relatively late compared to other cricket rivalries. Sri Lanka, having just gained Test status in 1981, was finding its footing in international cricket. During this period, India held a clear advantage, winning most of their limited encounters.
Key moment: Sri Lanka’s first Test victory against India came in 1985 at P. Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo – a significant milestone for Sri Lankan cricket.
The Rise of Sri Lankan Cricket (1991-2000)
This decade marked Sri Lanka’s emergence as a formidable cricket force. Under Arjuna Ranatunga’s leadership, Sri Lanka transformed from underdogs to world champions by winning the 1996 ODI World Cup. Their innovative approach to batting in the first 15 overs, led by Sanath Jayasuriya, revolutionized one-day cricket.
Key moment: Sri Lanka’s world-record Test score of 952/6 against India in 1997, which still stands as the highest team total in Test cricket history.
Golden Era of Competition (2001-2010)
This period witnessed the fiercest competition between the two sides, with both teams boasting extraordinary talent. Sri Lanka’s golden generation of Sangakkara, Jayawardene, and Muralitharan faced off against India’s batting legends like Tendulkar, Dravid, and Ganguly.
Key moment: India’s victory in the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka in Mumbai, where MS Dhoni’s iconic six sealed the trophy.
India’s Dominance (2011-Present)
Recent years have seen India establish a clear dominance across formats, particularly in T20Is and ODIs. However, Sri Lanka has still managed occasional upsets, especially in ICC tournaments where they’ve performed admirably against their larger neighbor.
Key moment: Rohit Sharma’s world-record ODI score of 264 against Sri Lanka in 2014, which remains the highest individual score in ODI cricket.
Comprehensive Head-to-Head Statistics
A statistical overview of this rivalry shows India’s overall dominance but also highlights Sri Lanka’s competitiveness across eras:
| Format | Matches | India Won | Sri Lanka Won | Draw/Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEST | 46 | 22 | 7 | 17 |
| ODI | 171 | 99 | 59 | 13 |
| T20I | 31 | 21 | 9 | 1 |
| Total | 248 | 142 | 75 | 31 |
These numbers tell an interesting story:
- In Test cricket, while India has won more matches (22 vs 7), the high number of draws (17) indicates competitive cricket
- The ODI format has seen the most encounters (171), with India winning approximately 58% of completed matches
- T20Is show India’s strongest dominance with 21 wins from 31 matches (68% win rate)
Performance in Major Tournaments
When it comes to ICC events, the rivalry takes an interesting turn:
| Tournament | Matches | India Won | Sri Lanka Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| ODI World Cups | 10 | 5 | 4 |
| T20 World Cups | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Champions Trophy | 3 | 2 | 1 |
Remarkably, despite India’s overall dominance in bilateral series, Sri Lanka has competed exceptionally well in global tournaments, winning 7 matches to India’s 7. This underscores Sri Lanka’s ability to elevate their game on the biggest stages.
Test Cricket: The Traditional Battlefield
Test cricket provides the purest examination of cricketing skills, and the India-Sri Lanka rivalry has produced some remarkable statistics in this format.
Team Records in Tests
Highest Team Totals:
| Team | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 952/6d | Colombo | 1997 |
| Sri Lanka | 760/7d | Ahmedabad | 2009 |
| India | 726/9d | Mumbai | 2009 |
| India | 707 | Colombo | 2010 |
Sri Lanka’s 952/6 declared at Colombo stands as not just the highest score in this rivalry but the highest team total in the history of Test cricket – a record that has stood for over 25 years. This extraordinary innings featured Sanath Jayasuriya’s 340 and Roshan Mahanama’s 225, with the pair putting on a then-record partnership of 576 runs.
Lowest Team Totals:
| Team | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 82 | Chandigarh | 1990 |
| Sri Lanka | 109 | Bengaluru | 2017 |
| India | 112 | Galle | 2015 |
These collapses often came on pitches that offered significant assistance to bowlers or in matches where one bowler produced an exceptional spell.
Individual Batting Excellence in Tests
Most Runs in the Rivalry:
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 25 | 36 | 1995 | 60.45 | 9 | 4 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 21 | 28 | 1822 | 70.07 | 7 | 6 |
| Rahul Dravid | 20 | 32 | 1508 | 53.85 | 5 | 7 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 19 | 28 | 1352 | 56.33 | 5 | 6 |
Sachin Tendulkar’s supremacy in the batting records against Sri Lanka mirrors his status in world cricket. With 1995 runs at an impressive average of 60.45, including 9 centuries, Tendulkar dominated Sri Lankan bowling throughout his career.
