Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
The Sri Lanka national cricket team and the India national cricket team have a rich history of fierce competition across all formats of the game, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and encounters in World Cups. These two teams have provided cricket fans with some of the most memorable moments in the sport. Their rivalry is marked by both countries’ distinct playing styles, strategies, and passionate fanbases. Over the years, matches between Sri Lanka and India have been characterized by intense battles, remarkable individual performances, and thrilling finishes.
This timeline aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all matches played between these two teams across various formats, showcasing the evolution of their rivalry from its inception to the present day.
Timeline of Sri Lanka vs. India Matches
| Date | Format | Match Details | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Test | 1st Test, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (PSS) | Draw |
| 1982 | Test | 2nd Test, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (SSC) | Sri Lanka won by 149 runs |
| 1982 | Test | 3rd Test, India tour of Sri Lanka at Kandy | Draw |
| 1985 | ODI | 1st ODI, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (SSC) | India won by 6 wickets |
| 1985 | ODI | 2nd ODI, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (SSC) | Sri Lanka won by 55 runs |
| 1985 | ODI | 3rd ODI, India tour of Sri Lanka at Kandy | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets |
| 1985 | Test | 1st Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Kanpur | India won by an innings and 119 runs |
| 1985 | Test | 2nd Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Nagpur | India won by an innings and 106 runs |
| 1985 | Test | 3rd Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Cuttack | India won by an innings and 67 runs |
| 1986 | ODI | Asia Cup, India vs Sri Lanka at Sharjah | India won by 5 wickets |
| 1986 | ODI | Asia Cup Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Colombo (SSC) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets |
| 1987 | ODI | 1987 World Cup, India vs Sri Lanka at Delhi | India won by 6 wickets |
| 1990 | Test | 1st Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Chandigarh | Draw |
| 1990 | Test | 2nd Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Nagpur | India won by an innings and 32 runs |
| 1990 | Test | 3rd Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Kanpur | India won by 8 wickets |
| 1993 | ODI | Hero Cup, India vs Sri Lanka at Kolkata | India won by 8 wickets |
| 1993 | ODI | Hero Cup Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Kolkata | India won by 102 runs |
| 1996 | ODI | 1996 World Cup, India vs Sri Lanka at Delhi | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets |
| 1996 | ODI | 1996 World Cup Semi-Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Kolkata | Sri Lanka won by default |
| 1997 | Test | 1st Test, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (SSC) | Sri Lanka won by an innings and 77 runs |
| 1997 | Test | 2nd Test, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) | Draw |
| 1997 | Test | 3rd Test, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (SSC) | Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets |
| 1998 | ODI | Coca-Cola Champions Trophy Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Sharjah | India won by 6 wickets |
| 1999 | ODI | Pepsi Cup Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Bangalore | India won by 6 wickets |
| 2000 | ODI | 2000 Asia Cup Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Dhaka | Sri Lanka won by 245 runs |
| 2001 | ODI | Coca-Cola Cup, India vs Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets |
| 2001 | ODI | Coca-Cola Cup Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 121 runs |
| 2002 | ODI | 2002 ICC Champions Trophy Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Colombo | No Result |
| 2003 | ODI | 2003 World Cup, India vs Sri Lanka at Johannesburg | India won by 183 runs |
| 2004 | Test | 1st Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Chennai | Draw |
| 2004 | Test | 2nd Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Delhi | India won by 188 runs |
| 2004 | Test | 3rd Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Ahmedabad | India won by 259 runs |
| 2005 | ODI | Indian Oil Cup Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 18 runs |
| 2007 | ODI | 2007 World Cup, India vs Sri Lanka at Port of Spain | Sri Lanka won by 69 runs |
| 2008 | Test | 1st Test, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (SSC) | Sri Lanka won by an innings and 239 runs |
| 2008 | Test | 2nd Test, India tour of Sri Lanka at Galle | India won by 170 runs |
| 2008 | Test | 3rd Test, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (PSS) | Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets |
| 2008 | ODI | 5th ODI, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 68 runs |
| 2009 | T20I | 1st T20I, India tour of Sri Lanka at Nagpur | India won by 6 wickets |
| 2009 | T20I | 2nd T20I, India tour of Sri Lanka at Mohali | Sri Lanka won by 29 runs |
| 2010 | ODI | Tri-Nation Tournament Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Dhaka | India won by 4 wickets |
