India national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team timeline and Records

The India national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team timeline is a story of decades-long rivalry, filled with memorable matches, record-breaking performances, and thrilling moments in international cricket. From the first ODIs in the late 1970s to modern ICC tournaments, this rivalry has seen India’s consistency and depth clash with Sri Lanka’s flair, spin mastery, and ability to perform under pressure. Across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, both teams have delivered high-quality cricket that has enthralled fans around the world.

Upcoming India vs Sri Lanka Matches (2026 T20 World Cup)

The India national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team timeline continues in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Both teams are expected to meet in the group stage, with the possibility of facing each other in later knockout rounds.

India Schedule

Date	Opponent	Venue	Stage
7 Feb 2026	USA	Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai	Group Stage (A)
12 Feb 2026	Namibia	Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi	Group Stage (A)
15 Feb 2026	Pakistan	R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo	Group Stage (A)
18 Feb 2026	Netherlands	Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad	Group Stage (A)

Sri Lanka Schedule

Date	Opponent	Venue	Stage
8 Feb 2026	Ireland	R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo	Group Stage (B)
12 Feb 2026	Oman	Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy	Group Stage (B)
16 Feb 2026	Australia	Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy	Group Stage (B)
19 Feb 2026	Zimbabwe	R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo	Group Stage (B)

Head-to-Head Record India Vs Sri Lanka (All Formats)

The rivalry between India and Sri Lanka spans decades, producing thrilling contests across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. While India has generally held the upper hand, Sri Lanka’s flair and resilience have made many encounters highly competitive and unforgettable.

Format	Matches Played	India Wins	Sri Lanka Wins	Draw / No Result/ Tie
Test Matches	46	22	7	17 Draws
ODIs	168	99	57	12 NR, 1 Tie
T20Is	32	19	9	1 No Result

Key Insights:

• India dominates Tests, especially at home.

• ODIs are closely contested but India holds a clear edge, with 99 wins — their highest against any opponent.

• T20Is are competitive, reflecting Sri Lanka’s ability to challenge India in shorter formats.
  

India national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team timeline Era-Wise

1970s–1980s: The Rivalry Begins

• Sri Lanka gained Test status in 1982, and India played the first official Test series against them.

• India established early dominance, leveraging experience and depth.

• Sri Lanka quickly earned respect for their growing cricketing abilities and competitive spirit.

• These early contests laid the foundation for a long-standing rivalry between the two nations.
  

1990s: Competitive Clashes

• Sri Lanka rose to global prominence, winning the 1996 World Cup, including a victory over India in the quarterfinals.

• Bilateral series became highly competitive, especially ODIs, often decided in tense finishes.

• Key Sri Lankan players like Aravinda de Silva and Muttiah Muralitharan challenged India’s batting consistently.

• India remained strong but had to adapt strategically to Sri Lanka’s flair and spin mastery.
  

2000s: India’s Consistency

• India dominated most encounters, particularly in home conditions.

• Legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble anchored India’s performance.

• Sri Lanka remained competitive in neutral venues and ICC tournaments, delivering standout performances.

• Matches were competitive, but India generally maintained an edge across formats.
  

2010s: Sri Lanka’s Resurgence

• Sri Lanka won several series in India and neutral venues, intensifying the rivalry.

• Players like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Lasith Malinga made matches thrilling and closely contested.

• India continued to dominate overall but faced strong challenges, particularly in ODIs and T20Is.

• The era highlighted the evolving strategies and skillful execution from both sides.
  

2020–2025: Modern Era Clashes

• The rivalry shifted toward fast-paced T20Is and closely fought ODIs.

• India’s stars, including Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, often dominated home games.

• Sri Lanka, led by Dasun Shanaka and Pathum Nissanka, proved competitive, especially in neutral conditions.

• ICC tournaments became high-stakes platforms, with several matches decided in dramatic last-over finishes.

• Despite India’s overall dominance, Sri Lanka’s flair and adaptability kept the India national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team timeline exciting and unpredictable.
  

Legendary Players in the Rivalry

India:

• Sachin Tendulkar – The run machine whose record-breaking innings and match-winning performances shaped many India-Sri Lanka encounters.

• Rahul Dravid – The dependable pillar in Tests and pressure situations, providing stability to India’s batting lineup.

• Virat Kohli – Modern-day leader in T20Is and ODIs, known for his aggressive batting and finishing abilities.
  

Sri Lanka:

• Aravinda de Silva – Star of the 1996 World Cup, delivering crucial innings against top opponents.

• Muttiah Muralitharan – Legendary spinner whose mastery troubled Indian batsmen across all formats.

• Kumar Sangakkara – Consistent and reliable performer, providing stability in both Tests and limited-overs cricket.

India vs Sri Lanka in ICC Tournaments

The India national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team timeline has featured several high-stakes ICC encounters over the years:

• 1996 World Cup: Sri Lanka defeated India in the quarterfinals en route to lifting their first World Cup title.

• 2011 World Cup: India faced Sri Lanka in a thrilling final and emerged victorious, claiming the World Cup on home soil.

• T20 World Cups: Matches between the two teams have often been closely contested, producing high-pressure finishes and exciting last-over dramas.

• Champions Trophy: India and Sri Lanka have delivered several intense and memorable clashes, showcasing the competitive spirit of their longstanding rivalry.

Key Milestones

• 1979: First ODI series between India and Sri Lanka.

• 1982: Sri Lanka gains Test status; first official Test vs India.

• 1996: Sri Lanka defeats India in the World Cup quarterfinal and wins the title.

• 2011: India defeats Sri Lanka in the World Cup final at Wankhede Stadium.

• 2026: Both teams scheduled to compete in the T20 World Cup group stage.
  

Conclusion

The India national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team timeline reflects decades of exciting and high-pressure cricket. India’s consistent performances, superior head-to-head record, and 99 ODI victories underline their dominance, yet Sri Lanka’s flair, spin mastery, and ability to deliver match-defining performances have ensured that every contest remains unpredictable. From early Tests and ODIs to modern ICC tournaments, this rivalry continues to evolve, promising thrilling cricket and memorable moments for fans, especially as both teams prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When did the India vs Sri Lanka cricket rivalry begin?

The rivalry started in 1979 with the first ODI series between India and Sri Lanka. It gained momentum after Sri Lanka played their first Test against India in 1982.

2. Which team has the better overall record in this rivalry?

India leads across all formats with 99 ODI wins, 22 Test victories, and 19 T20I wins. Sri Lanka remains competitive, especially in limited-overs matches.

3. What are the most memorable ICC tournament matches between India and Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka defeated India in the 1996 World Cup quarterfinal. India won the 2011 World Cup final against Sri Lanka, a landmark moment in the rivalry.

4. Who are the legendary players in the India vs Sri Lanka rivalry?

India’s legends include Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virat Kohli. Sri Lanka’s icons are Aravinda de Silva, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Kumar Sangakkara.

5. When will India and Sri Lanka next meet in a major ICC event?

Both teams are scheduled to play in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group stage. They may meet later in the tournament depending on progression.