Mahela Jayawardene’s average of 70.07 against India is particularly remarkable, showing his special affinity for facing Indian bowlers. His 275 at Ahmedabad in 2009 remains one of the finest innings played in this rivalry.
Highest Individual Scores:
| Player | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 340 | Colombo | 1997 |
| Virender Sehwag | 293 | Mumbai | 2009 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | 275 | Ahmedabad | 2009 |
| Virat Kohli | 243 | Delhi | 2017 |
Jayasuriya’s 340 remains the highest individual score in this rivalry and stands as a testament to his remarkable transformation from a bowling all-rounder to one of cricket’s most destructive batsmen.
Bowling Mastery in Tests
Most Wickets in the Rivalry:
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5-wicket hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muthiah Muralitharan | 22 | 105 | 24.63 | 9 |
| Anil Kumble | 19 | 74 | 28.36 | 5 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 15 | 62 | 28.81 | 6 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 16 | 53 | 30.94 | 3 |
Muthiah Muralitharan’s 105 wickets against India are a staggering achievement. His mastery of spin, particularly his doosra, troubled even India’s accomplished batsmen against spin. No other bowler has taken 100+ wickets in this rivalry, highlighting Muralitharan’s dominance.
For India, Anil Kumble’s 74 wickets showcase his effectiveness, particularly on subcontinental pitches where his accuracy and variations proved difficult for Sri Lankan batsmen to handle.
Best Bowling Figures in an Innings:
| Player | Figures | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muthiah Muralitharan | 8/87 | Colombo | 2001 |
| Rangana Herath | 7/48 | Galle | 2015 |
| Maninder Singh | 7/51 | Delhi | 1987 |
| Anil Kumble | 7/59 | Kanpur | 1993 |
Muralitharan’s 8/87 represents the pinnacle of bowling excellence in this rivalry, a spell where his variations completely bamboozled the Indian batting lineup.
One-Day Internationals: The Most Contested Format
With 171 matches played, ODIs form the cornerstone of this rivalry, producing some of cricket’s most memorable moments and extraordinary individual performances.
Team Achievements in ODIs
Highest Team Totals:
| Team | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 414/7 | Rajkot | 2009 |
| Sri Lanka | 411/8 | Rajkot | 2009 |
| India | 404/5 | Kolkata | 2014 |
The Rajkot run-fest in 2009 was extraordinary, with both teams crossing 400 in the same match – India’s 414/7 followed by Sri Lanka’s valiant chase reaching 411/8. This remains one of the highest-scoring ODIs in cricket history.
Lowest Team Totals:
| Team | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 50 | Colombo | 2023 |
| India | 54 | Sharjah | 2000 |
| Sri Lanka | 55 | Mumbai | 2023 |
Recent years have seen some dramatic collapses by Sri Lanka, including their lowest score of 50 in Colombo in 2023, highlighting the increasing gap between the two sides in certain conditions.
Batting Records in ODIs
Most Runs in the Rivalry:
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 84 | 80 | 3113 | 43.84 | 8 | 17 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 89 | 85 | 2899 | 36.24 | 7 | 14 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | 74 | 71 | 2700 | 41.53 | 8 | 15 |
| Virat Kohli | 55 | 52 | 2652 | 60.27 | 9 | 14 |
Sachin Tendulkar’s 3113 runs against Sri Lanka is the highest by any batsman against a single opposition in ODI cricket history, demonstrating his extraordinary consistency over two decades.
Virat Kohli’s average of 60.27 is phenomenal considering the volume of runs, showing his mastery in the ODI format and particular dominance against Sri Lankan bowling.
Highest Individual Scores:
| Player | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rohit Sharma | 264 | Kolkata | 2014 |
| Rohit Sharma | 208* | Mohali | 2017 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 189 | Sharjah | 2000 |
| MS Dhoni | 183* | Jaipur | 2005 |
Rohit Sharma’s 264 remains the highest individual score in ODI cricket history – a marathon innings featuring 33 fours and 9 sixes. Remarkably, Rohit also holds the second-highest score against Sri Lanka with his unbeaten 208, making him the only player to score multiple double centuries in ODIs.
