Introduction – Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
The cricket rivalry between India and Sri Lanka is one of the most exciting and closely followed in international cricket. Since their first official encounter in 1979, both teams have faced each other in Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), producing numerous memorable matches that have thrilled fans worldwide. Their encounters have showcased individual brilliance, team strategy, and thrilling finishes, making this rivalry a significant chapter in cricket history.
Both teams have produced legendary cricketers and iconic moments. Matches between India and Sri Lanka often have high stakes, whether in the World Cup, T20 World Cup, or bilateral series, and they reflect the evolution of cricket in the subcontinent. Over the years, India has generally maintained an upper hand in terms of wins, but Sri Lanka has also claimed victories in crucial matches, adding unpredictability and excitement to this rivalry.
Table of Contents
Timeline of Major Matches (1979–2025)
Here is a chronological table highlighting major encounters between India and Sri Lanka across all formats up to 2025:
| Year | Match Date | Format | Venue | Result | Key Performers | Match Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Jun 16 | ODI | Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain | Sri Lanka won | Roy Dias (58), Duleep Mendis (3/45) | Sri Lanka registered their first-ever ODI victory against India, marking the beginning of a competitive rivalry. |
| 1996 | Mar 29 | ODI | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Sri Lanka won (India forfeited) | Aravinda de Silva (66) | India forfeited the World Cup quarterfinal due to crowd trouble, allowing Sri Lanka to progress to the semifinals. |
| 2003 | Feb 19 | ODI | Boland Park, Paarl | India won by 183 runs | Sourav Ganguly (102), Zaheer Khan (4/35) | India dominated Sri Lanka in the World Cup group stage with a massive win. |
| 2007 | Sep 24 | T20I | Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | Sri Lanka won | Sanath Jayasuriya (85), Lasith Malinga (3/18) | Sri Lanka defeated India in the inaugural ICC T20 World Cup final. |
| 2011 | Apr 2 | ODI | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | India won | MS Dhoni (91*), Yuvraj Singh (57) | India won the ICC Cricket World Cup final with a remarkable chase of Sri Lanka’s total. |
| 2014 | Apr 6 | T20I | Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka | Sri Lanka won | Kumar Sangakkara (78), Nuwan Kulasekara (3/24) | Sri Lanka secured their first ICC T20 World Cup title by defeating India. |
| 2024 | Aug 7 | ODI | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Sri Lanka won | Dasun Shanaka (100), Wanindu Hasaranga (4/42) | Sri Lanka clinched the series after 27 years with a historic win over India. |
| 2025 | Apr 26 | ODI | Kini Cricket Ground, Bengaluru | India won 5-0 | Narendra Mangore (match-winning performance) | India’s Physical Disability Cricket team achieved a dominant 5-0 series win over Sri Lanka. |
| 2025 | May 5 | ODI | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | India won by 97 runs | Smriti Mandhana (102), Sneh Rana (All-round) | India clinched the Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series title with a commanding win. |
| 2025 | Sep 26 | T20 | Dubai International Stadium | India won (Super Over) | Abhishek Sharma (61), Pathum Nissanka (107) | A thrilling Super Over finish after both teams scored 202/5; India secured the win with Suryakumar Yadav hitting the winning runs. |
Detailed Match Highlights
1979 – First ODI Encounter
The inaugural ODI between India and Sri Lanka took place at the Queen’s Park Oval, Port of Spain. Sri Lanka achieved its first-ever ODI victory against India. Roy Dias and Duleep Mendis were key performers, setting the tone for future competitive encounters.
1996 – World Cup Quarterfinal Controversy
During the World Cup quarterfinal at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India forfeited the match due to crowd disruptions. This allowed Sri Lanka to advance to the semifinals and eventually win the tournament. Aravinda de Silva’s performance was pivotal.
2003 – World Cup Group Stage Victory
India defeated Sri Lanka by 183 runs at Boland Park, Paarl, in the 2003 World Cup. Sourav Ganguly’s century and Zaheer Khan’s bowling were crucial in India’s dominant performance.
2007 – ICC T20 World Cup Final
Sri Lanka defeated India in the inaugural T20 World Cup final at Johannesburg. Sanath Jayasuriya’s explosive batting and Lasith Malinga’s deadly bowling helped Sri Lanka secure the title.
2011 – ICC Cricket World Cup Final
India claimed the World Cup by chasing down Sri Lanka’s target. MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 and strategic leadership ensured India’s victory, creating one of the most iconic moments in Indian cricket history.
2014 – ICC T20 World Cup Final
Sri Lanka defeated India at Dhaka in the T20 World Cup final. Kumar Sangakkara’s brilliant innings guided Sri Lanka to victory, adding to the intensity of the rivalry.
2024 – ODI Series Decider
Sri Lanka ended a 27-year series drought against India by winning at R. Premadasa Stadium. Dasun Shanaka’s century and Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round brilliance led the team to a memorable series triumph.
2025 – Physical Disability Cricket Series
India’s Physical Disability Cricket team dominated Sri Lanka 5-0 at Kini Cricket Ground. Narendra Mangore’s consistent performance highlighted India’s inclusivity and sporting spirit.
2025 – Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Series Final
India’s women’s cricket team defeated Sri Lanka by 97 runs. Smriti Mandhana’s century and Sneh Rana’s all-round performance secured the series, showcasing the growth of women’s cricket.
2025 – Thrilling T20 Encounter
In Dubai, both teams scored 202/5 in a T20 thriller, taking the match to a Super Over. India emerged victorious, with Suryakumar Yadav scoring the winning runs and Abhishek Sharma contributing significantly with the bat.
Statistical Insights
- ODI Head-to-Head: India has won 99 out of 171 matches against Sri Lanka.
- T20I Head-to-Head: India has won 22 out of 32 encounters; Sri Lanka has 9 victories.
- Test Matches: Out of 46 Test matches, India has 22 wins, Sri Lanka 7, and 17 draws.
- Highest Team Totals:
- Tests: India 759/7 declared
- ODIs: India 414/7
- T20Is: India 202/5 (2025)
- Notable Players:
- Most Runs (ODI): Sachin Tendulkar (India)
- Most Wickets (ODI): Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
- Highest Partnerships: Sourav Ganguly & Rahul Dravid – 318 runs in ODIs
Key Rivalry Moments
- 1996 World Cup Quarterfinal – India forfeited; Sri Lanka progressed.
- 2007 T20 World Cup Final – Sri Lanka defeated India for the first T20 title.
- 2011 World Cup Final – India triumphed over Sri Lanka; MS Dhoni starred.
- 2024 ODI Series – Sri Lanka ended a 27-year series drought.
- 2025 Women’s Tri-Nation ODI Final – India dominated in women’s cricket.
- 2025 Physical Disability Cricket Series – India won 5-0 showcasing inclusivity.
Conclusion
The India-Sri Lanka cricket rivalry has thrilled fans for decades with memorable encounters, individual brilliance, and historic milestones. From controversial matches to iconic victories, this rivalry has enriched the world of cricket. With both teams evolving, future encounters promise to deliver even more thrills, records, and unforgettable moments, ensuring that this rivalry remains a highlight of international cricket.
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