Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Timeline

The sri lanka national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline represents one of cricket’s most fascinating rivalries in Asia.

This matchup has evolved from early underdog battles to modern high-stakes showdowns. When Sri Lanka first faced India in 1979, nobody could have predicted how this cricketing relationship would grow.

From Sri Lanka’s shocking upset as an Associate nation to their recent 2024 ODI series triumph on Indian soil, this rivalry has delivered unforgettable moments and career-defining performances.

Unlike the politically charged India-Pakistan contests, the India-Sri Lanka rivalry thrives on pure cricketing drama – unexpected upsets, nail-biting finishes, and the emergence of cricket legends.

The timeline of these encounters tells a story of persistence, evolution, and mutual respect between neighboring cricket nations.

From monsoon-soaked pitches in Colombo to packed stadiums in Mumbai, these teams have battled through changing eras, playing styles, and generations of talent.

Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Timeline

This comprehensive look at the sri lanka national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline reveals how an initially lopsided rivalry transformed into one of cricket’s most unpredictable and entertaining matchups.

The Birth of a Rivalry (1979–1985): From Underdogs to History-Makers

The India-Sri Lanka cricket rivalry began with a dramatic upset that nobody saw coming. Before we dive into the details, it’s important to understand that Sri Lanka wasn’t even a Test-playing nation when this rivalry started – they were considered minnows in international cricket.

The Shocking World Cup Upset (1979)

On June 16, 1979, at Old Trafford in Manchester, something extraordinary happened:

• Sri Lanka, then an Associate member (not a full Test nation), faced India in the Prudential World Cup
• India, batting first, was bowled out for a modest 191 runs
• Sri Lanka’s openers made the chase look ridiculously easy
• Sidath Wettimuny scored an unbeaten 67 runs
• Roy Dias contributed a solid 50 not out
• Sri Lanka won by a crushing 9 wickets with plenty of overs to spare

This wasn’t just a regular win – it was a statement victory that helped accelerate Sri Lanka’s journey to Test status. Cricket experts believe this win played a big role in Sri Lanka gaining Test status just two years later in 1981, much sooner than expected.

Entering Test Cricket (1985)

The teams had to wait until 1985 for their first Test match encounter:

• The first Test at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club (August 30–September 4, 1985) ended in a draw
• The second Test at P Sara Oval became historic for Sri Lanka
• Duleep Mendis became a national hero by scoring twin centuries (105 in each innings)
• India’s batting legend Sunil Gavaskar fought hard with 98 runs, but couldn’t save India
• Sri Lanka won by 149 runs – their first-ever Test victory

This win was monumentally important for Sri Lankan cricket. It proved they belonged at cricket’s highest level and could compete with established Test nations. For Sri Lankan fans, this victory against their powerful neighbor was sweet validation of their cricket potential.

Why These Early Wins Mattered

These early successes against India were crucial for Sri Lankan cricket for several reasons:

• They boosted national confidence in cricket abilities
• They helped attract more resources and support for cricket development
• They established Sri Lanka as more than just participants – they were competitors
• They began creating the first generation of Sri Lankan cricket heroes

The foundation of this rivalry was built on Sri Lanka’s determination to prove itself against a recognized cricket power. This underdog spirit would become a defining characteristic of many Sri Lanka-India encounters in the decades to follow.

The 1990s: Sri Lanka’s Audacity vs India’s Resurgence

The 1990s marked a period when Sri Lanka truly came into their own as a cricketing force, challenging India’s established dominance with bold tactics and fearless cricket.

The 1993 Series: Conquering Indian Soil

In 1993, Sri Lanka achieved what many thought impossible – a rare ODI series win in India. This 2-1 victory on Indian soil was built on several key factors:

• Smart tactical planning by Captain Arjuna Ranatunga
• Effective use of spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Ruwan Kalpage on turning Indian pitches
• Aravinda de Silva’s masterful batting throughout the series
• Resilient bowling in crucial moments

The series showcased Sri Lanka’s growing tactical maturity. Let’s look at the key matches:

Match	Venue	Result	Key Performer
1st ODI	Barabati Stadium	Sri Lanka won by 5 runs	Aravinda de Silva (75 runs)
3rd ODI (Decider)	Nehru Stadium	Sri Lanka won by 48 runs	Muralitharan (4 wickets for 34 runs)

The final match was particularly telling – India collapsed to 169 all out while chasing 217, unable to handle Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. This series victory sent shockwaves through Indian cricket and put the cricketing world on notice that Sri Lanka had arrived as a formidable ODI team.

