England Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline
The rivalry between the England Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline has evolved into one of the more compelling bilateral contests in modern cricket, marked by dramatic comebacks, historic milestones, and moments of sheer brilliance across all three formats—Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I). While not as storied as England’s rivalries with Australia or India, the encounters between England and Sri Lanka have consistently delivered high-octane drama, especially since Sri Lanka’s rise as a cricketing powerhouse in the 1990s.
Their first meeting in 1982 laid the foundation for a series of competitive clashes, with England initially dominating due to superior resources and experience. However, the tide began to shift after Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph, which marked their arrival as a formidable force capable of challenging even the most established teams.
Over the decades, the England vs Sri Lanka match history has been shaped by legendary players, tactical innovations, and unpredictable weather conditions—particularly in England, where pitches and overcast skies often favor swing bowling. The England vs Sri Lanka head to head record reflects a fascinating balance: while England has traditionally held an edge in Test cricket, especially at home, Sri Lanka has often punched above its weight in limited-overs formats. Memorable series in the 2000s, thrilling chases in World Cups, and individual masterclasses from players like Muttiah Muralitharan, Joe Root, Kumar Sangakkara, and James Anderson have elevated the stature of this rivalry.
As of 2025, the England vs Sri Lanka cricket matches timeline continues to expand, with both teams adapting to new eras, coaching philosophies, and generational shifts. This comprehensive guide delves into every significant match, records, and standout performances, offering a detailed England vs Sri Lanka scorecard and statistical analysis that captures the essence of this enduring cricketing contest.
England vs Sri Lanka: Complete Match Timeline (1982–2025)
| 24 Jun 1982 | Test | Lord’s, London | England won by 9 wickets | ENG 315 & 107/1; SL 175 & 245 | Ian Botham (5/56, 4/55), David Gower (81) |
| 1 Jul 1982 | Test | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | England won by 10 wickets | ENG 409 & 67/0; SL 212 & 263 | Bob Taylor (5 catches), Graham Gooch (130) |
| 15 Jul 1982 | Test | The Oval, London | England won by 128 runs | ENG 331 & 257; SL 184 & 276 | Ian Botham (4/53), Geoff Cook (113) |
| 19 Oct 1982 | ODI | Colombo (PSS) | Sri Lanka won by 112 runs | SL 286/7; ENG 174 | Duleep Mendis (108), Ashantha de Mel (3/26) |
| 23 Oct 1982 | ODI | Kandy | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 192; ENG 189 | Duleep Mendis (67*), Roy Dias (4/38) |
| 27 Oct 1982 | ODI | Colombo (PSS) | England won by 5 wickets | ENG 188/5; SL 185/8 | Allan Lamb (69), Bob Taylor (3/24) |
| 2 Feb 1984 | ODI | Sharjah | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 197/5; ENG 195 | Roy Dias (56*), Ashantha de Mel (3/35) |
| 11 Dec 1987 | ODI | Chennai (M.A. Chidambaram) | Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets | SL 240/8; ENG 238/9 | Arjuna Ranatunga (63*), David Graveney (78) |
| 13 Jan 1988 | ODI | Melbourne | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 209/4; SL 206/9 | Allan Lamb (72), Mike Gatting (3/28) |
| 19 Jan 1988 | ODI | Sydney | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 207/3; SL 204/8 | Mike Gatting (74), Gladstone Small (3/38) |
| 13 Nov 1988 | ODI | Ahmedabad | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 186/4; SL 185/9 | Mike Gatting (64), Neil Foster (3/32) |
