Cricket is more than just a sport in countries like South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline—it’s a passion that unites fans across generations. The rivalry between the South Africa National Cricket Team, known as the Proteas, and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, nicknamed the Lions, has produced some thrilling moments in cricket history. From nail-biting Test matches to explosive T20 encounters, their clashes showcase skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. In this article, we’ll take a journey through their competitive timeline, highlighting key matches, standout performances, and memorable milestones. Whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan or just curious about the game, this story is written to be engaging and easy to follow. Plus, we’ll include a detailed table summarizing their head-to-head encounters across all formats.

A Brief History of the South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry

South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline first faced off in international cricket in 1991, shortly after South Africa’s return to the global stage following the end of their apartheid-era ban. Sri Lanka, having gained Test status in 1981, was emerging as a competitive force, especially after their 1996 Cricket World Cup triumph. Over the years, their encounters have been marked by intense battles, with South Africa often dominating in Tests and ODIs, while Sri Lanka has shown flair in T20s. Both teams bring unique strengths: South Africa’s pace-heavy bowling attack and Sri Lanka’s spin wizardry have led to some unforgettable moments.

This rivalry isn’t just about wins and losses—it’s about the stories of players like Muttiah Muralitharan spinning webs around South African batters, or AB de Villiers smashing rapid centuries against Sri Lanka’s bowlers. It’s about historic venues like Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club Ground and Durban’s Kingsmead, where these teams have created lasting memories. Let’s dive into the timeline of their encounters, exploring key matches and trends across Test matches, One-Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Early Encounters (1991–2000)

The first official meeting between South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline came during the 1991–1992 Benson & Hedges World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand. It was a significant moment, as South Africa had just returned to international cricket. In this ODI, Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl, restricting South Africa to 195 runs. Thanks to solid batting from Roshan Mahanama (68 runs) and captain Arjuna Ranatunga (64 not out), Sri Lanka chased the target with three wickets in hand. This victory set the tone for a competitive rivalry, with Sri Lanka proving they could hold their own against the returning Proteas.

In 1993, the teams met in a Test series in Sri Lanka. The 2nd Test at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club Ground was a one-sided affair. Sri Lanka, batting first, struggled to 168 and 119 in their two innings. South Africa, powered by Kepler Wessels (92) and Hansie Cronje (122), posted a massive 495, winning by an innings and 208 runs. This match highlighted South Africa’s early dominance in Test cricket against Sri Lanka, thanks to their strong batting and disciplined bowling.

By 2000, the rivalry had grown fiercer. The 2nd Test of a two-match series in Kandy saw a thrilling finish. South Africa scored 253 and 231 in their innings, while Sri Lanka managed 308 and 169. The Proteas clinched a dramatic 7-run victory, showcasing their ability to hold their nerve in tight situations. This period saw South Africa establishing a slight edge, particularly in Tests, but Sri Lanka’s fighting spirit was evident.

The Golden Era (2001–2011)

The decade from 2001 to 2011 was a golden period for both teams, with Sri Lanka producing legends like Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayawardene, and South Africa boasting stars like Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, and Dale Steyn. Their encounters during this time were closely contested, with both teams trading blows.

One of the most iconic matches was the 2006 Test at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club Ground. Sri Lanka posted a world-record 952/6 declared, the highest team total in Test history. Mahela Jayawardene scored a colossal 374, and Kumar Sangakkara made 287, forming a record-breaking 624-run partnership for the third wicket. South Africa, despite a valiant effort, couldn’t match this mammoth total, and Sri Lanka won by an innings and 153 runs. This match remains a pinnacle in Sri Lanka’s Test cricket history and a highlight of their dominance at home.

In ODIs, South Africa often had the upper hand. During the 2007 Cricket World Cup, South Africa secured a narrow victory over Sri Lanka in the group stage, thanks to a disciplined bowling effort that restricted Sri Lanka to a low total. However, Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack, led by Muralitharan, often troubled South Africa in subcontinental conditions.

The T20 format was still new during this period, but the 2007 ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa saw the teams clash in a group-stage match. South Africa’s pale silver kit made its debut, but the match was more about their clinical performance, winning comfortably. This period showed both teams adapting to the fast-evolving T20 format, with Sri Lanka’s aggressive batting and South Africa’s pace bowling shaping their strategies.

Between 2001 and 2011, the teams faced off 35 times across all formats, with Sri Lanka winning 17 matches and South Africa 16, alongside one tie and one draw. This near-even record reflects the competitive nature of the rivalry during this era.

The Modern Era (2012–2020)

The 2012–2020 period saw both teams navigating transitions. Sri Lanka lost legends like Sangakkara and Jayawardene to retirement, while South Africa dealt with the retirements of Smith and Kallis. Yet, the rivalry remained intense, with T20 cricket gaining prominence.

In the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 in Hambantota, South Africa beat Sri Lanka by 32 runs in a rain-shortened 7-over match. AB de Villiers’ explosive 30 earned him Player of the Match honors, showcasing South Africa’s firepower in the shortest format.

The 2013–2014 ICC World Twenty20 saw Sri Lanka turn the tables. Batting first, they set a target of 165, with Kusal Perera (61) and Angelo Mathews (43) leading the charge. South Africa fell short, and Sri Lanka’s victory was a step toward their eventual T20 World Cup title in 2014. This match highlighted Sri Lanka’s growing prowess in T20 cricket.

In Tests, South Africa continued to dominate, particularly at home. The 2012 ODI series in South Africa was a low point for Sri Lanka, where they recorded their lowest-ever ODI total of 43 at Boland Park, bowled out in just 20.1 overs. South Africa’s pace attack, led by Morne Morkel and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, was relentless.