The Rise of Sri Lankan Cricket Identity

This decade also saw Sri Lanka develop their own unique cricketing identity:

• Under Ranatunga’s bold leadership, Sri Lanka developed an aggressive batting approach
• The team embraced unorthodox talents like Sanath Jayasuriya’s explosive batting
• Sri Lanka pioneered the use of pinch hitters at the top of the batting order
• Muralitharan began developing his mysterious bowling variations that would trouble Indian batsmen for years

While India still held the upper hand in Test matches during this period, Sri Lanka had established itself as a dangerous opponent in limited-overs cricket. The rivalry was becoming more balanced, with each team having its areas of strength.

The 1996 World Cup Effect

Though not a direct India vs. Sri Lanka encounter, Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup victory transformed the dynamics of this rivalry:

• Sri Lanka was no longer the underdog but a world champion
• Indian players now faced Sri Lanka with increased respect and caution
• The power balance in Asian cricket shifted, with Sri Lanka claiming a seat at the table alongside India and Pakistan
• Commercial interest in Sri Lanka-India matches grew substantially

By the end of the 1990s, what had started as a lopsided rivalry had evolved into a genuinely competitive cricket contest between two talented Asian sides, each with its strengths and weaknesses.

2000s–2010s: India’s Dominance & T20 Fireworks

As cricket entered a new millennium, the India-Sri Lanka rivalry took on new dimensions with the rise of T20 cricket and high-profile ICC tournament encounters. This period generally saw India assert dominance while Sri Lanka continued to produce occasional upsets.

T20 Cricket: A New Battleground

The shortest format of the game created fresh dynamics in the rivalry:

• The first T20I between the teams (February 10, 2009, in Colombo) was a thriller
• India edged Sri Lanka by 3 wickets in a close finish
• Yusuf Pathan’s explosive 22-ball 50 was the highlight of the match
• This match set the tone for T20 encounters – high scoring, big hitting, and last-over drama

T20 cricket suited both teams’ styles – India’s power-hitting and Sri Lanka’s crafty bowling made for entertaining contests that could swing either way.

World Cup Showdowns

The rivalry reached its peak intensity during ICC tournaments, with two particularly memorable finals:

2011 ODI World Cup Final (Mumbai)

• India won by 6 wickets in a high-pressure final on home soil
• Sri Lanka posted a challenging 274/6, with Mahela Jayawardene scoring a brilliant 103*
• India’s chase was masterful, led by Gautam Gambhir’s 97
• MS Dhoni finished with an iconic six and remained unbeaten on 91*
• This victory gave India their second World Cup, coming 28 years after their first

2014 T20 World Cup Final (Dhaka)

• Sri Lanka finally got their revenge with a 6-wicket win
• India was restricted to just 130/4 in their 20 overs
• Kumar Sangakkara guided Sri Lanka home with an unbeaten 52*
• This was Sri Lanka’s first T20 World Cup title
• The win was especially meaningful as it came in the final international match for Sri Lankan legends Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene

These World Cup battles added a layer of global significance to the rivalry, with both teams fighting not just for bilateral pride but for world cricket supremacy.

Frequent Encounters: Familiarity and Fatigue

During this period, India and Sri Lanka played each other with unusual frequency:

• Between 2008 and 2010 alone, they played over 25 ODIs against each other
• The teams faced off in multiple tri-series and bilateral tours
• Some cricket fans and pundits began to express “fatigue” from seeing the same matchup too often
• Despite this, key matches continued to draw huge television audiences in both countries

The frequent matches did create a sense of familiarity between the players, with many developing personal friendships off the field while maintaining fierce competition on it.

