The cricket rivalry between Sri Lanka and India has been one of the most exciting and closely followed in international cricket. Over the years, the two neighboring nations have played numerous matches in different formats, creating a rich history full of intense battles, memorable performances, and record-breaking moments. The following article provides a detailed timeline of matches and events between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team, capturing key moments in their cricketing history.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
The cricket rivalry between India and Sri Lanka has evolved significantly since their first encounter. Both teams have met in a variety of formats, including Tests, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). The rivalry is not just about the game but also reflects the deep cultural ties and competitive spirit shared between the two countries. Over the decades, matches between these two teams have become more competitive, drawing in fans from around the world.
This article covers a detailed timeline of major matches, tournaments, and memorable moments in the India vs. Sri Lanka cricket rivalry, presented in a table format for easy understanding. The timeline includes key milestones and performances, ranging from India’s dominance in some eras to Sri Lanka’s rise as a formidable opponent in the subcontinent.
Timeline of Sri Lanka vs. India Cricket Matches
| Year | Event | Format | Venue | Outcome/Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | First ODI between India and Sri Lanka | ODI | Manchester (World Cup) | Sri Lanka won by 47 runs, marking their first major win against India. |
| 1982 | Sri Lanka’s first Test series against India | Test | India (Chennai, Delhi, Kanpur) | India won the series 1-0, with two matches drawn. |
| 1985 | Sri Lanka wins its first Test match against India | Test | Colombo | Sri Lanka won by 149 runs, marking their first-ever Test win over India. |
| 1996 | Sri Lanka defeats India in World Cup Semi-Final | ODI | Kolkata | Sri Lanka won by default as the match was awarded due to crowd trouble, eventually winning the 1996 World Cup. |
| 2001 | Sri Lanka wins a Test series against India | Test | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won the series 2-1, with standout performances from Muttiah Muralitharan. |
| 2002 | India and Sri Lanka share ICC Champions Trophy | ODI | Colombo | The final match was washed out, and both teams were declared joint winners. |
| 2005 | India wins 6-match ODI series against Sri Lanka | ODI | India | India won the series 6-1, showing dominance in home conditions. |
| 2008 | Sri Lanka wins Asia Cup final against India | ODI | Karachi, Pakistan | Sri Lanka won by 100 runs with Ajantha Mendis taking 6 wickets. |
| 2009 | India wins Compaq Cup | ODI | Colombo | India defeated Sri Lanka in the final by 46 runs. Sachin Tendulkar scored a century. |
| 2010 | India’s first Test series win in Sri Lanka in 17 years | Test | Sri Lanka | India won the series 2-1, led by key contributions from Virender Sehwag and VVS Laxman. |
| 2011 | India defeats Sri Lanka in World Cup Final | ODI | Mumbai | India won by 6 wickets, lifting their second World Cup. MS Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 was pivotal. |
| 2012 | Sri Lanka wins a T20 series against India | T20I | India | Sri Lanka won the T20I series 1-0, showcasing their T20 strength. |
| 2013 | India defeats Sri Lanka in Tri-series final | ODI | West Indies | India won by 102 runs, with Rohit Sharma scoring a century. |
| 2014 | Sri Lanka defeats India in T20 World Cup Final | T20I | Dhaka, Bangladesh | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets, clinching their first T20 World Cup title. |
| 2017 | India clean sweeps Sri Lanka in all formats | Test, ODI, T20I | Sri Lanka | India won all three formats (Tests 3-0, ODIs 5-0, T20I 1-0), marking their dominance. |
| 2018 | Nidahas Trophy T20I Tri-Series | T20I | Colombo | India won the final against Bangladesh, but Sri Lanka pushed India to the edge in the series. |
| 2019 | India wins World Cup match against Sri Lanka | ODI | Leeds, England | India won by 7 wickets in the 2019 World Cup group stage. |
| 2021 | Sri Lanka wins T20I series against a depleted Indian squad | T20I | Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won the series 2-1, with India’s squad missing key players due to COVID-19 isolation. |
| 2022 | India wins Asia Cup Super Four match against Sri Lanka | T20I | Dubai | Sri Lanka won the tournament despite India’s victory in the group stage. |
| 2023 | India and Sri Lanka face off in ODI World Cup | ODI | India | Match outcome pending, with high expectations from both teams. |
Key Moments in India vs. Sri Lanka Cricket Rivalry
- 1979 World Cup Match: Sri Lanka’s victory over India in the 1979 World Cup was a significant milestone, as it marked one of their first big wins on an international stage.
- 1996 World Cup Semi-Final: A memorable encounter where crowd disruptions led to the match being awarded to Sri Lanka. This win set Sri Lanka on the path to their first-ever World Cup title.
- 2002 ICC Champions Trophy: Both India and Sri Lanka shared the Champions Trophy after the final was washed out twice. It was a rare instance of joint winners in international cricket.
- 2011 World Cup Final: One of the most iconic matches between the two teams, where India won the World Cup in front of a home crowd at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, under the captaincy of MS Dhoni.
- 2017 Clean Sweep by India: India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2017 was historic as India won every match across all formats. It highlighted India’s dominance in the subcontinent conditions.
- 2014 T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka’s triumph over India in the 2014 T20 World Cup final was a significant moment in their cricketing history, giving Sri Lanka their first T20 World Cup title.
Analysis of the Rivalry
- Strength in Home Conditions: Historically, both teams have been dominant at home, making it challenging for the other side to secure victories on foreign soil.
- Bowlers as Game Changers: The rivalry has often been defined by standout performances from bowlers. Muttiah Muralitharan and Lasith Malinga have been match-winners for Sri Lanka, while Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, and Jasprit Bumrah have been instrumental for India.
- Emerging Stars: Players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Rishabh Pant for India, and Kusal Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka have added fresh energy to the rivalry in recent years.
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team captures a rivalry filled with unforgettable moments and intense competition. From Sri Lanka’s rise as a competitive force in the 1990s to India’s dominance in recent years, this cricket rivalry has been a spectacle for fans around the globe. As both teams continue to evolve and bring in new talent, the future promises more thrilling encounters and milestones in this enduring cricket rivalry.
This rivalry is not just about statistics or wins but the passion of the players, the strategies employed, and the pride of their nations. It reflects the broader narrative of cricket in the subcontinent, where each match is more than just a game—it’s a story of grit, determination, and the unyielding spirit of sportsmanship.
Also read – India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline: A Historic Rivalry Unveiled
