Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline: A Historic Rivalry

The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline is one of the most fascinating rivalries in international cricket. Spanning over four decades, their battles have delivered unforgettable moments, thrilling matches, and emerging legends. From early upsets to World Cup finals, this journey showcases the evolution of two powerful cricketing nations.

All Match Timeline: India vs Sri Lanka

1979 – First Clash in the World Cup

The story of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline begins in 1979 during the ICC Cricket World Cup. Though Sri Lanka was still an associate member, they stunned India with a shocking win. It was a statement that Sri Lankan cricket had arrived on the global stage.

1982 – Test Era Begins

Sri Lanka gained Test status in 1982 and played their first-ever Test series against India that year. India won the series 1-0, but it marked the beginning of their official rivalry in the longer format of the game.

1996 – World Cup Semi-Final Drama

One of the most memorable matches in the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline was the 1996 World Cup semi-final in Kolkata. Sri Lanka won by default after a crowd riot halted India’s innings during a collapse. Sri Lanka went on to win the World Cup, becoming the pride of Asia.

2011 – World Cup Final Showdown

The two teams met again on the biggest stage in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final. This time, India came out on top in Mumbai, with MS Dhoni’s iconic six sealing the victory. It was India’s second World Cup title, and the match became a defining point in the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline.

2017 – India’s Unbeaten Run

India dominated Sri Lanka during the 2017 tour with a clean sweep across all formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. It was one of the most lopsided series in cricket history and a turning point in the recent phase of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline.

2021 – Emerging Players & Covid Challenges

In a unique situation, India sent a young, second-string squad to Sri Lanka due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. Despite this, India won the ODI series while Sri Lanka clinched the T20I series. It introduced new talents on both sides and added a fresh chapter to the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline.

2023 – Asia Cup Final Humiliation

One of the most one-sided matches in their rivalry happened in the 2023 Asia Cup final, where India bowled Sri Lanka out for just 50 runs and won by 10 wickets. Mohammed Siraj’s six-wicket haul stole the show, making it a key highlight in the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline.

Head-to-Head Record (As of 2025)

Test Matches

Matches	India Wins	Sri Lanka Wins	Draws
92	32	8	52

One Day Internationals (ODIs)

Matches	India Wins	Sri Lanka Wins	No Result/Tied
156	108	44	4

Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is)

Matches	India Wins	Sri Lanka Wins	No Result/Tied
36	27	9	0

Conclusion

The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline reflects a dynamic, evolving cricket rivalry filled with intensity, pride, and tradition. While India holds the upper hand in recent years, Sri Lanka’s ability to bounce back ensures this rivalry continues to captivate fans worldwide.

Whether it’s a World Cup final or a low-stakes bilateral series, every match adds a new layer to the rich history of the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team timeline.