Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline

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

The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline is a storied narrative of rivalry, brotherhood, and some of the most iconic moments in cricket history. Spanning over four decades—from their first official encounter in 1979 to the most recent battle in 2025—this rivalry has gifted fans nail-biting finishes, record-breaking performances, and legendary displays of cricketing brilliance.

Both nations have a deep-rooted cricketing culture. India, a cricketing powerhouse with multiple World Cups under its belt, and Sri Lanka, the giant killers of world cricket, have always brought intensity to the field. Whether it’s the World Cup finals, bilateral series, or Asia Cup clashes, each match between these two Asian titans holds massive significance.

This timeline chronicles the most significant matches and series between India and Sri Lanka, from their very first ODI at Manchester in 1979 to their latest T20I showdown. It reflects how the rivalry evolved over the years—shaped by unforgettable innings, remarkable spells, and emotional triumphs.

Let’s dive into the complete Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline, beginning with a detailed match-by-match table.

Complete Timeline: India vs Sri Lanka Matches (1979–2025)

Key Matches in Detail: Turning Points of a Historic Rivalry

1979 World Cup – First Official Clash

India and Sri Lanka’s first official ODI encounter took place during the 1979 World Cup in Manchester. Though Sri Lanka was not yet a Test nation, they stunned India by chasing down 191 with ease. Bandula Warnapura’s composed 59 and Roy Dias’s quick-fire 50 led the islanders to a historic victory. It was a warning to the cricketing world that Sri Lanka was a team to watch.

1996 World Cup Semi-Final – The Calcutta Collapse

One of the most controversial and emotional matches came in the 1996 World Cup semi-final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. India was well-placed at 98/1 chasing 252 when they collapsed to 120/8. Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Muralitharan and Jayasuriya, choked the Indian batsmen. Crowd unrest caused the match to be awarded to Sri Lanka, marking a turning point in the rivalry.

2002 ICC Champions Trophy – The Unfinished Final

In a rare occurrence, the Champions Trophy Final in Colombo (2002) was washed out two days in a row. Both teams were declared joint winners. Though the match saw promising starts from both sides, it remained one of the few major tournament finals that had no definitive result.

2011 World Cup Final – A Night to Remember

Arguably the most significant match in their history, the 2011 ICC World Cup Final in Mumbai, was an emotional rollercoaster. Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene scored an elegant 103*, but Gautam Gambhir’s gritty 97 and MS Dhoni’s iconic 91* finished with a six, sealed India’s second World Cup title. It was a culmination of years of Indian cricketing dominance and a moment cherished by millions.

2014 T20 World Cup Final – Sri Lanka’s Sweet Revenge

After multiple close calls, Sri Lanka finally lifted the ICC T20 World Cup in 2014, defeating India in the final. Kumar Sangakkara bowed out of T20Is in style with a classy 52*, chasing down India’s 130-run target. It was poetic justice for the legends who had faced heartbreaks in past finals.

2023 Asia Cup Final – Siraj’s Destruction

In September 2023, during the Asia Cup final, Mohammed Siraj dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting lineup with figures of 6/21, bowling them out for just 50. India chased the target in under 7 overs. This match stood out for its sheer dominance and became one of the most one-sided finals in Asia Cup history.

Head-to-Head Stats: India vs Sri Lanka

ODIs:

• Total Matches: 167
• India Won: 99
• Sri Lanka Won: 57
• Tied: 1
• No Result: 10

T20Is:

• Total Matches: 30
• India Won: 20
• Sri Lanka Won: 9
• Tied: 1

Tests:

• Total Matches: 47
• India Won: 23
• Sri Lanka Won: 7
• Drawn: 17

Top Records:

• Highest Team Total (ODI): India – 414/7 (Rajkot, 2009)
• Biggest Win (ODI): India won by 317 runs (Trivandrum, 2023)
• Best Batting (ODI): Virat Kohli – 166 (2023)*
• Best Bowling (ODI): Mohammed Siraj – 6/21 (2023)

Top 10 Most Memorable Matches Between India and Sri Lanka

1. 2011 World Cup Final – Mumbai: Dhoni’s six, Gambhir’s 97, and a nation’s dream fulfilled.
2. 1996 World Cup Semi-Final – Kolkata: The collapse and crowd chaos that awarded Sri Lanka the win.
3. 2014 T20 World Cup Final – Dhaka: Sangakkara’s farewell gift to Sri Lanka.
4. 2023 Asia Cup Final – Colombo: Siraj’s fiery spell destroyed Sri Lanka for 50 runs.
5. 2009 ODI – Rajkot: India posted 414; Sehwag’s 146 powered the innings.
6. 2001 Test – Kandy: Muralitharan bamboozled India with 8 wickets.
7. 2018 Nidahas Trophy Final – Colombo: Dinesh Karthik’s last-ball six is etched in memory.
8. 1985 World Championship – Sharjah: India lifted the trophy, Shastri MVP.
9. 2008 Test Series – SL won 2-1: Debut of Ajantha Mendis and a rare Indian collapse.
10. 2002 Champions Trophy – Colombo: Shared trophy due to persistent rain.

Legendary Players from Both Sides

🇮🇳 India’s Cricket Icons

• Sachin Tendulkar: Scored over 3,000 runs vs Sri Lanka across formats.
• MS Dhoni: Calm finisher and captain, notably hit the 2011 WC-winning six.
• Virat Kohli: Averages over 60 against Sri Lanka in ODIs.
• Rohit Sharma: Hit two double centuries vs Sri Lanka in ODIs.

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka’s Giants

• Sanath Jayasuriya: Feared opener, once scored 189 in an ODI vs India.
• Kumar Sangakkara: Over 2,800 runs vs India, graceful and dependable.
• Muttiah Muralitharan: Took 74 Test wickets against India.
• Lasith Malinga: Known for his yorkers and hat-trick in the 2010 Asia Cup.

FAQs

1. How many times have India and Sri Lanka played each other?

India and Sri Lanka have played over 244 matches across all formats till 2025.

2. Who has won more matches in ODIs?

India has won 99 ODIs while Sri Lanka has won 57.

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

The 2011 World Cup Final is widely regarded as the most memorable due to the stakes and Dhoni’s iconic finish.

4. Who is the highest run-scorer in India vs Sri Lanka matches?

Sachin Tendulkar is the highest with 3,113 runs across formats.

5. What is India’s biggest win against Sri Lanka?

India defeated Sri Lanka by 317 runs in an ODI in January 2023.

6. Has Sri Lanka ever beaten India in a World Cup Final?

Yes, Sri Lanka beat India in the 2014 T20 World Cup Final in Dhaka.

Conclusion: A Rivalry of Respect and Excellence

The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline is filled with highs and lows, heartbreaks and celebrations. From World Cup finals to intense bilateral battles, the two teams have shared countless unforgettable moments on the cricket field.

Despite their intense competition, there’s always been a sense of mutual respect. While India has had a statistical edge, Sri Lanka has often risen to the occasion in critical moments. As we look forward to more thrilling encounters, one thing is certain—this rivalry will continue to light up stadiums and inspire cricket lovers across the world.

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