| 2010 | Test | 1st Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Ahmedabad | Draw |
| 2010 | Test | 2nd Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Kanpur | India won by an innings and 144 runs |
| 2010 | Test | 3rd Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Mumbai | India won by an innings and 24 runs |
| 2011 | ODI | 2011 World Cup Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Mumbai | India won by 6 wickets |
| 2012 | ODI | Tri-Nation Tournament Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets |
| 2012 | T20I | Only T20I, India tour of Sri Lanka at Pallekele | India won by 39 runs |
| 2013 | ODI | 2013 Tri-Nation Series Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Port of Spain | India won by 1 wicket |
| 2014 | T20I | 2014 World T20 Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Dhaka | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets |
| 2015 | ODI | 2015 World Cup, India vs Sri Lanka at Sydney | India won by 7 wickets |
| 2017 | ODI | 3rd ODI, India tour of Sri Lanka at Pallekele | India won by 6 wickets |
| 2018 | T20I | Nidahas Trophy Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) | India won by 4 wickets |
| 2019 | ODI | 2019 World Cup, India vs Sri Lanka at Leeds | India won by 7 wickets |
| 2021 | Test | 1st Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Mohali | India won by an innings and 222 runs |
| 2021 | Test | 2nd Test, Sri Lanka tour of India at Bengaluru | India won by 238 runs |
| 2022 | T20I | 3rd T20I, Sri Lanka tour of India at Dharamsala | India won by 6 wickets |
| 2023 | ODI | 3rd ODI, India tour of Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) | India won by 10 wickets |
| 2024 | T20I | Asia Cup Final, India vs Sri Lanka at Colombo (RPS) | Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets |
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Rivalry
The rivalry between Sri Lanka and India is one of the most intense in international cricket, driven by geographic proximity, cultural similarities, and competitive spirit. Both teams have showcased a mix of experienced veterans and emerging talents, leading to thrilling encounters that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. The matches have often swung from one side to the other, with unpredictable outcomes adding to the excitement.
Early Years: Test Matches and Initial Encounters (1982-1990)
The Sri Lanka-India cricket rivalry began with Test matches, with the first series being played in 1982 in Sri Lanka. The early years were dominated by India, but Sri Lanka, known for its strong home performance, quickly adapted and began challenging India in subsequent series. Their inaugural Test series was marked by competitive games, with Sri Lanka securing its first-ever Test victory against India in 1985, highlighting the beginning of a fierce rivalry.
During this period, the teams played closely contested matches with each Test series becoming more competitive. The introduction of limited-overs cricket brought a new dimension to their rivalry, particularly with the rise of Sri Lanka as a formidable force in ODIs during the mid-1980s and 1990s.
The Rise of Sri Lanka and ODI Encounters (1990-2000)
The 1990s marked a significant phase in the rivalry between these two teams, with Sri Lanka emerging as a strong ODI team, especially after their 1996 World Cup triumph. This period saw frequent bilateral series and numerous encounters in multi-nation tournaments. The matches were often characterized by thrilling finishes, remarkable individual performances, and intense competition.
Sri Lanka’s aggressive playing style and India’s consistency led to several memorable encounters, including high-scoring matches and nail-biting finishes. The rivalry reached its peak during the 1996 World Cup, where Sri Lanka defeated India in the group stage and the controversial semi-final at Kolkata, which Sri Lanka won by default due to crowd trouble.
The T20 Era and Continued Rivalry (2000-Present)
The advent of T20 cricket added a new layer to the Sri Lanka-India rivalry, with both teams adapting quickly to the format and achieving success. The two teams have faced each other in numerous T20 series, including the World T20 tournaments, where their matches have often been high-octane and filled with dramatic moments.
In recent years, the rivalry has continued to thrive across all formats. Both teams have seen periods of dominance and have been involved in several closely fought series. The encounters have featured stellar performances from legends of the game and have been crucial in shaping the careers of many cricketers.
Notable Matches and Key Moments
- 1985 Sri Lanka’s First Test Victory: Sri Lanka secured its first-ever Test win against India in Colombo, which was a landmark moment in their cricketing history.
- 1996 World Cup Semi-Final: The match in Kolkata ended in chaos with crowd trouble, but Sri Lanka was declared the winner, marking a controversial and memorable moment in cricket history.
- 2002 ICC Champions Trophy Final: The final between India and Sri Lanka ended in a no-result due to rain, highlighting the unpredictable nature of cricket.
- 2011 World Cup Final: India defeated Sri Lanka in a memorable final in Mumbai, securing their second World Cup title in front of a home crowd.