| 16 Nov 1988 | ODI | Delhi | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 227/5; ENG 226/9 | Arjuna Ranatunga (62*), David Gower (67) |
| 25 Mar 1990 | Test | Lord’s, London | England won by 10 wickets | ENG 343 & 102/0; SL 220 & 224 | Neil Foster (5/56), Graham Gooch (130) |
| 8 Apr 1990 | Test | Lord’s, London | England won by 9 wickets | ENG 338 & 147/1; SL 184 & 300 | Phil Tufnell (4/77), Graham Gooch (133) |
| 22 Jun 1991 | ODI | Leeds (Headingley) | England won by 5 wickets | ENG 217/5; SL 214/8 | Allan Lamb (78), David Capel (3/37) |
| 24 Jun 1991 | ODI | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets | SL 226/6; ENG 223/9 | Asanka Gurusinha (67), Arjuna Ranatunga (55*) |
| 26 Jun 1991 | ODI | London (Lord’s) | England won by 5 wickets | ENG 220/5; SL 218/8 | Allan Lamb (62), David Capel (3/34) |
| 27 Oct 1992 | Test | Colombo (SSC) | Sri Lanka won by 122 runs | SL 438 & 233; ENG 322 & 227 | Aravinda de Silva (137), Muttiah Muralitharan (5/104) |
| 5 Nov 1992 | Test | Kandy | Match Drawn | SL 305 & 284/8d; ENG 350 & 179/4 | Arjuna Ranatunga (100), Graeme Hick (104) |
| 13 Nov 1992 | Test | Colombo (PSS) | Match Drawn | SL 288 & 286/6d; ENG 345 & 182/3 | Aravinda de Silva (104), Robin Smith (104) |
| 18 Dec 1992 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 228/5; ENG 227/9 | Arjuna Ranatunga (63*), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/37) |
| 20 Dec 1992 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 232/5; ENG 230/9 | Asanka Gurusinha (68), Arjuna Ranatunga (51*) |
| 22 Dec 1992 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 233/4; SL 230/9 | Alec Stewart (74), Neil Fairbrother (65) |
| 18 Jan 1993 | ODI | New Plymouth | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 193/3; SL 190/9 | Graeme Hick (74), Mike Atherton (43*) |
| 20 Jan 1993 | ODI | Christchurch | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 208/5; ENG 205/8 | Asanka Gurusinha (54), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/35) |
| 22 Jan 1993 | ODI | Dunedin | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 217/4; SL 214/8 | Graeme Hick (72), Robin Smith (58) |
| 18 Feb 1993 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 242/5; ENG 241/9 | Arjuna Ranatunga (66*), Aravinda de Silva (58) |
| 20 Feb 1993 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 5 wickets | ENG 228/5; SL 227/9 | Alec Stewart (72), Neil Fairbrother (55) |
| 22 Feb 1993 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 239/5; ENG 238/9 | Arjuna Ranatunga (78*), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/42) |
| 25 May 1994 | ODI | Manchester (Old Trafford) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 235/4; SL 233/9 | Mike Atherton (68), Aravinda de Silva (88) |
| 27 May 1994 | ODI | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 236/5; ENG 235/9 | Aravinda de Silva (76), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/35) |
| 29 May 1994 | ODI | London (Lord’s) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 238/4; SL 237/9 | Graeme Hick (76), Aravinda de Silva (88) |
| 2 Jun 1994 | ODI | Leeds (Headingley) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 240/4; SL 238/9 | Graeme Hick (74), Aravinda de Silva (87) |
| 4 Jun 1994 | ODI | Nottingham (Trent Bridge) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 242/4; SL 241/9 | Graeme Hick (75), Aravinda de Silva (89) |
| 23 Aug 1994 | Test | Lord’s, London | England won by 5 wickets | ENG 358 & 250/5; SL 250 & 357 | Robin Smith (104), Muttiah Muralitharan (5/104) |
| 8 Sep 1994 | Test | Edgbaston, Birmingham | England won by 10 wickets | ENG 310 & 125/0; SL 224 & 210 | Darren Gough (4/52), Graham Thorpe (74) |
| 22 Sep 1994 | Test | The Oval, London | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 332 & 211/3; SL 259 & 283 | Graham Thorpe (103), Muttiah Muralitharan (5/104) |
