The India National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team timeline reflects a historic and competitive rivalry across all formats. From iconic Test matches to thrilling ODIs and T20 clashes, both teams have produced unforgettable moments. This timeline highlights key matches, legendary performances, and turning points that define this enduring cricket rivalry.
Last Matches
#
Date
Format
Winner
Margin / Result
Key Highlight / Fun Note
1
Sep 2025
T20I
India
Tied (India won Super Over by 2 wickets)
Epic thriller! Super Over drama on eve of Asia Cup final – India stayed unbeaten in tournament.
2
Aug 7, 2024
ODI
Sri Lanka
110 runs
Massive upset! Sri Lanka crushed India’s chase in Colombo – rare dominant win for SL.
3
Aug 4, 2024
ODI
Sri Lanka
32 runs
Back-to-back shocks! Sri Lanka defended bravely in low-scoring battle.
4
Aug 2, 2024
ODI
Tied
Match tied
Rare tie! Intense finish in Colombo series opener.
5
Nov 2, 2023
ODI
India
302 runs
Record demolition! India’s massive total humbled SL in World Cup – one of biggest margins ever.
6
Sep 17, 2023
ODI
India
10 wickets
Clinical chase! India romped home without losing a wicket in Asia Cup.
7
Sep 12, 2023
ODI
India
41 runs
Asia Cup thriller – India defended 213 with tight bowling.
8
Jan 15, 2023
ODI
India
317 runs
Absolute massacre! India’s highest margin win vs SL – huge total & bowling collapse.
9
Jan 12, 2023
ODI
India
4 wickets
Nail-biter chase in Kolkata – India sneaked home in tense finish.
10
Jan 10, 2023
ODI
India
67 runs
Dominant home win – spinners strangled SL in Guwahati.
World Cup rout – Rohit & co dismantled SL batting.
15
Dec 17, 2017
ODI
India
8 wickets (107 balls remaining)
Chase masterclass – India crushed SL in Vizag.
Year-wise Key Matches Timeline
Year
Match / Series
Venue
Winner
Key Highlight
1979
ICC Cricket World Cup
England
Sri Lanka
First-ever clash; major upset
1985
World Championship
Australia
India
India dominated tournament
1996
World Cup Semi-final
Kolkata
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka advanced after crowd incident
2011
ICC Cricket World Cup Final
Mumbai
India
India won WC; Dhoni iconic finish
2014
ICC T20 World Cup Final
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
SL won their first T20 WC
2017
Bilateral Series
Sri Lanka
India
India whitewashed Sri Lanka
2023
Asia Cup Final
Colombo
India
India bowled SL out for 50
ICC Tournament Encounters
Year
Tournament
Stage
Winner
1979
ICC Cricket World Cup
Group Stage
Sri Lanka
1996
ICC Cricket World Cup
Semi-final
Sri Lanka
2011
ICC Cricket World Cup
Final
India
2014
ICC T20 World Cup
Final
Sri Lanka
2023
Asia Cup
Final
India
Early Encounters and Foundation of the Rivalry
The rivalry between India and Sri Lanka began in the late 1970s when Sri Lanka entered international cricket. Early matches showcased India’s dominance due to experience and a stronger cricketing structure. Sri Lanka, however, demonstrated determination and gradually improved their performance. Early scorecards reflect India’s consistent batting strength and disciplined bowling, while Sri Lanka focused on building partnerships and learning from each encounter. Players like Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev played key roles for India, while Sri Lanka relied on emerging talent to compete. These early encounters laid the foundation for a long-standing rivalry, with Sri Lanka gaining confidence and experience over time, eventually challenging India more effectively in all formats.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
Key Highlight
Margin
1979
ODI
Manchester
Sri Lanka
First major upset
Won by 47 runs
1982
Test
Chennai
India
India dominance
Won by innings
1985
ODI
Sharjah
India
Gavaskar 92
Won by 6 wickets
1987
ODI
Nagpur
India
Kapil Dev all-round
Won by 9 wickets
Sri Lanka’s Rise and World Cup Glory
Sri Lanka’s rise in the 1990s transformed the rivalry into a competitive battle. Their aggressive batting approach and strong team combination culminated in the 1996 World Cup victory. Players like Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, and Arjuna Ranatunga led Sri Lanka to historic success. Scorecards from this era highlight high-scoring matches and dominant performances against India. Sri Lanka’s fearless batting in the powerplay overs revolutionized ODI cricket. Their ability to chase targets and build partnerships made them a formidable opponent. India, meanwhile, faced challenges adapting to Sri Lanka’s aggressive style. This phase marked a turning point in the rivalry, as Sri Lanka established themselves as a cricketing powerhouse.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