Bowling Excellence in ODIs
Most Wickets in the Rivalry:
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muthiah Muralitharan | 63 | 74 | 31.54 | 4.28 |
| Chaminda Vaas | 62 | 70 | 27.52 | 4.69 |
| Zaheer Khan | 49 | 66 | 29.20 | 5.01 |
| Harbhajan Singh | 47 | 61 | 30.59 | 4.19 |
While Muralitharan again tops the wicket-taking chart with 74 wickets, the gap is much smaller in ODIs compared to Tests, with Chaminda Vaas closely behind with 70 wickets. This highlights the more balanced bowling performances in the shorter format.
Best Bowling Figures:
| Player | Figures | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muthiah Muralitharan | 7/30 | Sharjah | 2000 |
| Ajantha Mendis | 6/13 | Karachi | 2008 |
| Angelo Mathews | 6/20 | Colombo | 2023 |
| Mohammed Siraj | 6/21 | Colombo | 2023 |
Muralitharan’s 7/30 represents the best bowling performance in this rivalry, though Ajantha Mendis’ 6/13 in his debut tournament was perhaps the more mystifying spell, introducing the “carrom ball” that initially baffled Indian batsmen completely.
T20 Internationals: The Modern Battleground
The newest format of international cricket has seen India establish clear dominance, though Sri Lanka has performed admirably in World Cup encounters.
Team Records in T20Is
Highest Team Totals:
| Team | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 260/5 | Indore | 2017 |
| India | 228/5 | Rajkot | 2023 |
| Sri Lanka | 217/5 | Nagpur | 2009 |
India’s 260/5 in Indore represents one of the highest totals in T20I cricket history, showcasing their batting firepower in the shortest format.
Lowest Team Totals:
| Team | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | 81/8 | Colombo | 2023 |
| Sri Lanka | 82 | Vizag | 2016 |
| Sri Lanka | 87 | Cuttack | 2017 |
Both teams have suffered dramatic collapses in T20Is, highlighting the high-risk nature of batting in this format and how quickly matches can turn.
Individual T20I Records
Batting Excellence:
| Player | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | High Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dasun Shanaka | 22 | 21 | 430 | 23.88 | 140.98 | 74* |
| Rohit Sharma | 17 | 17 | 411 | 25.68 | 142.56 | 118 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 8 | 8 | 346 | 49.42 | 180.20 | 112* |
| Virat Kohli | 7 | 7 | 339 | 67.80 | 145.49 | 82* |
Dasun Shanaka’s 430 runs represent Sri Lanka’s most consistent T20 batting against India, though interestingly, the most impactful performances have come from Indian batsmen.
Suryakumar Yadav’s strike rate of 180.20 and Virat Kohli’s average of 67.80 demonstrate the quality of Indian T20 batting in recent years, with both players redefining what’s possible in this format.
Bowling Records:
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Economy | Best Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuzvendra Chahal | 13 | 23 | 8.48 | 4/23 |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | 12 | 17 | 7.84 | 4/9 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 13 | 14 | 8.12 | 4/22 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | 7 | 14 | 6.95 | 4/8 |
Yuzvendra Chahal’s 23 wickets lead the bowling charts, showing his effectiveness in the middle overs against Sri Lankan batsmen. Wanindu Hasaranga has emerged as Sri Lanka’s premier T20 bowler with 17 wickets at an impressive economy of 7.84, highlighting his world-class abilities.
Unforgettable Moments That Defined the Rivalry
Throughout their rich history of competition, certain moments stand out as defining points in the India-Sri Lanka rivalry:
1. The 2011 World Cup Final
The most significant match between these teams came on April 2, 2011, at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sri Lanka posted 274/6 with Mahela Jayawardene scoring an elegant 103*. In response, India lost early wickets before MS Dhoni (91*) and Gautam Gambhir (97) steered India to victory. Dhoni’s six to finish the match became one of cricket’s most iconic moments.
2. Jayasuriya’s 340 and the 952/6 Record
In August 1997, Sri Lanka created history by posting 952/6 – the highest team total in Test cricket. Sanath Jayasuriya’s 340 formed the cornerstone of this mammoth total that stands unbroken even today.