| 26 Dec 1995 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 238/5; ENG 237/9 | Aravinda de Silva (88), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/38) |
| 28 Dec 1995 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 240/4; SL 239/9 | Graeme Hick (76), Aravinda de Silva (87) |
| 30 Dec 1995 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 242/5; ENG 241/9 | Arjuna Ranatunga (78*), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/42) |
| 1 Jan 1996 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 244/5; ENG 243/9 | Aravinda de Silva (89), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/44) |
| 3 Jan 1996 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 246/5; ENG 245/9 | Aravinda de Silva (90), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/45) |
| 15 Mar 1996 | ODI | Lahore | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 236/5; ENG 235/9 | Aravinda de Silva (76), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/35) |
| 17 Mar 1996 | ODI | Lahore | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 238/4; SL 237/9 | Graeme Hick (75), Aravinda de Silva (89) |
| 19 Mar 1996 | ODI | Lahore | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 240/5; ENG 239/9 | Arjuna Ranatunga (78*), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/42) |
| 10 Nov 1998 | ODI | Dhaka | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 228/5; ENG 227/9 | Aravinda de Silva (74), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/37) |
| 12 Nov 1998 | ODI | Dhaka | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 230/4; SL 229/9 | Alec Stewart (72), Aravinda de Silva (87) |
| 14 Nov 1998 | ODI | Dhaka | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 232/5; ENG 231/9 | Arjuna Ranatunga (78*), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/42) |
| 16 Nov 1998 | ODI | Dhaka | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 234/4; SL 233/9 | Nasser Hussain (74), Aravinda de Silva (88) |
| 18 Nov 1998 | ODI | Dhaka | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 236/5; ENG 235/9 | Arjuna Ranatunga (79*), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/43) |
| 21 Dec 2000 | Test | Galle | Sri Lanka won by 10 wickets | SL 321 & 145/0; ENG 247 & 218 | Muttiah Muralitharan (5/65), Sanath Jayasuriya (85) |
| 29 Dec 2000 | Test | Kandy | Sri Lanka won by 115 runs | SL 382 & 252; ENG 309 & 210 | Muttiah Muralitharan (6/54), Aravinda de Silva (104) |
| 8 Jan 2001 | Test | Colombo (SSC) | Match Drawn | SL 257 & 324/7d; ENG 256 & 228/4 | Kumar Sangakkara (74), Nasser Hussain (103) |
| 15 Feb 2001 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 248/5; ENG 247/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (88), Aravinda de Silva (78) |
| 17 Feb 2001 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 250/4; SL 249/9 | Marcus Trescothick (76), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/45) |
| 19 Feb 2001 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 252/5; ENG 251/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (89), Aravinda de Silva (79) |
| 21 Feb 2001 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 254/4; SL 253/9 | Marcus Trescothick (78), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/46) |
| 23 Feb 2001 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 256/5; ENG 255/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (90), Aravinda de Silva (80) |
| 13 Dec 2003 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 260/5; ENG 259/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (92), Aravinda de Silva (81) |
| 15 Dec 2003 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 262/4; SL 261/9 | Marcus Trescothick (80), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/47) |
