Introduction: Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline

The cricket rivalry between the Sri Lanka national cricket team and the India national cricket team stands as one of the most compelling and enduring stories in international cricket. It goes beyond mere match results — it represents decades of evolving strategies, changes in playing styles, iconic individual performances, and shifts in dominance as two of Asia’s most passionate cricketing nations clashed repeatedly on pitches around the world.

From Sri Lanka’s early struggle for legitimacy in Test cricket to its rise as a World Cup champion, and from India’s growth into a global powerhouse to unforgettable encounters in ICC tournaments, this rivalry has produced dramatic finishes, record-breaking performances, and memorable moments that remain a proud part of cricket lore. The timeline of encounters between these two teams tells a broader story of how modern international cricket grew in competitiveness, drama, and global viewership.

Two Nations, One Cricketing Legacy

Cricket has always been more than a sport in India and Sri Lanka — it’s a cultural phenomenon, a way of life, and a source of national pride. Both teams have rich cricketing histories significantly tied to global developments in the sport.

India, one of the founding members of the International Cricket Council and a Test-playing power since 1932, has traditionally been a strong force in all forms of the game.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, was a newcomer to international cricket compared to India. Granted full Test status in 1982, Sri Lanka’s ascent was historically rapid — culminating in their first major global victory in the 1996 Cricket World Cup. From underdog status, Sri Lanka developed into a force capable of competing with and defeating the best teams in the world.

When these two teams meet, it isn’t just a match — it’s a narrative, a reflection of decades of cricketing evolution, individual brilliance, and strategic ingenuity.

Head‑to‑Head Overview: Numbers That Tell a Story

To understand the intensity and competitiveness of this rivalry, it helps to look at how the teams have fared across formats over the decades.

Test Cricket

In Test cricket, India and Sri Lanka have played each other regularly since 1982. Test cricket being the oldest and longest format means that each series had tactical depth and individual battles between bowlers and batsmen.

• Matches Played: 46
• India Wins: 22
• Sri Lanka Wins: 7
• Drawn: 17

While India has generally held the edge in Tests, Sri Lanka has had powerful performances, especially at home, and many matches ended in fiercely contested draws.

One Day International (ODI) Cricket

ODIs have featured the most clashes between these two teams. As limited‑overs cricket grew in popularity internationally in the 1980s and 1990s, India and Sri Lanka played against each other consistently in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.

• Matches Played: 171
• India Wins: 99
• Sri Lanka Wins: 59
• No Result / Tied: 13

India’s dominance in ODIs reflects its depth, batting firepower, and consistency over decades, while Sri Lanka’s victories — including major tournament wins — reflect moments of brilliance and strategic adaptation.

Twenty20 (T20) Cricket

The shortest format brings high-intensity clashes, often defined by big hitting and sharp bowling. India and Sri Lanka have met regularly in bilateral series and ICC World T20 tournaments.

• Matches Played: 33
• India Wins: 23
• Sri Lanka Wins: 9
• No Result: 1

India’s T20 strength comes from powerful batting and depth, while Sri Lanka’s wins often reflect tactical bowling and clutch performances.

Chronological Rivalry Timeline (1982–2025+)

Below is a detailed timeline table that tracks major series and notable individual matches between India and Sri Lanka across Tests, ODIs, and T20s. This timeline highlights not just results, but chapters in this fascinating sporting rivalry.

India vs Sri Lanka Full Timeline Table

Year	Series / Tournament	Format	Venue / Host	Result / Outcome	Notable Highlights
1979	Cricket World Cup	ODI	Manchester, England	Sri Lanka won by 47 runs	First-ever ODI encounter between the two nations
1982	India tour of Sri Lanka	Test	Colombo	Draw	First-ever Test match between India & Sri Lanka
1985	India tour of Sri Lanka	Test & ODI	Colombo / Kandy	Sri Lanka won Test series 1–0; ODIs tied	Sri Lanka’s maiden Test series victory against India
1990	India tour of Sri Lanka	Test & ODI	Colombo / Kandy	India won both series	India asserts dominance in early 90s
1993	Sri Lanka tour of India	ODI	Colombo	India won 3–0	Comprehensive ODI series win by India
1996	Cricket World Cup	ODI	Various	Sri Lanka beat India in Semi-Final	Sri Lanka’s rise as World Cup contender
1997	Sri Lanka tour of India	Test & ODI	Chennai / Mumbai	Series drawn	Highly competitive, closely fought matches
2001	India tour of Sri Lanka	Test & ODI	Colombo / Kandy	Sri Lanka won Test series 2–1; ODI series SL won 3–2	Dominated by Muttiah Muralitharan spin attack
2003	Cricket World Cup	ODI	Various	India and Sri Lanka meet in group stages	Important ODI encounters in tournament
2010	Asia Cup Final	ODI	Dambulla, Sri Lanka	India won	India asserts ODI strength in Asia Cup final
2011	Cricket World Cup Final	ODI	Mumbai, India	India won	Historic World Cup victory for India on home soil
2013	Bilateral Series	ODI	India	India won	Competitive matches, high-scoring encounters
2014	ICC World T20 Final	T20	Dhaka, Bangladesh	Sri Lanka won	Sri Lanka wins T20 World Cup final against India
2014–15	Sri Lanka tour of India	ODI	Various cities, India	India won 5–0	Complete ODI whitewash; dominant Indian performance
2021	India tour of Sri Lanka	ODI & T20I	Colombo, Sri Lanka	India won T20I series 3–0; Sri Lanka won ODI series 2–1	Sri Lanka registers rare ODI series win
2023	Asia Cup & Bilateral ODI matches	ODI	Various	India won majority	India dominates Asia Cup final by 10 wickets
2024	India tour of Sri Lanka	ODI & T20I	Colombo / Kandy	India wins T20I 3–0; Sri Lanka wins ODI 2–0	Sri Lanka’s rare bilateral ODI series win
2025	Asia Cup Super Four & T20I	T20	Various	India won via Super Over	High-drama finish in T20 format

