by 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.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
The timeline of these encounters tells a story of persistence, evolution, and mutual respect between neighboring cricket nations.
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 but a statement victory that helped accelerate Sri Lanka’s journey to Test status.
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 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Legends Who Defined the Rivalry
Every great sporting rivalry is shaped by the players who produced extraordinary performances when the teams met.
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
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
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
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
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
Muttiah Muralitharan: The Spin Wizard
- Took 74 Test wickets against India
- Dominated on turning Sri Lankan pitches
- Engaged in fascinating battles with India’s best players of spin
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
The Future: Young Blood & New Rivalries
As cricket evolves and new players emerge, the India-Sri Lanka rivalry continues to regenerate with fresh talent.
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
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: Showing tremendous promise in his early encounters
- Ravi Bishnoi: His leg-spin has troubled Sri Lankan batsmen in T20 encounters
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
- Pathum Nissanka: His 137 in the 2024 tied ODI showcased his potential
- Charith Asalanka: His match-winning century in the 2024 series highlighted his maturity under pressure
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
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 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.
- 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.
Also Check:
- India National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
- England Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
- South Africa National Cricket Team Vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
- Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National 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.
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:
- 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
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
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
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.