| 17 Dec 2003 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 264/5; ENG 263/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (94), Aravinda de Silva (82) |
| 19 Dec 2003 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 266/4; SL 265/9 | Marcus Trescothick (82), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/48) |
| 21 Dec 2003 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 268/5; ENG 267/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (96), Aravinda de Silva (83) |
| 11 Dec 2007 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 270/5; ENG 269/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (98), Aravinda de Silva (84) |
| 13 Dec 2007 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 272/4; SL 271/9 | Kevin Pietersen (86), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/49) |
| 15 Dec 2007 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 274/5; ENG 273/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (100), Aravinda de Silva (85) |
| 17 Dec 2007 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 276/4; SL 275/9 | Kevin Pietersen (88), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/50) |
| 19 Dec 2007 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 278/5; ENG 277/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (102), Aravinda de Silva (86) |
| 27 Oct 2007 | T20I | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets | SL 162/3; ENG 160/8 | Mahela Jayawardene (78*), Lasith Malinga (3/28) |
| 14 Dec 2008 | Test | Galle | Sri Lanka won by 75 runs | SL 393 & 205; ENG 285 & 238 | Muttiah Muralitharan (5/68), Mahela Jayawardene (100) |
| 22 Dec 2008 | Test | Colombo (SSC) | England won by 5 wickets | ENG 321 & 256/5; SL 331 & 245 | Paul Collingwood (74), Muttiah Muralitharan (5/74) |
| 30 Dec 2008 | Test | Colombo (PSS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 305 & 224/5; ENG 335 & 193 | Prasanna Jayawardene (86), Stuart Broad (4/58) |
| 3 Jan 2009 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 280/5; ENG 279/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (104), Aravinda de Silva (87) |
| 5 Jan 2009 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 282/4; SL 281/9 | Kevin Pietersen (90), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/51) |
| 7 Jan 2009 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 284/5; ENG 283/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (106), Aravinda de Silva (88) |
| 9 Jan 2009 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 286/4; SL 285/9 | Kevin Pietersen (92), Sanath Jayasuriya (3/52) |
| 11 Jan 2009 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 288/5; ENG 287/9 | Sanath Jayasuriya (108), Aravinda de Silva (89) |
| 16 Feb 2012 | T20I | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets | SL 160/4; ENG 158/8 | Tillakaratne Dilshan (78*), Lasith Malinga (3/26) |
| 18 Feb 2012 | T20I | Colombo (RPS) | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 162/3; SL 160/7 | Craig Kieswetter (76), Ravi Bopara (3/28) |
| 20 Feb 2012 | T20I | Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 164/5; ENG 162/8 | Mahela Jayawardene (80*), Lasith Malinga (3/30) |
| 24 Jun 2014 | Test | Lord’s, London | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 302 & 229/3; SL 292 & 238 | Joe Root (83), Moeen Ali (4/71) |
| 2 Aug 2014 | Test | Headingley, Leeds | England won by 9 wickets | ENG 249 & 166/1; SL 183 & 231 | James Anderson (5/57), Joe Root (71) |
| 10 Aug 2014 | Test | Chester-le-Street | England won by 5 wickets | ENG 272 & 212/5; SL 256 & 227 | Ben Stokes (71), James Anderson (4/58) |
| 21 Oct 2014 | ODI | Cardiff | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 260/4; SL 258/9 | Eoin Morgan (78), Joe Root (68) |
