Introduction
India vs Sri Lanka is one of the most-played cricket rivalries in history. Both nations have clashed in Tests, ODIs, T20Is, and multiple ICC tournaments. This rivalry has produced unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and records that will be remembered forever.
Historical Background of India vs Sri Lanka Rivalry
India and Sri Lanka first played each other in 1979 during the ODI World Cup. Since then, they’ve built a cricketing history full of thrillers, controversies, and unforgettable finals.
Head-to-Head Record
Head-to-Head in Tests
| Format | Matches | India Won | Sri Lanka Won | Drawn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 46 | 24 | 7 | 15 |
Head-to-Head in ODIs
| Format | Matches | India Won | Sri Lanka Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 167 | 98 | 57 | 12 |
Head-to-Head in T20Is
| Format | Matches | India Won | Sri Lanka Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20Is | 29 | 20 | 9 | 0 |
India vs Sri Lanka World Cup Records
ODI World Cup
| Matches | India Won | Sri Lanka Won |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | 4 | 4 |
(1 match was abandoned in 1992 World Cup)
T20 World Cup
| Matches | India Won | Sri Lanka Won |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 2 |
Notable Matches Between India and Sri Lanka
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1996 ODI World Cup Semi-Final: Sri Lanka won after crowd trouble in Kolkata.
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2011 ODI World Cup Final: India beat Sri Lanka to lift the trophy at Wankhede Stadium.
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2014 T20 World Cup Final: Sri Lanka defeated India to win their maiden T20 World Cup.
Key Players Over the Years
Indian Legends
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Sachin Tendulkar
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MS Dhoni
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Virat Kohli
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Rohit Sharma
Sri Lankan Icons
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Sanath Jayasuriya
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Kumar Sangakkara
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Mahela Jayawardene
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Lasith Malinga
India vs Sri Lanka Match Statistics (All Formats)
| Format | Matches | India Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Draw/NR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 46 | 24 | 7 | 15 |
| ODIs | 167 | 98 | 57 | 12 |
| T20Is | 29 | 20 | 9 | 0 |
Top Run Scorers in IND vs SL Matches
| Player | Team | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | IND | 3000+ |
| Virat Kohli | IND | 2500+ |
| Kumar Sangakkara | SL | 2700+ |
| Mahela Jayawardene | SL | 2500+ |
Top Wicket Takers in IND vs SL Matches
| Player | Team | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan | SL | 74+ |
| Lasith Malinga | SL | 60+ |
| Anil Kumble | IND | 50+ |
| Ravindra Jadeja | IND | 40+ |
Records Created in IND vs SL Matches
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India and Sri Lanka played the most ODIs against each other in cricket history.
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Rohit Sharma’s 264 runs (2014, Kolkata) is the highest individual ODI score, scored against Sri Lanka.
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Muralitharan holds the most wickets against India among Sri Lankans.
India vs Sri Lanka in Asia Cup
| Matches | India Won | Sri Lanka Won |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 12 | 8 |
Recent Series Results (Last 5 Years)
| Year | Format | Winner | Series Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | ODI | India | 2-0 |
| 2021 | T20I | Sri Lanka | 2-1 |
| 2022 | Asia Cup T20 | Sri Lanka | Final Won |
| 2023 | Asia Cup ODI | India | Final Won by 10 wickets |
| 2024 | T20I | India | 2-1 |
Strengths of Team India
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World-class batting lineup with consistency.
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Strong spin-bowling options.
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Aggressive pace attack with Bumrah and Shami.
Strengths of Team Sri Lanka
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Young emerging spinners.
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Strong middle-order batting historically.
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Never-say-die attitude in ICC tournaments.
Fan Base and Rivalry Culture
India vs Sri Lanka has always drawn massive crowds. From Kolkata to Colombo, stadiums roar with excitement whenever these two Asian cricket giants meet.
Future of India vs Sri Lanka Rivalry
With Sri Lanka rebuilding its team and India continuing as a dominant force, the rivalry promises even more exciting contests in the future.
Conclusion
The India vs Sri Lanka rivalry is historic, emotional, and one of the most played in world cricket. From World Cup finals to Asia Cup thrillers, this matchup has produced legendary moments that fans will cherish forever.
FAQs
Q1: When did India and Sri Lanka first play each other?
A1: They first played in the 1979 ODI World Cup.
Q2: Who scored the highest runs in IND vs SL ODIs?
A2: Rohit Sharma scored 264 runs in an ODI against Sri Lanka, the highest in cricket history.
Q3: Which World Cup final did India and Sri Lanka play?
A3: The 2011 ODI World Cup Final, which India won.
Q4: Who has the most wickets in IND vs SL matches?
A4: Muttiah Muralitharan leads with over 74 wickets.
Q5: Which team has more ODI wins head-to-head?
A5: India, with 98 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 57.