Key Stats and Interesting Facts

Some notable statistics from this period highlight India’s general dominance:

• Virat Kohli emerged as Sri Lanka’s chief tormentor, averaging an incredible 68.4 against them in ODIs
• MS Dhoni averaged over 65 against Sri Lanka in ODIs between 2005-2015
• Sachin Tendulkar scored 8 Test centuries against Sri Lanka during his career
• Lasith Malinga developed a reputation as an “Indian specialist” with his deadly yorkers

This era cemented India’s overall superiority in the rivalry, especially in Tests, though Sri Lanka maintained their ability to produce occasional upsets, particularly in white-ball cricket.

2024: A New Chapter of Thrillers

The most recent chapter in this storied rivalry has brought fresh excitement and drama, suggesting that the India-Sri Lanka cricket contest remains as unpredictable as ever.

The Tied ODI: Cricket’s Rarest Result

In August 2024, fans witnessed something truly remarkable:

• The first ODI in Colombo ended in a genuine tie – only the second tied match in the teams’ 171 ODI meetings
• Sri Lanka’s Pathum Nissanka scored a brilliant 137 off 123 balls
• India fought back from a difficult position to level the scores off the very last ball
• The match swung dramatically in the final overs, with neither team willing to concede
• This result perfectly symbolized the competitive balance that has developed in the rivalry

A tied cricket match is extremely rare, making this result all the more special for cricket enthusiasts.

Sri Lanka’s Historic Series Win

Following the tied opener, Sri Lanka went on to achieve something they hadn’t done in 27 years:

• Sri Lanka secured a 2-0 series victory (the first match was tied)
• This was their first ODI series win in India since 1993
• Charith Asalanka was the batting hero with an unbeaten 119
• Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance (5/42 with the ball in one match, 3/28 and 45* in another) proved decisive
• The win signaled Sri Lanka’s resurgence after several years of rebuilding

Here’s a summary of the historic 2024 ODI series:

Match	Result	Highlight Performance
1st ODI	Tied	Pathum Nissanka’s 137 (123 balls)
2nd ODI	Sri Lanka won	Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten 119
3rd ODI	Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets	Hasaranga’s all-round show (3/28 + 45*)

This series victory has been hailed as the potential beginning of a new era for Sri Lankan cricket, with a young team finally finding its feet on the international stage.

The Impact on Both Teams

The 2024 results have had significant impacts on both cricket nations:

• For Sri Lanka, it represents validation of their rebuilding process and faith in young talent
• For India, it serves as a wake-up call after a period of dominance in bilateral cricket
• Both teams’ fans have been reinvigorated by the close contests
• Selectors and coaches have new data points to consider for future team selections

What makes the 2024 chapter especially interesting is how it echoes the early days of the rivalry – Sri Lanka once again positioning themselves as the underdog capable of toppling the more established cricketing power.

Head-to-Head: By the Numbers

To truly understand the Sri Lanka-India rivalry, we need to look at the statistical picture across all formats of the game. The numbers tell a story of India’s overall supremacy, punctuated by periods of Sri Lankan competitiveness.

Format-Wise Statistics (1979–2024)

Format	Total Matches	India Wins	Sri Lanka Wins	Draws/Ties/No Results
Tests	46	22	7	17 Draws
ODIs	171	99	59	11 No Results, 2 Ties
T20Is	32	20	11	1 No Result
All Formats	249	141	77	31

These statistics reveal several key insights:

• India holds a commanding lead in Test matches (22-7)
• The ODI contest is more competitive, though still favors India (99-59)
• T20Is show a similar pattern of Indian advantage, but with Sri Lanka maintaining respectability
• Almost 31% of Sri Lanka’s total international wins against India have come in the last 15 years

Venue Analysis: Home and Away

How the teams perform in different conditions adds another layer to understanding the rivalry:

• India has won approximately 70% of the Tests played against Sri Lanka in India
• Sri Lanka’s Test win percentage against India at home is around 25%
• ODI contests in Sri Lanka have been much more even, with Sri Lanka winning about 45% of matches
• Neutral venue contests slightly favor India, but with a narrower margin

This home advantage factor is important in understanding when and why upsets occur in the rivalry.

