In cricket match history one of the most exciting cricket matches after India and Pakistan is the match between Sri Lanka and India as they have a long rivalry history. After Pakistan, Sri Lanka has a long history against India and they both played unforgettable games against each other. This article is about the rivalry between India and Sri Lanka and it shows their match over time, highlighting important games, big wins, and how the greatest rivalry was developed. India vs Sri Lanka is a must-watch event for a cricket fan because they never give up on each other, they have a strong desire to win and they show great skills, and sportsmanship which makes the game very interesting to watch. The timeline of India vs Sri Lanka is unmatchable; it covers the key milestones, matches, and moments that made them the best cricket rivalry.
India National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline
The Indian and Sri lankan cricket team rivalry is very famous. The players of both the teams are highly skilled and perform extraordinarily. Lets learn the details of India National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline from beginning to date.
Origins of the Rivalry
India vs Sri Lanka’s first match was held on June 16, 1979, England they faced each other for an official one-day international (ODI), during the ICC cricket World Cup in England. Sri Lanka won the match against India and they became rivals for each other.
After this match ended some years later Sri Lanka faced India for a test match in 1982 and it took place in Chennai stadium. It was a very interesting match. Both teams fought very hard for victory but the match ended up in a draw, but this match started a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s cricket history.
Growth of Rivalry: 1990s
In Cricket World Cup 1996, Sri Lanka went on to win the World Cup after the semi-final clash between the two teams Sri Lanka marked their name in cricket history and it became a key moment in the India vs Sri Lanka rivalry.
a) Bilateral Series and Tri-Nation
Tournaments India vs Sri Lanka rivalry got heated up in the 1990s, they both played so many games against each other that they tried their best to beat each other and joined a tri-nation tournament with teams like Australia and Pakistan. Both teams showed their level in the tournament.
The 2000s: A Decade of Classic Encounters
The 2000s have been the great times in Indian and Sri Lankan national cricket teams with strong matches and remarkable performances.
b) ICC Champions Trophy 2002: Shared Glory
After the 1990s, The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy was held in Sri Lanka. Both teams were selected for finals but unfortunately, the match between the two teams was cancelled twice due to rain, resulting in a shared trophy but even nature can’t stop the rivalry of these two teams.
c) Record-Breaking Performances
In the 2000s Indian player Virender Sehwag did a record-breaking performance by scoring 146 runs in Rajkot. It was a key moment for India to chase down a record target of 414 runs and in the 2000s also featured record-breaking performances in matches between India and Sri Lanka.
The 2010s: Dominance and Iconic Matches
In the 2010s India and Sri Lanka played various historic matches including the 2011 world cup. Here are the complete details.
a) ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 Final
In the stadium of Wankhede, a historic event took place as a cricket match of the World Cup Finals 2011. The Sri Lankans and the Indian players got heated up by showing their best performance in this match. Sri Lanka player Mahela Jayawardene scored a century, but India, led by Gautam Gambhir’s 97 and MS Dhoni’s unbeaten performance by scoring 91 runs, secured the win. This victory marked India’s second World Cup triumph and was a major highlight for Indian cricket.
b) Consistent Bilateral Series
During the 2010s, India dominated Sri Lanka and they played many series with each other, with India often coming out on top, Series in 2017 and 2018 players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma carried India by showing their prime performance and showcased India’s strength in both ODIs and T20s.
c) istoric Test Series
In 2017, India had whitewashed Sri Lanka in their own country, by dominating Sri Lanka in their field and India achieved a historic series win in Sri Lanka and highlighted India’s dominance in test cricket.
The 2020s: Renewed Rivalry and Emerging Stars
In 2020, Both the teams welcomed the new rising talents who gave a unique strength to the teams.
a) Emerging Stars and Competitive Spirit
In the 2020s, Players like Shubman Gill for India and Wanindu Hasaranga for Sri Lanka started a new rivalry wave of competition between them. Both teams featured new talent and both players used their opportunities to shine in international cricket.
b) Limited Overs Success
India has continuously dominated Sri Lanka by winning the ODI and T20 series during their 2021 tour of Sri Lanka, Even after their many players were missing they managed to claim the victory.
c) ICC Tournaments
The rivalry between India and Sri Lanka made the audience wait for their match eagerly. The rivalry remains fierce in ICC tournaments, They both want to dominate each other on the global stage, and the matches between India and Sri Lanka in tournaments are always eagerly awaited, even and closely contested.
Must Read: Australian Men’s Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
India National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Head-to-Head records
| Tournament | Matches Played | India Won | Sri Lanka Won | Draw/Tie/No Result |
| ODI World Cup | 11 | 07 | 04 | 00 |
| T20 World Cup | 01 | 00 | 01 | 00 |
| Champions Trophy | 03 | 01 | 01 | 01 |
| World Test Championship | 00 | 00 | 00 | 00 |
| Total | 15 | 08 | 06 | 02 |
Conclusion
Everyone knows about the Rivalry between India vs Sri Lanka because after Pakistan India’s one of the best rivals in Sri Lanka, until 2011 their rivalry was one of the most intense in cricket, the Rivalry is so good that everyone started comparing with best players of their both teams like muralidaran vs Sachin, Zaheer vs Sanath Jayasuriya, and Kumar Sangakkara vs anil kumble. In the future, the rivalry might have a big growth and we hope to see fierce competition with passionate players, dedicated fans, and the unpredictable nature of the game. As cricket evolves, we can expect more thriller matches and new record-breaking players added to their thrilling rivalry.
Cricket is not a game it’s an emotion mixed with tears and both teams prove that right by becoming the best rival in the timeline. Their timeline not only traces the history of their matches but also celebrates the spirit of cricket – a sport that unites nations, fans, and players with a shared love for the game.
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FAQs about India National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline
Q-1) When did India and SRI Lanka play their first international match?
A- In the 1979 ICC World Cup, India played against Sri Lanka for the first time.
Q-2) How many times India and Sri Lanka have played against each other in ODI World Cup matches?
A- They have played 11 ODI World Cup matches against each other.
Q-3) Who won the ICC World Cup final in 2011?
A- India won the World Cup in Wankhede in 2011
Q-4) Has Sri Lanka ever beaten India in the ICC World Cup finals?
A- Yes, Sri Lanka won against India in the T20 World Cup in 2014.
Q-5) Who was the most impactful player in India vs Sri Lanka matches?
A- There are many players who perform very best in this rivalry; some names are Kumar Sangakkara, MS Dhoni, Sachin Tendulkar, and Muttiah Muralidaran.
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