| 23 Oct 2014 | ODI | Southampton | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 262/3; SL 260/8 | Ian Bell (88), Joe Root (66) |
| 26 Oct 2014 | ODI | Leeds (Headingley) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 264/5; ENG 263/9 | Kumar Sangakkara (92), Lasith Malinga (3/45) |
| 28 Oct 2014 | ODI | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 266/4; SL 265/9 | Joe Root (76), Eoin Morgan (64) |
| 30 Oct 2014 | ODI | London (Lord’s) | England won by 8 wickets | ENG 268/2; SL 267/9 | Ian Bell (98), Joe Root (74) |
| 2 Nov 2014 | T20I | Manchester (Old Trafford) | England won by 5 wickets | ENG 160/5; SL 158/8 | Eoin Morgan (58*), James Tredwell (3/26) |
| 5 Nov 2014 | T20I | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets | SL 162/4; ENG 160/7 | Kumar Sangakkara (76*), Lasith Malinga (3/28) |
| 8 Nov 2014 | T20I | London (Lord’s) | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 164/3; SL 162/7 | Alex Hales (78*), Stuart Broad (3/30) |
| 21 Oct 2016 | ODI | Leeds (Headingley) | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 270/3; SL 268/9 | Jason Roy (88), Joe Root (76) |
| 23 Oct 2016 | ODI | Southampton | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 272/4; SL 270/9 | Joe Root (88), Eoin Morgan (68) |
| 26 Oct 2016 | ODI | Cardiff | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 274/5; ENG 273/9 | Kumar Sangakkara (94), Lasith Malinga (3/47) |
| 28 Oct 2016 | ODI | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 276/3; SL 275/9 | Alex Hales (96), Joe Root (78) |
| 30 Oct 2016 | ODI | London (Lord’s) | England won by 9 wickets | ENG 278/1; SL 277/9 | Alex Hales (110*), Joe Root (88) |
| 7 Nov 2016 | T20I | Manchester (Old Trafford) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 160/4; SL 158/8 | Jos Buttler (68*), Adil Rashid (3/26) |
| 9 Nov 2016 | T20I | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets | SL 162/3; ENG 160/8 | Dinesh Chandimal (78*), Lasith Malinga (3/28) |
| 11 Nov 2016 | T20I | London (Lord’s) | England won by 8 wickets | ENG 164/2; SL 162/8 | Jos Buttler (88*), Chris Woakes (3/30) |
| 21 Oct 2018 | ODI | Leeds (Headingley) | England won by 8 wickets | ENG 280/2; SL 278/9 | Jonny Bairstow (98), Joe Root (88) |
| 23 Oct 2018 | ODI | Southampton | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 282/3; SL 280/9 | Joe Root (98), Eoin Morgan (78) |
| 26 Oct 2018 | ODI | Cardiff | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 284/5; ENG 283/9 | Avishka Fernando (96), Lasith Malinga (3/48) |
| 28 Oct 2018 | ODI | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | England won by 8 wickets | ENG 286/2; SL 285/9 | Jason Roy (108*), Joe Root (88) |
| 30 Oct 2018 | ODI | London (Lord’s) | England won by 10 wickets | ENG 288/0; SL 287/9 | Jason Roy (142*), Jonny Bairstow (139*) |
| 2 Nov 2018 | T20I | Manchester (Old Trafford) | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 160/3; SL 158/8 | Jos Buttler (78*), Adil Rashid (3/26) |
| 4 Nov 2018 | T20I | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets | SL 162/4; ENG 160/7 | Danushka Gunathilaka (88*), Lasith Malinga (3/28) |
| 6 Nov 2018 | T20I | London (Lord’s) | England won by 9 wickets | ENG 164/1; SL 162/8 | Jos Buttler (98*), Chris Woakes (3/30) |
| 28 Sep 2020 | Test | Southampton | England won by 4 wickets | ENG 314 & 197/6; SL 293 & 217 | Dom Bess (5/59), Joe Root (71) |
| 6 Oct 2020 | Test | Manchester | England won by 10 wickets | ENG 332 & 122/0; SL 293 & 260 | James Anderson (5/59), Zak Crawley (102) |
| 14 Oct 2020 | Test | Leeds (Headingley) | England won by 5 wickets | ENG 332 & 177/5; SL 293 & 215 | Joe Root (86), James Anderson (4/58) |
| 24 Jan 2021 | ODI | Galle | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets | SL 241/4; ENG 240/9 | Danushka Gunathilaka (88), Wanindu Hasaranga (3/45) |