Record-Breaking Performances

The rivalry has produced numerous record-breaking achievements:

• Highest team total: India’s 726/9 declared (Colombo, 2017)
• Lowest team total: Sri Lanka’s 82 all out (Chandigarh, 1990)
• Highest individual score: Virender Sehwag’s 293 (Mumbai, 2009)
• Best bowling figures: Anil Kumble’s 10/74 (Delhi, 1999)

These statistical extremes highlight the occasional one-sided nature of contests, though the overall rivalry has become more balanced with time.

ICC Tournament Encounters

In high-stakes ICC tournaments, the record shows:

• India leads 4-2 in World Cup/T20 World Cup knockout matches
• The teams have met in 2 ICC finals (the 2011 ODI World Cup and the 2014 T20 World Cup), with each winning one
• India has never lost to Sri Lanka in a 50-over World Cup match
• Sri Lanka has had more success against India in the T20 World Cups

These tournament encounters have added prestige and importance to the rivalry beyond bilateral series.

Legends Who Defined the Rivalry

Every great sporting rivalry is shaped by the players who produced extraordinary performances when the teams met. The India-Sri Lanka rivalry has been blessed with remarkable cricketers who reserved their best for these encounters.

India’s Titans

Sachin Tendulkar: The Master vs. Sri Lanka

• Scored a staggering 1,995 Test runs against Sri Lanka
• Hit 8 centuries against Sri Lankan bowling
• Averaged over 60 in Tests against Sri Lanka
• Was particularly dominant at home, with memorable innings in Mumbai and Delhi

Tendulkar seemed to have a special affinity for Sri Lankan bowling, frequently producing marathon innings that broke the spirit of their attacks.

Anil Kumble: Sri Lanka’s Spin Nemesis

• Claimed 74 Test wickets against Sri Lanka at an excellent average
• Produced perhaps his career highlight against Sri Lanka – 10 wickets in an innings in Delhi (1999)
• Consistently troubled Sri Lanka’s best batsmen, particularly on turning tracks
• Developed special plans for Sri Lankan batting legends

Kumble’s meticulous planning and relentless accuracy made him a particularly difficult bowler for Sri Lankan batsmen to handle.

MS Dhoni: The Finisher

• Led India to the 2011 World Cup victory over Sri Lanka with an unbeaten 91*
• Averaged over 65 against Sri Lanka in ODIs
• Remained calm in pressure situations against Sri Lankan bowling
• Developed effective strategies against Sri Lanka’s unique bowling attacks

Dhoni’s ice-cool finishing in run chases against Sri Lanka made him particularly feared in the rivalry.

Sri Lanka’s Heroes

Kumar Sangakkara: India’s Elegant Tormentor

• Amassed an incredible 2,973 ODI runs against India
• Averaged over 40 in Tests against India
• Led Sri Lanka to their 2014 T20 World Cup win over India
• Produced many match-winning innings against Indian bowling

Sangakkara’s left-handed elegance masked a fierce competitive spirit that flourished against Indian opposition.

Lasith Malinga: The Slinging Specialist

• Claimed 74 ODI wickets against India
• Famous for his hat-trick against India in Colombo (2012)
• Yorkers troubled even India’s best batsmen
• Developed innovative variations specifically for Indian batsmen

Malinga’s unique bowling action and deadly accuracy gave even India’s vaunted batting lineup consistent problems.

Muttiah Muralitharan: The Spin Wizard

• Took 74 Test wickets against India
• Dominated on turning Sri Lankan pitches
• Constantly evolved his bowling to counter Indian batting techniques
• Engaged in fascinating battles with India’s best players of spin

Muralitharan’s mysterious variations and incredible control made him the centerpiece of many Sri Lankan victories.