This timeline highlights key moments where the rivalry peaked — tournament finals, global championships, and bilateral series where either team showcased strategic dominance.

Narrative History: Decades of Key Moments

The rivalry evolves differently in each era — shaped by emerging players, changing formats, and broader developments in global cricket.

1980s: Foundations of Competitive Rivalry

During the 1980s, Sri Lanka was finding its footing in Test cricket while India was long established in international cricket. Early clashes were often one-sided, but Sri Lanka showed quick improvement, notably with its first Test series victory over India in 1985, showcasing its talented emerging players and growing strategic depth.

1990s: Sri Lanka’s Rise and Cricket’s Global Evolution

The 1990s were transformative years for both teams. The 1996 Cricket World Cup saw Sri Lanka stun the cricketing world and emerge as a global power, marking a shift in the rivalry toward more competitive encounters. Bilateral series during the late 1990s were closely contested, reflecting Sri Lanka’s rise as a formidable opponent.

2000s: Close Rivalry and Strategic Battles

The early 2000s saw increased competitiveness. The 2001 series in Sri Lanka showcased Muttiah Muralitharan’s spin mastery, leading to Sri Lanka defeating India in Tests and ODIs. ICC tournaments featured multiple high-stakes encounters with strategic battles and individual brilliance on both sides.

2010s: Major Finals & Global Trophies

This decade featured some of the most iconic encounters in this rivalry:

• 2011 Cricket World Cup Final: India’s commanding win against Sri Lanka in Mumbai was a landmark moment in cricket history.
• 2014 T20 World Cup Final: Sri Lanka defeated India to claim the T20 World Cup, showing their resilience in limited-overs cricket.
• Bilateral series during this period often swung between both teams, with close matches and individual performances defining series outcomes.

2020s: Balanced Battles and Record-Setting Performances

In recent years, the rivalry continues with high intensity. India has maintained dominance in T20 formats, while Sri Lanka has marked rare ODI series wins. Modern encounters are characterized by powerful batting, innovative bowling, and strategic captaincy that keeps both teams competitive.

Key Players Who Defined the Rivalry

Sri Lanka Legends

• Arjuna Ranatunga – Captain who led Sri Lanka to World Cup victory in 1996.
• Sanath Jayasuriya – Explosive opener, capable of dominating limited-overs matches.
• Muttiah Muralitharan – Spin wizard who repeatedly troubled Indian batsmen.
• Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardene – Consistent match-winners and modern legends.

India Icons

• Sachin Tendulkar – India’s batting cornerstone through the 1990s and 2000s.
• MS Dhoni – Captain and finisher known for calm under pressure.
• Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma – Modern batting dynamos with record performances.
• Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Shami – Bowlers who influenced crucial matches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When did Sri Lanka and India first meet in international cricket?

They first met in an ODI during the 1979 Cricket World Cup. Sri Lanka won the match, marking a historic beginning for the rivalry.

2. Which format has the most intense rivalry?

ODI cricket has featured the most frequent matchups, with both teams producing thrilling encounters in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.

3. What was the most memorable match between India and Sri Lanka?

The 2011 Cricket World Cup Final is considered the most iconic, with India lifting the trophy after a commanding win over Sri Lanka.

4. Has Sri Lanka ever beaten India in a global tournament final?

Yes — Sri Lanka defeated India in the 2014 ICC World Twenty20 final, claiming the T20 World Cup.

5. Who has historically dominated this rivalry?

India has generally had the upper hand across all formats, while Sri Lanka has had memorable victories in key tournaments and series.