Top Performer
Result
1996
ODI WC
Kolkata
Sri Lanka
Aravinda 66
Sri Lanka won
1997
Test
Colombo
Sri Lanka
Jayasuriya 340
Draw
1998
ODI
Sharjah
Sri Lanka
Ranatunga 72
Sri Lanka won
1999
ODI
Taunton
India
Tendulkar 140
India won
India’s Comeback and Modern Dominance
India regained control of the rivalry in the 2000s and 2010s with a strong batting line-up and balanced bowling attack. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli consistently delivered match-winning performances. Scorecards reflect India’s dominance in bilateral series, especially in home conditions. India’s ability to chase targets and build large totals became a key strength. Their bowling unit also improved, producing breakthroughs at crucial moments. Sri Lanka remained competitive but struggled to maintain consistency against India’s depth. This phase saw India winning multiple series and establishing themselves as a dominant force in the rivalry across formats.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
Top Performer
Result
2008
ODI
Colombo
India
Dhoni 76*
India won
2011
ODI WC
Mumbai
India
Dhoni 91*
India won
2014
ODI
Hyderabad
India
Kohli 139*
India won
2017
ODI
Colombo
India
Rohit 124
India won
Memorable Matches and Turning Points
India vs Sri Lanka matches have produced several unforgettable moments, including World Cup clashes, high-scoring games, and dramatic finishes. Scorecards highlight centuries, last-over victories, and match-winning bowling spells. One of the biggest turning points was the 2011 World Cup final, where India secured a historic win. Sri Lanka also produced iconic performances, challenging India in crucial matches. Momentum often shifts quickly in these encounters, with partnerships and wickets playing decisive roles. These memorable matches reflect the intensity, skill, and passion of both teams, making the rivalry exciting and unpredictable for cricket fans worldwide.
Year
Format
Venue
Highlight
Key Player
Result
2011
ODI WC
Mumbai
Final match
Dhoni 91*
India won
2012
T20
Pallekele
SL dominance
Dilshan 75
Sri Lanka won
2014
T20 WC
Dhaka
Final
Sangakkara 52*
Sri Lanka won
2017
ODI
Colombo
Series win
Kohli
India won
Recent Matches and Modern-Day Rivalry
Recent encounters between India and Sri Lanka reflect evolving team dynamics and emerging talent. India continues to dominate with a strong bench and consistent performances, while Sri Lanka focuses on rebuilding with young players. Scorecards show competitive matches, close finishes, and individual brilliance. Players like Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah have delivered key performances for India, while Sri Lanka relies on emerging stars to challenge. T20 matches, in particular, have become more competitive and unpredictable. The modern rivalry highlights adaptability, strategy, and new talent, ensuring exciting contests and a bright future for both teams.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
Top Performer
Margin
2021
ODI
Colombo
India
Dhawan 86
Won by 7 wickets
2022
T20
Lucknow
India
Ishan Kishan 89
Won by 62 runs
2023
ODI
Colombo
India
Gill 116
Won by 4 wickets
2023
Asia Cup
Colombo
India
Siraj 6/21
Won by 10 wickets
Conclusion
The India National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team timeline reflects a rivalry rich in history, evolution, and memorable performances. From early dominance by India to Sri Lanka’s golden era and India’s modern resurgence, each phase has added depth to this contest. Scorecards highlight centuries, partnerships, and match-winning spells that define outcomes. Legendary players from both sides have shaped the rivalry, creating unforgettable moments for fans. As both teams continue to evolve, the rivalry remains competitive and exciting. Future encounters promise new milestones, emerging stars, and thrilling matches, ensuring that this historic cricket rivalry continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