Memorable Player Duels

Some individual player matchups within the rivalry became fascinating sub-plots:

• Tendulkar vs. Muralitharan: The battle between cricket’s highest run-scorer and highest wicket-taker
• Jayasuriya vs. Indian new ball bowlers: His aggressive starts set the tone for many Sri Lankan innings
• Kohli vs. Malinga: A modern classic between India’s run machine and Sri Lanka’s yorker specialist
• Dhoni vs. Sri Lankan spinners: His sweeping and innovative shots against their slow bowlers

These personal duels added texture and narrative to the broader team rivalry, giving fans specific matchups to anticipate whenever the teams met.

The Future: Young Blood & New Rivalries

As cricket evolves and new players emerge, the India-Sri Lanka rivalry continues to regenerate with fresh talent and matchups that promise to keep this cricketing relationship vibrant for years to come.

India’s New Generation

A crop of exciting young Indian players is already making their mark against Sri Lanka:

• Shubman Gill: Averaging an exceptional 68.4 against Sri Lanka in ODIs, suggesting he might follow Kohli’s path as a Sri Lankan specialist
• Yashasvi Jaiswal: Showing tremendous promise in his early encounters with Sri Lankan bowling
• Ravi Bishnoi: His leg-spin has troubled Sri Lankan batsmen in T20 encounters
• Rishabh Pant: Bringing his unique batting style to challenge Sri Lanka’s bowling plans

These young stars bring fresh approaches and techniques to the rivalry, forcing Sri Lanka to develop new strategies against unfamiliar talents.

Sri Lanka’s Rising Stars

Sri Lanka’s cricket renaissance is being built around several promising youngsters:

• Dunith Wellalage: Announced himself with a spectacular 5/40 against India in the 2023 Asia Cup
• Matheesha Pathirana: Nicknamed “Baby Malinga” for his similar slingy action, already troubling Indian batsmen
• Pathum Nissanka: His 137 in the 2024 tied ODI showcased his potential as a long-term batting cornerstone
• Charith Asalanka: His match-winning century in the 2024 series highlighted his maturity under pressure

These emerging players represent Sri Lanka’s hope for a more competitive future in the rivalry, potentially rebalancing the historical win-loss record.

Changing Cricket Landscape

Several factors are reshaping how this rivalry might look in the coming years:

• The proliferation of T20 leagues means Indian and Sri Lankan players now often play alongside each other in franchise cricket
• Changes in cricket scheduling may make series between these teams less frequent but more meaningful
• The growing importance of the World Test Championship adds context to Test matches between the sides
• Evolving playing conditions and rules could favor different types of players and approaches

Cricket analysts predict that while India will likely maintain their overall advantage, particularly in Tests, Sri Lanka’s cyclical resurgence suggests periods of greater competitiveness ahead.

Expert Predictions

According to cricket analysts:

• “The 2024 series proved Sri Lanka’s bench strength. Their U-19 stars are blending with veterans—watch out for the 2027 World Cup.” — CricAnalytics
• “India’s batting depth will keep them ahead in high-scoring contests, but Sri Lanka’s bowling variety makes them dangerous in bowler-friendly conditions.” — Former India coach
• “The rivalry is entering a new phase where results will be less predictable than the 2010s. Sri Lanka has rediscovered their fighting spirit.” — Cricket commentator

These predictions suggest fans can look forward to an exciting new chapter in this storied cricket relationship.

FAQs

• Which team has more ICC knockout wins?

India leads 4–2 in World Cup and T20 World Cup knockout matches against Sri Lanka. Their most significant victory came in the 2011 ODI World Cup Final in Mumbai, while Sri Lanka’s most important win was in the 2014 T20 World Cup Final in Dhaka.

• Who has the highest individual score in the Tests between these teams?

Virender Sehwag holds the record with his monumental 293 runs scored in Mumbai in 2009. He narrowly missed becoming the first player to score three triple centuries in Test cricket. The highest score by a Sri Lankan against India is Mahela Jayawardene’s 275 in 2009.

• Why is Sri Lanka’s 2024 series win significant?