3. Ajantha Mendis’ Mystery Spin Debut
In the 2008 Asia Cup final, a relatively unknown Ajantha Mendis bamboozled India’s legendary batting lineup with his mysterious “carrom ball,” taking 6/13 to help Sri Lanka win the trophy. This performance announced the arrival of a unique bowling talent.
4. Rohit Sharma’s 264
On November 13, 2014, at Eden Gardens, Rohit Sharma played the greatest individual innings in ODI history, scoring an astonishing 264 runs from 173 balls with 33 fours and 9 sixes. This remains the highest individual score in ODI cricket.
5. The 2014 T20 World Cup Final
Sri Lanka finally won the World Cup after multiple final appearances when they defeated India in the 2014 T20 World Cup Final in Dhaka. In his final T20I match, Kumar Sangakkara guided his team to victory, breaking their “finals jinx.”
Cultural and Sporting Significance
The India-Sri Lanka cricket rivalry extends beyond statistics and performances:
Sporting Diplomacy
Cricket has often served as a diplomatic bridge between these neighbors. During Sri Lanka’s civil war period, India’s continued cricket engagement provided important international exposure for Sri Lankan cricket.
Shared Cricketing Infrastructure
India has frequently supported Sri Lankan cricket development, sharing technical expertise and infrastructure. Many Sri Lankan players have benefited from participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL), improving their skills and financial security.
Contrasting Styles
India’s cricket has traditionally been characterized by elegant batting and spin bowling, while Sri Lanka developed a reputation for unorthodox approaches – from Muralitharan’s unique bowling action to the innovative batting of players like Jayasuriya and Dilshan.
Future Prospects for the Rivalry
As both cricket teams evolve, several factors will shape the future of this rivalry:
India’s Continued Dominance?
With its vast resources, population, and cricketing infrastructure, India is likely to maintain its overall advantage. However, cricket’s unpredictable nature means Sri Lanka will always have opportunities for upsets.
Emerging Talents
Players like Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka and Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal for India represent the future of this rivalry, promising exciting contests in the coming years.
Format Evolution
With T20 cricket gaining prominence and new competitions emerging, the nature of this rivalry may shift from bilateral series to more tournament-focused encounters.
FAQs – India National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats
- 1. Which team has the better record in World Cup matches?
In ODI World Cups, India has won 5 matches to Sri Lanka’s 4, with one match tied. However, in the T20 World Cups, Sri Lanka has won both encounters.
- 2. Who holds the record for most runs in this rivalry?
Sachin Tendulkar holds the record with 3113 runs in ODIs and 1995 runs in Tests against Sri Lanka.
- 3. Which bowler has taken the most wickets in India vs Sri Lanka matches?
Muthiah Muralitharan leads with 105 wickets in Tests and 74 wickets in ODIs against India.
- 4. What is the highest team score in matches between these teams?
Sri Lanka’s 952/6 declared in the 1997 Colombo Test match, which remains the highest team total in Test cricket history.
- 5. Who scored the highest individual innings in this rivalry?
Rohit Sharma’s 264 in the 2014 Kolkata ODI is the highest individual score, which is also the highest individual score in ODI cricket history.
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Conclusion:
The cricket rivalry between India and Sri Lanka stands as one of the sport’s most statistically rich and historically significant contests.
From Sri Lanka’s world-record Test total to Rohit Sharma’s ODI masterclass, from Muralitharan’s spin wizardry to Tendulkar’s batting excellence, this rivalry has contributed enormously to cricket’s rich tapestry.
While the 248 matches played across formats show India’s overall dominance with 142 wins to Sri Lanka’s 75, the competitiveness of many encounters and Sri Lanka’s ability to perform in crucial moments have ensured this rivalry remains compelling.
The statistical highlights alone tell a fascinating story:
- Sri Lanka’s world-record 952/6 declared in Test cricket
- Rohit Sharma’s world-record 264 in ODIs
- Muthiah Muralitharan’s 105 Test wickets against a single opponent
- The epic 2011 World Cup final that India won on home soil
As cricket evolves and new talents emerge from both nations, this storied rivalry will continue to add new chapters to its already rich history.
Whether in the traditional five-day Test matches, the balanced ODI format, or the explosive T20 encounters, contests between India and Sri Lanka will remain a highlight of the international cricket calendar for years to come, continuing to captivate millions of fans across the subcontinent and around the world.
