Cricket is more than just a sport in Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket—it’s a passion that unites millions. The rivalry between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team is one of the most exciting in international cricket. From historic Test matches to nail-biting T20 clashes, their encounters have produced unforgettable moments. In this article, we’ll take you through a fun, easy-to-read timeline of their rivalry, packed with key matches, milestones, and stats. Whether you’re a young fan or someone who’s watched cricket for years, this guide is for you!
Why Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline Matters
Sri Lanka and India are neighbors, and their cricket rivalry is like a friendly family feud. Both teams have produced legendary players, from Muttiah Muralitharan to Sachin Tendulkar, and their matches are always full of drama. They’ve faced off in Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), T20 Internationals (T20Is), and major tournaments like the Cricket World Cup and Asia Cup. This timeline will cover the major moments, showing how their rivalry has evolved over the years.
Early Days: 1970s to 1980s
1975: First Meeting in the World Cup
The two teams first met during the 1975 Cricket World Cup in England. Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, was not yet a Test-playing nation, while India was an emerging team. India won this ODI match comfortably, but it marked the start of their competitive history.
1981: Sri Lanka Gains Test Status
In 1981, Sri Lanka was awarded Test cricket status, becoming the eighth Test-playing nation. This was a big moment because it allowed them to compete with India in the longest format of the game. Their first Test against India came in 1982, but India dominated early encounters.
1985: Sri Lanka’s First Test Win Against India
On September 6, 1985, Sri Lanka recorded their first-ever Test victory against India at the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo. Led by captain Duleep Mendis, Sri Lanka won by 149 runs. This victory was a turning point, proving Sri Lanka could compete with the best.
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Match Details |
Sri Lanka |
India |
|---|---|---|
|
Date |
Sept 6-11, 1985 |
|
|
Venue |
Colombo |
|
|
Result |
Won by 149 runs |
|
|
Key Player |
Duleep Mendis |
The 1990s: Sri Lanka’s Golden Era
The 1990s saw Sri Lanka rise as a cricketing powerhouse, while India solidified their status as a dominant team. This decade was filled with iconic moments.
1996: Sri Lanka Wins the World Cup
In 1996, Sri Lanka, led by Arjuna Ranatunga, shocked the world by winning the Cricket World Cup. While they didn’t face India in the final (they beat Australia), their semi-final clash with India in Kolkata was unforgettable. India, chasing Sri Lanka’s total, collapsed, and the match was abandoned due to crowd trouble. Sri Lanka advanced, cementing their reputation.
1997: Sri Lanka’s Historic ODI Series Win
In 1997, Sri Lanka achieved a rare feat by winning a bilateral ODI series against India in India. This was their first ODI series victory against India in 27 years (until 2024). Players like Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva were at their peak, thrilling fans with aggressive batting.
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Series Details |
Sri Lanka |
India |
|---|---|---|
|
Year |
1997 | |
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Format |
ODI |
|
|
Result |
Sri Lanka won |
|
|
Key Players |
Jayasuriya, de Silva |
The 2000s: A Decade of Close Contests
The 2000s saw both teams produce legendary players like Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag. Their matches became more competitive, with several memorable moments.
2002: Champions Trophy Shared
In 2002, Sri Lanka and India shared the ICC Champions Trophy after the final in Colombo was washed out by rain. Both teams played brilliantly throughout the tournament, with Virender Sehwag and Sanath Jayasuriya lighting up the scoreboard.
2007: World Cup Final Heartbreak for Sri Lanka
In the 2007 Cricket World Cup final, India and Sri Lanka faced off in Barbados. India, led by MS Dhoni, chased down Sri Lanka’s total, thanks to a stunning century by Gautam Gambhir. Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene scored a brilliant hundred, but it wasn’t enough. This match was a defining moment in the rivalry.
2009: Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup Runner-Up
In the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka reached the final but didn’t face India. However, their strong performance, led by Tillakaratne Dilshan, showed they were a force in the shortest format.
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Key Match |
2007 World Cup Final |
|---|---|
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Date |
April 28, 2007 |
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Venue |
Barbados |
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Result |
India won |
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Key Players |
Gambhir (India), Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) |
The 2010s: India’s Dominance and Sri Lanka’s T20 Triumph
The 2010s saw India become a cricketing juggernaut, while Sri Lanka had moments of brilliance, especially in T20 cricket.
2011: India Wins World Cup Against Sri Lanka
On April 2, 2011, India won the Cricket World Cup at home, defeating Sri Lanka in the final in Mumbai. Sri Lanka posted a competitive total, thanks to Mahela Jayawardene’s century, but India’s chase, led by Gautam Gambhir and MS Dhoni’s iconic six, sealed the victory. This match is one of the most iconic in cricket history.