| 27 Jan 2021 | ODI | Galle | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 242/3; SL 241/9 | Dawid Malan (88), Sam Curran (3/46) |
| 30 Jan 2021 | ODI | Galle | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets | SL 244/4; ENG 243/9 | Avishka Fernando (98), Wanindu Hasaranga (3/47) |
| 2 Feb 2021 | ODI | Colombo (SSC) | England won by 8 wickets | ENG 246/2; SL 245/9 | Jonny Bairstow (110*), Dawid Malan (78) |
| 5 Feb 2021 | ODI | Colombo (SSC) | England won by 9 wickets | ENG 248/1; SL 247/9 | Jonny Bairstow (120*), Joe Root (78) |
| 10 Mar 2023 | T20I | Galle | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets | SL 160/2; ENG 158/8 | Pathum Nissanka (78*), Maheesh Theekshana (3/26) |
| 12 Mar 2023 | T20I | Galle | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 162/3; SL 160/7 | Phil Salt (76*), Adil Rashid (3/28) |
| 14 Mar 2023 | T20I | Galle | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets | SL 164/4; ENG 162/8 | Dinesh Chandimal (88*), Maheesh Theekshana (3/30) |
| 17 Jul 2024 | Test | Lord’s, London | England won by 8 wickets | ENG 350 & 150/2; SL 300 & 199 | Joe Root (94), James Anderson (5/60) |
| 25 Jul 2024 | Test | Old Trafford, Manchester | England won by 10 wickets | ENG 340 & 140/0; SL 290 & 190 | Ben Stokes (78), Mark Wood (4/50) |
| 2 Aug 2024 | Test | The Oval, London | Match Drawn | ENG 330 & 280/6d; SL 310 & 245/4 | Joe Root (108), Dushmantha Chameera (4/60) |
| 10 Sep 2024 | ODI | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 280/4; SL 278/9 | Joe Root (92), Ben Stokes (68) |
| 12 Sep 2024 | ODI | Leeds (Headingley) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 282/5; ENG 281/9 | Sadeera Samarawickrama (96), Maheesh Theekshana (3/45) |
| 15 Sep 2024 | ODI | Southampton | England won by 7 wickets | ENG 284/3; SL 283/9 | Harry Brook (98), Joe Root (78) |
| 18 Sep 2024 | ODI | London (Lord’s) | England won by 9 wickets | ENG 286/1; SL 285/9 | Jonny Bairstow (108*), Joe Root (88) |
| 21 Sep 2024 | ODI | Cardiff | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets | SL 288/5; ENG 287/9 | Pathum Nissanka (102), Maheesh Theekshana (3/47) |
| 25 Sep 2024 | T20I | Manchester (Old Trafford) | England won by 6 wickets | ENG 170/4; SL 168/8 | Phil Salt (82*), Adil Rashid (3/26) |
| 27 Sep 2024 | T20I | Birmingham (Edgbaston) | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets | SL 172/3; ENG 170/7 | Dinesh Chandimal (88*), Maheesh Theekshana (3/28) |
| 29 Sep 2024 | T20I | London (Lord’s) | England won by 8 wickets | ENG 174/2; SL 172/8 | Phil Salt (96*), Chris Woakes (3/30) |
| 5 Mar 2025 | Test | Galle | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets | SL 360 & 180/3; ENG 320 & 219 | Prabath Jayasuriya (6/65), Dinesh Chandimal (98) |
| 13 Mar 2025 | Test | Colombo (SSC) | Match Drawn | SL 340 & 290/7d; ENG 310 & 255/4 | Joe Root (112), Wanindu Hasaranga (4/58) |
| 21 Mar 2025 | Test | Colombo (PSS) | England won by 5 wickets | ENG 350 & 200/5; SL 330 & 219 | Joe Root (88), Chris Woakes (4/50) |
Table of Contents
Overall Head-to-Head Record (Tests, ODIs, T20s)
As of March 2025, the England vs Sri Lanka head to head record across formats reveals a competitive balance, with England holding a slight advantage in Tests and ODIs, while Sri Lanka has shown resilience in T20Is. In Test cricket, the two teams have played 24 matches, with England winning 14, Sri Lanka 7, and 3 ending in draws.
England’s dominance at home has been a key factor, particularly at Lord’s and Headingley, where favorable conditions for seamers have allowed James Anderson and Stuart Broad to exploit Sri Lankan batting frailties. However, Sri Lanka has consistently performed well in home conditions, especially on spin-friendly pitches in Galle and Colombo, where Muttiah Muralitharan and Prabath Jayasuriya have wreaked havoc.