- 2014 World T20 Final: Sri Lanka avenged their 2011 World Cup defeat by beating India in the World T20 final in Dhaka.
- 2022 T20I Series: India secured a comprehensive series win in the T20 format, showcasing their strength in the shortest format of the game.
Sri Lanka vs. India: Head-to-Head Records
The rivalry between Sri Lanka and India has produced numerous memorable matches across all formats of the game. Here’s a detailed look at their head-to-head records, along with individual player achievements such as most runs, most wickets, and other significant stats.
Head-to-Head Records in All Formats
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Draws/Ties/No Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 46 | 22 | 7 | 17 (Draws) |
| ODI | 165 | 95 | 57 | 1 (Tie), 12 (NR) |
| T20I | 28 | 19 | 9 | 0 |
Note: The above stats are as of August 2024.
Test Matches
- Total Matches: 46
- India Wins: 22
- Sri Lanka Wins: 7
- Draws: 17
India has been the dominant team in the Test format, securing a majority of the victories. However, Sri Lanka has had its moments of glory, especially on home soil.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
- Total Matches: 165
- India Wins: 95
- Sri Lanka Wins: 57
- Tied: 1
- No Result: 12
The ODI format has seen more competition, with both teams displaying a strong presence. India, however, has managed to maintain a superior record in head-to-head contests.
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)
- Total Matches: 28
- India Wins: 19
- Sri Lanka Wins: 9
In T20Is, India has clearly outperformed Sri Lanka, showcasing their dominance in the shortest format of the game.
Individual Records in Sri Lanka vs. India Matches
Most Runs in India vs. Sri Lanka Matches
| Player | Team | Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | ODI | 84 | 3113 | 43.84 | 8 | 17 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | ODI | 47 | 1899 | 46.31 | 6 | 9 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | ODI | 76 | 2700 | 39.71 | 3 | 21 |
| Virat Kohli | India | ODI | 47 | 2237 | 60.48 | 8 | 11 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | ODI | 87 | 2666 | 39.19 | 4 | 19 |
Note: These are ODI records. Similar breakdowns can be done for Test and T20 formats.
Most Wickets in India vs. Sri Lanka Matches
| Player | Team | Format | Matches | Wickets | Average | 5-wicket hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | ODI | 63 | 74 | 31.30 | 3 |
| Anil Kumble | India | ODI | 52 | 51 | 34.58 | 0 |
| Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | ODI | 61 | 70 | 31.94 | 2 |
| Zaheer Khan | India | ODI | 48 | 66 | 29.42 | 1 |
| Ravichandran Ashwin | India | T20I | 12 | 14 | 19.71 | 0 |
Highest Individual Scores in India vs. Sri Lanka Matches
| Player | Team | Format | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virender Sehwag | India | ODI | 219 | Indore | 2011 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | ODI | 189 | Sharjah | 2000 |
| MS Dhoni | India | ODI | 183* | Jaipur | 2005 |
| Virat Kohli | India | ODI | 133* | Hobart | 2012 |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | ODI | 138 | Hobart | 2015 |
Best Bowling Figures in India vs. Sri Lanka Matches
| Player | Team | Format | Figures | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashish Nehra | India | ODI | 6/59 | Colombo (RPS) | 2005 |
| Chaminda Vaas | Sri Lanka | ODI | 5/14 | Sharjah | 2000 |
| Ajantha Mendis | Sri Lanka | ODI | 6/13 | Karachi | 2008 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | ODI | 5/27 | Pallekele | 2017 |
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | T20I | 5/6 | Pallekele | 2019 |
Highest Partnership in India vs. Sri Lanka Matches
| Players | Team | Format | Runs | Wicket | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid | India | ODI | 318 | 2nd | Taunton | 1999 |
| Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga | Sri Lanka | ODI | 286 | 1st | Headingley | 2006 |
| Gautam Gambhir, Virat Kohli | India | ODI | 224 | 3rd | Kolkata | 2009 |
| Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva | Sri Lanka | ODI | 202* | 4th | Colombo (SSC) | 1997 |
| Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli | India | ODI | 202 | 2nd | Guwahati | 2023 |
Conclusion
The head-to-head records between Sri Lanka and India in cricket are a testament to the intensity and competitiveness of their encounters. With both teams boasting some of the greatest players in the history of the sport, their matches have been filled with thrilling performances, memorable moments, and a fierce competitive spirit. As the two teams continue to evolve and bring in fresh talent, fans can look forward to many more exciting clashes in the future.
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