2014: Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup Victory
In 2014, Sri Lanka won the ICC T20 World Cup, defeating India in the final in Dhaka. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene played match-winning knocks, while Lasith Malinga’s bowling was crucial. This was Sri Lanka’s first global trophy since 1996 and a proud moment for their fans.
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Key Match |
2014 T20 World Cup Final |
|---|---|
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Date |
April 6, 2014 |
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Venue |
Dhaka, Bangladesh |
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Result |
Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets |
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Key Players |
Sangakkara, Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) |
2017: India’s Dominance in Sri Lanka
In 2017, India toured Sri Lanka and whitewashed them in all formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Virat Kohli’s team was unstoppable, but Sri Lanka showed glimpses of fight, especially from young players like Kusal Mendis.
The 2020s: A New Chapter
The 2020s have seen both teams rebuild with younger players, but the rivalry remains intense.
2021: India’s Second-String Side Tours Sri Lanka
In 2021, India sent a second-string team to Sri Lanka, led by Shikhar Dhawan, with Rahul Dravid as coach. Sri Lanka won the ODI series 2-1, but India took the T20I series. This tour showed Sri Lanka’s potential against a less experienced Indian side.
2022: Sri Lanka Wins Asia Cup
In 2022, Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup, defeating Pakistan in the final. They didn’t face India in the final, but their victory in the group stage against India was a highlight. Players like Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka shone brightly.
2024: Sri Lanka’s ODI Series Triumph
In July-August 2024, India toured Sri Lanka for three T20Is and three ODIs. India whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 in the T20Is, led by new captain Suryakumar Yadav. However, Sri Lanka bounced back in the ODIs, winning 2-0—their first bilateral ODI series win against India since 1997. Avishka Fernando’s 96 and Jeffrey Vandersay’s five-wicket haul were standout performances.
|
Series Details |
2024 India Tour of Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
|
T20I Result |
India won 3-0 |
|
ODI Result |
Sri Lanka won 2-0 |
|
Key Players |
Fernando, Vandersay (Sri Lanka); Yadav, Pant (India) |
Head-to-Head Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline Stats
Here’s a quick look at how Sri Lanka and India have fared against each other across formats (as of June 2025):
|
Format |
Matches Played |
India Wins |
Sri Lanka Wins |
Draws/Ties/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Test |
46 | 22 | 7 | 17 |
|
ODI |
149 | 93 | 39 | 17 |
|
T20I |
29 | 19 | 9 | 1 |
India leads in all formats, but Sri Lanka has had their share of victories, especially in big tournaments.
Iconic Players in the Rivalry
This rivalry has been defined by legendary players who’ve left their mark:
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Sri Lanka: Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga.
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India: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir.
These players have created memories that fans still talk about, from Muralitharan’s magical spin to Dhoni’s match-winning six in 2011.
Memorable Moments of Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
Here are some standout moments that define this rivalry:
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1996 World Cup Semi-Final: Sri Lanka’s stunning win in Kolkata, where India’s chase fell apart.
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2011 World Cup Final: MS Dhoni’s six to win the World Cup for India in Mumbai.
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2014 T20 World Cup Final: Sri Lanka’s triumph, with Sangakkara and Jayawardene shining.
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2024 ODI Series: Sri Lanka’s historic series win after 27 years, led by their spinners.
What’s Next for the Rivalry?
As of June 2025, both teams are gearing up for future clashes. Sri Lanka, with young stars like Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga, is rebuilding, while India, under Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir, remains a powerhouse. Fans can expect more thrilling matches in upcoming tournaments like the 2025 Champions Trophy and bilateral series.
Why Fans Love This Rivalry
The Sri Lanka vs. India rivalry is special because it’s more than just cricket. It’s about pride, passion, and the love of the game. Whether it’s a Test match in Galle or a T20I in Pallekele, these games bring out the best in both teams. For young fans, it’s a chance to see new heroes like Yashasvi Jaiswal or Kamindu Mendis. For older fans, it’s a reminder of classics like Tendulkar vs. Muralitharan.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs. India National Cricket Team timeline is a story of epic battles, unforgettable moments, and cricketing brilliance. From Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph to India’s 2011 World Cup glory, this rivalry has given fans countless memories. As both teams continue to evolve, one thing is certain: their matches will keep cricket lovers glued to their screens for years to come.
So, who’s your favorite player from this rivalry? Which match do you remember most? Let us know, and keep cheering for your team!