However, Sri Lanka had their moments of brilliance. In 2019, under Dasun Shanaka’s captaincy, they whitewashed Pakistan 3–0 in a T20I series, showing their potential to upset stronger teams. While this wasn’t against South Africa, it boosted Sri Lanka’s confidence in the T20 format, which carried into their encounters with the Proteas.

Recent Clashes South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline (2021–2025)

The most recent chapter of this rivalry includes the 2024–2025 Test series in South Africa, part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship. The first Test in Durban was a disaster for Sri Lanka, who were bowled out for 42—their lowest Test total ever. South Africa, led by Ryan Rickelton’s maiden Test century and Dane Paterson’s five-wicket haul, won by 233 runs. The second Test in Gqeberha was closer, with Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva putting up a spirited fight in a chase of 348. Despite their 83-run partnership, South Africa’s bowlers, including Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada, secured a 109-run victory, completing a 2–0 series sweep.

In ODIs, South Africa’s dominance continued in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, where they posted 428/5, powered by centuries from Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram. Sri Lanka managed 326 but fell 102 runs short. This match showcased South Africa’s batting depth and their ability to overpower Sri Lanka in high-scoring games.

Sri Lanka, however, has shown resilience in T20Is. Their 2021 T20I series win against India (2–1) proved their ability to compete in the shortest format, even as they rebuild their squad. While they haven’t faced South Africa in T20Is recently, their aggressive batting approach, led by players like Kusal Mendis, suggests future encounters will be competitive.

South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline Head-to-Head Record

As of July 2025, South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline have faced off 67 times across all formats since 1991. South Africa leads with 46 wins to Sri Lanka’s 20, with one draw and no-result matches. In Tests, South Africa’s pace-friendly conditions and strong batting lineups have given them an edge, while Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attacks have made them tough to beat at home. In ODIs, South Africa’s consistency shines, but Sri Lanka’s flair in T20Is keeps the rivalry exciting.

South Africa National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline Head-to-Head Cricket

Year	Format	Venue	Result	Key Performances	Notes
1991–1992	ODI	Wellington, NZ	Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets	Roshan Mahanama (68), Arjuna Ranatunga (64*)	Benson & Hedges World Cup, South Africa’s return to international cricket
1993–1994	Test	Colombo, SL	South Africa won by an innings and 208 runs	Kepler Wessels (92), Hansie Cronje (122)	Sri Lanka struggled against South Africa’s pace attack
2000–2001	Test	Kandy, SL	South Africa won by 7 runs	South Africa: 253 & 231; Sri Lanka: 308 & 169	Thrilling finish with South Africa holding nerve
2006	Test	Colombo, SL	Sri Lanka won by an innings and 153 runs	Mahela Jayawardene (374), Kumar Sangakkara (287), 624-run partnership	World-record team total of 952/6 by Sri Lanka
2007	ODI	Guyana	South Africa won by 1 wicket	South Africa chased a low total	2007 Cricket World Cup group stage
2007	T20I	Johannesburg, SA	South Africa won	South Africa debuted pale silver kit	ICC World Twenty20 group stage
2012	T20I	Hambantota, SL	South Africa won by 32 runs	AB de Villiers (30, Player of the Match)	Rain-shortened 7-over match, ICC World Twenty20
2012	ODI	Paarl, SA	South Africa won	Sri Lanka bowled out for 43 (lowest ODI total)	South Africa’s pace attack dominated
2013–2014	T20I	Chittagong, BD	Sri Lanka won by 5 runs	Kusal Perera (61), Angelo Mathews (43)	ICC World Twenty20, Sri Lanka’s path to title
2019	T20I	Various	South Africa won series 3–0	South Africa’s pace and batting depth	Sri Lanka struggled in South African conditions
2023	ODI	Delhi, IN	South Africa won by 102 runs	Rassie van der Dussen (108), Aiden Markram (106)	2023 Cricket World Cup, South Africa posted 428/5
2024	Test	Durban, SA	South Africa won by 233 runs	Ryan Rickelton (100), Dane Paterson (5 wickets)	Sri Lanka’s lowest Test total of 42
2024	Test	Gqeberha, SA	South Africa won by 109 runs	Kusal Mendis (39*), Dhananjaya de Silva (39*), Keshav Maharaj (2 wickets)	Sri Lanka fought but fell short chasing 348

Overall Head-to-Head (as of July 2025):

• Matches Played: 67

• South Africa Wins: 46

• Sri Lanka Wins: 20

• Draws/No Result: 1

Key Trends and Standout Players

South Africa’s strength has often been their fast bowlers—think Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, and Morne Morkel—who thrive in their home conditions. Sri Lanka’s spin bowlers, like Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath, have been game-changers on turning pitches in Colombo and Galle. Batting-wise, South Africa’s Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers have consistently challenged Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara have produced match-defining performances against the Proteas.

One trend is clear: South Africa dominates in their home conditions, where their pace attack is nearly unplayable, as seen in Sri Lanka’s 42 all out in Durban in 2024. Sri Lanka, however, is a tough opponent at home, where their spinners and aggressive batsmen exploit familiar conditions. In T20Is, Sri Lanka’s fearless approach has given them an edge in recent years, making future clashes in this format something to watch.

Looking Ahead

As both teams rebuild and nurture young talent, the South Africa-Sri Lanka rivalry promises more exciting chapters. South Africa, as the current World Test Champions, will aim to maintain their dominance in Tests, while Sri Lanka’s emerging stars like Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis could tilt the balance in limited-overs formats.