sri lanka national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline
Introduction: Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
When we talk about some of the biggest rivalries in cricket, India vs Sri Lanka is definitely up there. Both teams have had amazing moments over the years—filled with thrilling wins, heartbreaking losses, and unforgettable performances. From World Cup clashes to exciting bilateral series, this rivalry has seen it all.
In this article, we’ll explore the timeline of their key matches, stats, fun facts, and more. Whether you’re a die-hard cricket fan or just curious, this is a great place to understand the journey between these two cricket giants.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Sri Lanka and India started way back in the late 1970s. India had already been playing cricket for a long time, while Sri Lanka was just finding its feet in international cricket.
First Match
- Format: One Day International (ODI)
- Date: July 16, 1979
- Tournament: Prudential World Cup
- Winner: Sri Lanka (by 47 runs)
Yes, Sri Lanka actually beat India in their very first ODI match!
Why Is This Rivalry Special?
There are many reasons why India vs Sri Lanka is more than just a cricket match:
- Friendly neighbors: The countries share culture, language influences, and cricket love.
- World Cup history: They have met multiple times in World Cups, including the final in 2011.
- Legendary players: From Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan to Virat Kohli and Lasith Malinga—many legends have lit up this rivalry.
- Close contests: Many matches have been nail-biters, with last-over finishes and dramatic moments.
Head-to-Head Records
Let’s break down how these teams compare across different formats:
ODIs (One Day Internationals)
- Total Matches: 166
- India Wins: 97
- Sri Lanka Wins: 57
- No Result: 11
- Tied: 1
Test Matches
- Total Matches: 46
- India Wins: 22
- Sri Lanka Wins: 7
- Draws: 17
T20 Internationals
- Total Matches: 30
- India Wins: 20
- Sri Lanka Wins: 9
- No Result: 1
Timeline of Key Matches: India vs Sri Lanka
Here’s a timeline of some of the most important and memorable matches between these two teams:
| Year | Format | Match/Tournament | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | ODI | World Cup | Sri Lanka won | First-ever ODI match between them |
| 1982 | Test | Colombo | India won | First Test win against Sri Lanka |
| 1996 | ODI | World Cup Semi-Final | Sri Lanka won | Crowd trouble ended India’s game early |
| 2002 | ODI | Champions Trophy Final | Shared | Match rained off twice |
| 2009 | ODI | Rajkot | India won | India scored 414/7, one of their highest totals |
| 2010 | Test | Colombo | Draw | Tendulkar scored 203 |
| 2011 | ODI | World Cup Final | India won | India lifted the World Cup after 28 years |
| 2012 | T20 | T20 World Cup | India won | Kohli scored 68* |
| 2017 | ODI | 5-0 Series Sweep | India won | Dominant whitewash in Sri Lanka |
| 2021 | ODI | Colombo | Sri Lanka won | Young Indian side led by Dhawan |
| 2023 | ODI | Asia Cup Final | India won | Bowled SL out for 50 runs |
Most Memorable Moments
Let’s look at some special moments that fans still talk about.
1996 World Cup Semi-Final Drama
- Held in Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
- India was chasing 252 but collapsed.
- Fans started throwing bottles and setting fires.
- Match was awarded to Sri Lanka due to crowd trouble.
2002 Champions Trophy Final
- Not once, but twice the match was washed out due to rain.
- Trophy was shared between India and Sri Lanka—first time in a big ICC event.
2011 World Cup Final
- Held in Mumbai.
- Sri Lanka made 274 with Mahela Jayawardene scoring a century.
- India chased it down with Dhoni hitting a winning six.
- “Dhoni finishes off in style!” became an iconic commentary line.
2023 Asia Cup Final
- India bowled out Sri Lanka for just 50 runs.
- Mohammed Siraj took 6 wickets.
- India won the match in just 6.1 overs—a total domination!
Star Performers Over the Years
Here are some legendary players who have made a huge impact in this rivalry:
For India:
- Sachin Tendulkar – Consistent run-scorer in all formats.
- Virat Kohli – Loves batting against Sri Lanka; has many centuries.
- MS Dhoni – Calm and brilliant as a captain and finisher.
- Rohit Sharma – Holds record for highest ODI score (264 vs SL).
For Sri Lanka:
- Muttiah Muralitharan – Troubled Indian batters with his spin magic.
- Sanath Jayasuriya – Attacked from the start, changed how ODIs were played.
- Kumar Sangakkara – Stylish, dependable and a great leader.
- Lasith Malinga – Deadly yorkers and hat-tricks galore.
Fun Facts About India vs Sri Lanka
- India and Sri Lanka have played the most number of ODIs against each other than any other teams.
- Rohit Sharma’s 264 against Sri Lanka is the highest individual score in ODI history.
- Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene scored a century in the 2011 WC final but ended on the losing side.
- The 2023 Asia Cup Final was the shortest completed final ever in terms of overs played.
How the Rivalry Has Changed Over Time
Then:
- In the 90s and early 2000s, both teams were very evenly matched.
- Sri Lanka had a strong team with legends like Jayasuriya, Vaas, and Muralitharan.
- India was building a team with Tendulkar, Dravid, and later Dhoni.
Now:
- India has more depth in talent, especially in T20s and ODIs.
- Sri Lanka is rebuilding with younger players like Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga.
Looking Ahead: Future of India vs Sri Lanka
The future is bright! With more ICC tournaments, Asia Cups, and bilateral series coming up, fans can expect many more exciting matches between these two teams.
New stars will rise, records will be broken, and cricket lovers will get more magical moments to cherish.
Final Thoughts
The India vs Sri Lanka cricket rivalry is full of history, passion, and unforgettable memories. Whether you’re cheering for the Men in Blue or the Lions, there’s always excitement when these two meet on the field.
From dramatic World Cup battles to one-sided wins and classic individual performances, this rivalry has something for every cricket fan.
