Introduction: sri lanka national cricket team vs india national cricket team timeline
When you think of cricket in Asia, two nations always come to mind—India and Sri Lanka. Their encounters have gone far beyond statistics. For fans, these matches are memories stitched into the fabric of cricketing history: from heartbreaking collapses to inspiring victories, from friendships across borders to moments that silenced stadiums.
In this article, we’ll look at the timeline of their rivalry (in table form), revisit key matches, talk about player hobbies outside cricket, and explore what makes this clash special even today.
Table of Contents
The Story Begins
Sri Lanka officially became a Test-playing nation in 1981. A year later, they hosted India in their very first Test series. That opening game in Colombo was more than just a cricket match—it was Sri Lanka’s introduction to the elite stage, and India played the role of the welcoming neighbor.
While India had the stronger side in the 1980s, Sri Lanka slowly grew into a competitive force. By the mid-1990s, their fearless brand of cricket made them world champions, and the rivalry gained real intensity.
Timeline of Key Encounters
The table below highlights some of the defining chapters in the India vs Sri Lanka timeline:
| Year | Format | Event | What Happened |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1982 | Test | Sri Lanka’s first-ever Test (Colombo) | Historic debut for Sri Lanka; the match ended in a draw. |
| 1985 | ODI | World Championship of Cricket | India beat Sri Lanka on their way to winning the tournament in Australia. |
| 1996 | ODI World Cup Semi-Final | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | Crowd unrest after India’s batting collapse led to Sri Lanka being awarded the game. |
| 1997 | Test | Colombo | Sri Lanka posted a record-breaking 952/6, with Jayasuriya’s 340 the highlight. |
| 2002 | ODI | ICC Champions Trophy Final | After rain ruined both finals, India and Sri Lanka were declared joint winners. |
| 2007 | ODI World Cup | Group Stage | Sri Lanka beat India, sending them out of the tournament in the first round. |
| 2008 | Test Series in Sri Lanka | Ajantha Mendis’ debut series | His mystery spin stunned Indian batters repeatedly. |
| 2011 | ODI World Cup Final, Mumbai | Dhoni’s finishing six | India lifted their second World Cup after 28 years. |
| 2014 | T20 World Cup Final, Dhaka | Sangakkara signs off | His unbeaten knock gave Sri Lanka their first T20 title. |
| 2017 | Test Series | India’s dominance | India won 3-0 away from home. |
| 2018 | Nidahas Trophy | Colombo drama | Sri Lanka pushed India in tight games, but Karthik’s last-ball six (vs Bangladesh) stole the headlines. |
| 2021 | Limited-Overs Series | Shikhar Dhawan’s young squad toured | Sri Lanka took the T20I series 2-1. |
| 2023 | Asia Cup Final | Siraj’s spell | Sri Lanka dismissed for just 50; India won by 10 wickets. |
Matches That Changed the Rivalry
1996 World Cup Semi-Final: The Night Eden Gardens Fell Silent
Chasing 252, India collapsed to 120/8. The crowd, frustrated by the performance, lit fires and threw bottles. Officials had no choice but to stop play. Sri Lanka were awarded the win, and weeks later, they became world champions for the first time.
1997 Colombo Test: A Marathon Innings
Sri Lanka batted for nearly three days, piling up 952/6—the highest Test score ever recorded. Sanath Jayasuriya’s 340 and Roshan Mahanama’s 225 turned the game into a record-making spectacle.
2011 World Cup Final: A Nation Rejoices
Mahela Jayawardene’s brilliant 103* set India a stiff target. The chase began shakily, but Gambhir’s steady 97 and MS Dhoni’s 91* brought the trophy home. Dhoni’s six into the Mumbai crowd remains one of the most replayed moments in cricket history.
2014 T20 World Cup Final: The Wait Ends
After years of heartbreak in ICC finals, Sri Lanka finally triumphed. Sangakkara, in his last T20 international, anchored the innings to beat India. It was a fairytale send-off for a legend.
2023 Asia Cup Final: A Spell for the Ages
Mohammed Siraj tore through Sri Lanka’s top order with swing and pace. His six-wicket haul bundled them out for 50, and India wrapped up the final inside 40 overs.
Numbers Tell the Story
- Tests: India leads the rivalry comfortably, winning more than double Sri Lanka’s tally.
- ODIs: India has over 95 victories; Sri Lanka has managed a little over 60.
- T20Is: India again has the upper hand with more than 20 wins.
These numbers show India’s dominance, especially in the past 15 years. Yet, Sri Lanka’s victories in key tournaments give this rivalry its balance of respect.
Cricketers Off the Field – Hobbies and Passions
Indian Greats
- MS Dhoni: A passionate bike and car collector; also enjoys farming in Ranchi.
- Virat Kohli: Obsessed with fitness, fashion, and traveling.
- Sachin Tendulkar: Loves classical music and spending time with his children.
- Rohit Sharma: A football fan, often seen following European clubs.
Sri Lankan Icons
- Sanath Jayasuriya: Post-retirement, focused on politics and social service.
- Kumar Sangakkara: Known for his love of literature and golf.
- Mahela Jayawardene: A fishing enthusiast and wildlife supporter.
- Lasith Malinga: A music lover who enjoys beach life.
These hobbies remind us that cricketers are more than just athletes—they’re individuals with passions beyond the boundary rope.
Why Fans Cherish This Rivalry
- Shared Culture, Shared Passion: Neighbors with cricket in their DNA.
- High-Stakes Clashes: From World Cup knockouts to Asia Cup finals, pressure games have defined this rivalry.
- Legends Colliding: Muralitharan vs Tendulkar, Kohli vs Malinga, Dhoni vs Jayawardene—battles fans never forget.
- Sportsmanship: Despite intensity, respect between the two teams has always been strong.
Fun Facts
- Kohli’s first ODI hundred came against Sri Lanka in 2009.
- Murali dismissed Tendulkar 13 times across formats.
- Dravid and Ganguly’s 318-run partnership at the 1999 World Cup was record-breaking.
- No two nations have contested as many Asia Cup finals as India and Sri Lanka.
Where Things Stand Today
India’s bench strength and strong domestic system keep them ahead in most contests. But Sri Lanka continues to produce talent like Wanindu Hasaranga, who offers hope for the future. While India may dominate statistically, Sri Lanka’s ability to rise in big matches keeps fans glued to every meeting.
Conclusion
The India vs Sri Lanka rivalry is not about hostility—it’s about history, respect, and pride. From Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup glory to India’s unforgettable 2011 final, from Jayasuriya’s marathon knock to Siraj’s Asia Cup heroics, the rivalry has created moments that will live forever.