The 2024 ODI series victory was momentous because it ended a 27-year wait for Sri Lanka to win a bilateral ODI series in India. Coming after years of rebuilding and struggle in Sri Lankan cricket, it signaled a potential return to competitiveness for the island nation.

• Who has taken the most wickets in the rivalry?

Muttiah Muralitharan leads with 74 Test wickets and 74 ODI wickets against India. For India, Anil Kumble took 74 Test wickets and 56 ODI wickets against Sri Lanka. The symmetry in these numbers is a remarkable coincidence in cricket statistics.

• What was the best T20I finish between these teams?

The 2014 T20 World Cup final stands as the most significant T20 encounter, with Sri Lanka chasing down India’s total to win their first T20 World Cup. The victory was especially poignant as it came in the final international match for Sri Lankan legends Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.

• When is the next bilateral series between India and Sri Lanka?

According to the Future Tours Programme, India is scheduled to host Sri Lanka in December 2024 for a comprehensive series featuring 3 Tests and 5 ODIs. This will be the first Test series between the teams since 2022.

• Has any player scored centuries in all three formats against the other team?

Virat Kohli is the only player to have scored centuries in all three formats (Test, ODI, and T20I) against Sri Lanka. No Sri Lankan player has achieved this feat against India yet, though Kusal Perera has come closest with hundreds in ODIs and T20Is.

• What is the biggest margin of victory in the rivalry?

India’s 304-run win in Galle (2017) stands as the largest victory by runs in Tests between the teams. In ODIs, India’s 183-run win in Johannesburg during the 2003 World Cup is the biggest margin.

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• Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Timeline
• West Indies Cricket Team Vs England Cricket Team Timeline

Final Insight: Why This Rivalry Captivates

What makes the India-Sri Lanka cricket rivalry special in a sport filled with historic matchups? Several unique factors contribute to its enduring appeal and significance in the cricket world.

Beyond Politics: Pure Cricket

Unlike the India-Pakistan rivalry with its political overtones, the India-Sri Lanka contest is refreshingly about cricket and cricket alone. This allows fans to focus purely on the sporting aspect:

• There’s minimal off-field controversy or tension
• Players from both teams often share friendly relationships
• The focus remains on cricketing skill rather than external factors
• Both nations’ fans generally respect the opposition’s talents

This cricket-first approach has created a healthier atmosphere around matches, allowing the on-field action to take center stage.

The Unpredictability Factor

Few cricket rivalries swing as dramatically as India vs. Sri Lanka:

• Sri Lanka can go from looking hopelessly outmatched to world-beaters in a week
• Weather conditions in Sri Lanka can transform pitch behavior during a single match
• Both teams have produced miracle comebacks when seemingly defeated
• The 2024 tied match perfectly exemplifies how impossibly close these contests can be

This unpredictability ensures that even when one team enters as heavy favorites, the outcome remains genuinely uncertain.

A Showcase for Cricket Styles

The rivalry has frequently highlighted contrasting cricket philosophies:

• India’s batting power vs. Sri Lanka’s bowling creativity
• Sri Lanka’s unorthodox techniques vs. India’s classical approach
• The battle between different spin bowling traditions
• Contrasting leadership styles from bold risk-takers to methodical strategists

These stylistic differences create fascinating tactical battles that cricket purists particularly enjoy.

Cultural and Cricket Brotherhood

Despite the intense competition, there’s an underlying bond between these cricket nations:

• Sri Lanka has often looked to India’s cricket system as a model
• India has frequently supported Sri Lankan cricket during difficult times
• Players from both countries share similar cricketing upbringings and challenges
• The shared experience of being from the subcontinent creates mutual understanding

This sense of cricket brotherhood adds depth to the rivalry, making victories sweeter but defeats less bitter than in some other cricket matchups.

As this rivalry enters its fifth decade, it continues to evolve while maintaining its essential character – a showcase for Asian cricket at its most exciting, unpredictable, and entertaining.

From Wettimuny’s statement innings in 1979 to Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance in 2024, the sri lanka national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline continues to write new chapters that captivate cricket lovers worldwide.