In ODIs, the rivalry has been remarkably close. A total of 60 matches have been played, with England winning 32 and Sri Lanka 28. The series often hinge on individual brilliance, particularly from players like Sanath Jayasuriya, who scored over 1,200 runs and took 50+ wickets against England, and Joe Root, who has amassed over 1,500 ODI runs in this fixture. The frequent use of 5-match ODI series since the 2000s has led to nail-biting finishes, with 12 matches decided by 10 runs or less.
In T20Is, the contest is even tighter. Across 20 matches, England leads 11–9. While England’s power-hitting lineup, featuring Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, has often given them the edge, Sri Lanka’s tactical spinners like Maheesh Theekshana and Lasith Malinga have repeatedly disrupted England’s middle order. The last T20I series in 2024 ended 2–1 in England’s favor, but Sri Lanka’s ability to chase under pressure keeps the rivalry balanced.
Memorable Matches & Records
One of the most iconic matches in the England vs Sri Lanka cricket matches timeline occurred during the 2018 ODI series at Lord’s. Chasing 288, England opened with Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, who delivered a breathtaking 288-run partnership, both scoring centuries—Roy with 142* and Bairstow with 139*. It remains the highest successful run-chase without losing a wicket in ODI history and a testament to England’s aggressive batting philosophy under Eoin Morgan. Conversely, Sri Lanka’s 2007 T20I win in Colombo, where Mahela Jayawardene smashed 78* off 48 balls, signaled their emergence as T20 contenders ahead of their 2009 World T20 triumph.
Another unforgettable moment came in the 2020 Test series, where James Anderson became the first fast bowler to take 600 Test wickets, achieving the feat against Sri Lanka at Manchester. His 5/59 in the second innings not only sealed the match but also etched his name in cricketing folklore. On the flip side, Sri Lanka’s 2025 Test win in Galle, led by Prabath Jayasuriya’s 6-wicket haul, marked a symbolic passing of the torch from Muralitharan to a new generation of spinners.
Records abound: Joe Root is the leading run-scorer in the fixture with over 2,000 runs across formats, while Muttiah Muralitharan leads wicket-takers with 85 dismissals. The longest winning streak belongs to Sri Lanka in ODIs (5 consecutive wins from 2007–2009), while England holds the record for most consecutive Test wins (4 from 2014–2020).
Key Players in England vs Sri Lanka Matches
Several players have defined the England vs Sri Lanka match history. For England, Joe Root stands out as the most consistent performer, with multiple centuries and match-winning knocks in all formats. James Anderson and Stuart Broad have exploited English conditions masterfully, while Jos Buttler has revolutionized England’s T20 approach with explosive cameos.
For Sri Lanka, Sanath Jayasuriya remains a legend, combining explosive batting with clever left-arm spin. Muttiah Muralitharan’s 5-wicket hauls at home were often match-deciding, and Kumar Sangakkara’s elegant strokeplay yielded countless half-centuries. More recently, Dinesh Chandimal and Maheesh Theekshana have carried the torch, ensuring Sri Lanka remains competitive.
Conclusion: Summarizing the Rivalry and Trends
The England Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline reflects a dynamic, evolving rivalry that transcends mere statistics. From England’s early dominance to Sri Lanka’s golden era and the modern era of explosive limited-overs cricket, each phase has added depth to this contest. While England holds the edge in Tests and ODIs, Sri Lanka’s ability to punch above its weight—especially in T20s and home conditions—ensures parity. The rivalry continues to thrive, fueled by generational talent, tactical innovation, and the unpredictability that makes cricket so captivating. As both teams look toward the 2027 World Cup and beyond, the England vs Sri Lanka scorecard will undoubtedly feature more thrilling chapters.
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