The rivalry between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team spans over four decades.
This timeline explores the key moments, iconic matches, and unforgettable performances that have defined this long-standing cricket rivalry.
Match Summary
| Year | Event | Match Summary | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Cricket World Cup | First ODI encounter at Old Trafford. India won by 10 runs. | India won by 10 runs |
| 1982 | Test Series (Sri Lanka’s First) | Sri Lanka’s first Test series after gaining Test status. India won 1-0. | India won 1-0 |
| 1985 | World Championship of Cricket | Sri Lanka defeated India by 4 wickets in the group stage. | Sri Lanka won by 4 wickets |
| 1996 | ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final | India vs. Sri Lanka in Kolkata. Match awarded to Sri Lanka due to crowd trouble. | Sri Lanka won by default |
| 1997 | Test Match (Colombo) | Sri Lanka scored a record 952/6, with Jayasuriya’s 340 and Mahanama’s 225. | Match drawn |
| 2002 | ICC Champions Trophy Final | Rain interruptions led to a shared title after two washouts. | Title shared |
| 2008 | Asia Cup Final | Sri Lanka defeated India by 100 runs, with Mendis taking 6/13. | Sri Lanka won by 100 runs |
| 2011 | ICC Cricket World Cup Final | India chased down 275 with MS Dhoni’s match-winning knock. | India won by 6 wickets |
| 2014 | ICC T20 World Cup Final | Sri Lanka defeated India to win their first T20 World Cup title. | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets |
| 2020s | Various ODI & T20 Matches | Ongoing rivalry with several encounters. India continues to dominate. | Results vary |
1979: The First Encounter – Cricket World Cup
The rivalry started in the 1979 Cricket World Cup at Old Trafford, Manchester. On June 16, 1979, India and Sri Lanka faced each other for the first time in a One Day International (ODI). Sri Lanka was an Associate Member, not yet a Test nation.
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India entered as the dominant team but had to work hard for a 10-run win. This match revealed Sri Lanka’s emerging cricket potential on the global stage.
1982: Sri Lanka’s Test Status and the First Test Series
In 1982, Sri Lanka was granted full Test status by the ICC, an important milestone in their cricket journey. Their first official Test series took place at home against India. This three-match Test series marked Sri Lanka’s official entry into Test cricket.
The series ended with India winning 1-0. However, Sri Lanka impressed with their resilience and earned respect on the international stage.
1985: World Championship of Cricket – Sri Lanka’s Breakthrough
In 1985, Sri Lanka achieved a significant breakthrough by defeating India in the World Championship of Cricket. Sri Lanka won the match by four wickets, shocking the cricket world and proving they could compete with established teams.
India went on to win the tournament, but this match was a landmark victory for Sri Lanka and added intensity to the rivalry.
1996: The World Cup Clash – A Turning Point
The 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final between India and Sri Lanka is one of the most famous matches in their rivalry. Played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the match was filled with excitement and tension.
After setting a challenging target, Sri Lanka’s powerful bowling caused an Indian batting collapse. The crowd became unruly, and the match was awarded to Sri Lanka. This moment marked Sri Lanka’s rise in world cricket and led them to their first World Cup title.
1997: Sri Lanka’s Record-Breaking Test Win
In 1997, Sri Lanka achieved a remarkable feat in a Test match against India in Colombo, scoring an astonishing 952/6 declared—the highest team total in Test cricket. This monumental score included a triple century by Sanath Jayasuriya and a double century by Roshan Mahanama.
India’s bowlers struggled, and the match ended in a high-scoring draw. This record-breaking game remains one of the most memorable encounters in their rivalry.
2002: ICC Champions Trophy Final – Shared Glory
The rivalry took a unique turn in 2002 when Sri Lanka and India met in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy. Held in Colombo, the match faced rain interruptions on both final days.
After two washouts, the trophy was shared, symbolizing equality and mutual respect between the two cricketing giants. This shared title reflected the competitiveness and camaraderie between the teams.
2008: Sri Lanka’s Dominance in the Asia Cup
Sri Lanka displayed dominance in the 2008 Asia Cup final by defeating India by a convincing margin of 100 runs. Ajantha Mendis starred with an outstanding bowling performance, taking 6 wickets for 13 runs, which shattered the Indian batting lineup.
This victory highlighted Sri Lanka’s strength in Asian cricket and was a reminder of their prowess in regional tournaments.
2011: The World Cup Final – A Clash for the Ages
The rivalry reached a peak at the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai. India and Sri Lanka were both aiming for their second World Cup title. Sri Lanka set a target of 275 runs with a century from Mahela Jayawardene.
India, driven by a captain’s knock from MS Dhoni and a crucial inning by Gautam Gambhir, chased down the target. India’s win marked one of the greatest moments in their cricket history, while Sri Lanka’s impressive performance added to the legacy of their rivalry.
2014: ICC T20 World Cup Final – Sri Lanka’s Redemption
In 2014, Sri Lanka faced India again in a World Cup final, this time at the ICC T20 World Cup. Sri Lanka, led by Lasith Malinga, restricted India to a modest total and chased it down comfortably.
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This victory marked Sri Lanka’s first T20 World Cup title and served as a redemption for their 2011 loss, cementing their place in limited-overs cricket history.
2020s: Continuing the Rivalry
As the 2020s unfold, the rivalry between India and Sri Lanka continues with new players and fresh matchups. Both teams have undergone significant transformations, with India emerging as a cricketing powerhouse led by stars like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has focused on rebuilding and nurturing a new generation of players. Despite these changes, the intensity of the rivalry remains intact, with every match bringing excitement and anticipation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the India vs. Sri Lanka cricket rivalry start?
The India-Sri Lanka rivalry began in the 1979 Cricket World Cup, marking their first ODI encounter.
What was Sri Lanka’s breakthrough match against India?
Sri Lanka’s breakthrough against India came in 1985 when they defeated India in the World Championship of Cricket.
Which is the highest team total recorded in the India-Sri Lanka Test series?
In 1997, Sri Lanka scored a record-breaking 952/6 declared against India in a Test match, the highest team total in Test history.
Who won the 2011 World Cup final between India and Sri Lanka?
India won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets in Mumbai.
What was the result of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Sri Lanka?
The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy final was washed out due to rain, and the trophy was shared between India and Sri Lanka.
Conclusion
As the rivalry endures, it promises even more memorable matches and new legends in the making. The legacy of Sri Lanka and India’s cricket battles remains strong, inspiring generations to come.
The Sri Lanka vs. India cricket rivalry is a testament to decades of unforgettable moments and fierce competition. From Sri Lanka’s first strides on the international stage to historic World Cup clashes, this rivalry has continually thrilled fans. Each encounter brings renewed excitement and showcases the evolution of both teams.
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