The rivalry between the India National Cricket Team and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team is one of the most prominent contests in Asian cricket. Both teams have shared a long history of competitive matches across Test cricket, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals. Sri Lanka entered the international cricket arena later than India but quickly developed into a strong team with talented players and strategic gameplay. Over the decades, matches between India and Sri Lanka have produced thrilling moments, unforgettable performances, and historic tournament victories. Fans across Asia closely follow encounters between these two sides because of their balanced competition and exciting cricketing style. From early Test matches to modern T20 clashes, the timeline of India vs Sri Lanka matches reflects the growth of cricket in the region and the development of two powerful teams that continue to deliver exciting matches for cricket lovers around the world.
Latest Matches
Tournament
Venue
Date
India Score
Sri Lanka Score
Result
Player of the Match
Asia Cup Final
Colombo
2023
51/0
50
India won by 10 wickets
Mohammed Siraj
Asia Cup
Colombo
2023
213
172
India won by 41 runs
Kuldeep Yadav
ODI Series
Thiruvananthapuram
2023
390/5
73
India won by 317 runs
Virat Kohli
ODI Series
Kolkata
2023
219
208
India won by 4 wickets
Kuldeep Yadav
ODI Series
Guwahati
2023
373/7
306
India won by 67 runs
Virat Kohli
Head to Head Record
Format
Matches
India Wins
Sri Lanka Wins
No Result
Test
46
22
7
17
ODI
168
99
57
12
T20I
31
21
9
1
Total
245
142
73
30
Top Batting Performances
Player
Team
Runs
Match Type
Virat Kohli
India
166*
ODI
Rohit Sharma
India
264
ODI
Kumar Sangakkara
Sri Lanka
169
ODI
Sanath Jayasuriya
Sri Lanka
189
ODI
Best Bowling Performances
Player
Team
Wickets
Match Type
Mohammed Siraj
India
6/21
ODI
Anil Kumble
India
6 wickets
Test
Muttiah Muralitharan
Sri Lanka
8 wickets
Test
Chaminda Vaas
Sri Lanka
5 wickets
ODI
Early Encounters and First Test Matches (1982–1990)
Sri Lanka became a full member of international cricket in the early 1980s, which marked the beginning of its regular matches against India. Early encounters were significant for Sri Lanka as they helped the team gain valuable experience against a well-established cricketing nation. India already had a strong reputation in international cricket with experienced players and competitive squads. During the first few years of the rivalry, India managed to secure several victories due to its stronger lineup and greater experience. However, Sri Lanka steadily improved its performance and began challenging India in both Test and limited-overs formats. These early matches laid the foundation for a competitive rivalry that would continue to develop in the decades ahead.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
1982
Test Match
India
India
1985
ODI Series
Sri Lanka
India
1987
Test Series
Sri Lanka
Draw
1990
ODI Match
India
India
Rise of Sri Lankan Cricket (1991–2000)
The 1990s were an important period for Sri Lankan cricket as the team became increasingly competitive in international tournaments. Matches against India during this time became more intense and closely contested. Sri Lanka’s aggressive batting and strategic bowling allowed the team to challenge India more effectively. Several encounters between the two sides attracted large audiences and gained global attention. The rivalry reached new heights during international tournaments, where both teams competed fiercely for victory. This period helped establish the India vs Sri Lanka rivalry as one of the most exciting matchups in Asian cricket.
Year
Series
Venue
Result
1993
ODI Series
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
1996
Major Tournament
Asia
Sri Lanka
1998
Test Series
India
India
2000
ODI Match
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Competitive Matches and Tournament Battles (2001–2010)
During the early 2000s, the rivalry between India and Sri Lanka continued to grow as both teams produced talented players capable of delivering match-winning performances. Bilateral series and international tournaments frequently featured encounters between these sides. Several matches during this period were remembered for dramatic finishes and outstanding individual performances. Fans witnessed high-scoring games, brilliant bowling spells, and remarkable fielding displays. The competition between the two teams became increasingly balanced, making each match unpredictable and exciting.
Year
Tournament
Format
Winner
2002
Bilateral Series
ODI
India
2005
Test Series
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
2007
World Event
ODI
Sri Lanka
2010
Bilateral Series
Test
India
Modern Era Rivalry (2011–2025)
In the modern era, matches between India and Sri Lanka have remained an important part of the international cricket calendar. Both teams have developed strong squads with talented young players and experienced leaders. T20 cricket has added a new dimension to the rivalry by introducing faster gameplay and exciting finishes. India has enjoyed strong performances in several recent series, while Sri Lanka continues to compete fiercely in international tournaments. Fans continue to witness thrilling contests whenever these two teams meet on the cricket field.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2014
T20 Series
India
India
2017
Test Series
Sri Lanka
India
2021
ODI Series
Sri Lanka
India
2024
Bilateral Series
Various
Draw
Memorable Matches and Turning Points
Throughout the rivalry, several matches have become historic due to exceptional performances and dramatic results. Close finishes, remarkable centuries, and impressive bowling spells have defined the timeline of India vs Sri Lanka cricket. These memorable moments highlight the competitive spirit of both teams and their ability to produce exciting cricket.
Year
Match
Format
Highlight
1996
Major Final
ODI
SL Victory
2002
Historic Match
ODI
Close Finish
2014
T20 Game
T20
SL Win
2023
Bilateral Match
ODI
IND Win
Conclusion
The timeline between the India National Cricket Team and the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team reflects decades of exciting cricket and strong competition. From early encounters in the 1980s to modern matches across all formats, the rivalry has produced many unforgettable moments. Both teams have experienced periods of dominance and have contributed significantly to the growth of cricket in Asia. As new players continue to emerge, future encounters between India and Sri Lanka will likely add more thrilling chapters to this long-standing cricket rivalry.
