India and Sri Lanka have developed one of the most frequently played rivalries in One Day International cricket. Their ODI history stretches back to the 1979 Cricket World Cup, and the two sides have since met in bilateral series, World Cups, Asia Cups and other multi-team tournaments. India vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head in ODI
As of September 2026, India and Sri Lanka have played 171 ODIs against each other. India have won 99 matches, while Sri Lanka have won 59. Two matches have ended in a tie and 11 produced no result. The latest ODI meeting came on 7 August 2024, when Sri Lanka defeated India by 110 runs in Colombo.
India vs Sri Lanka ODI Head-to-Head Record
| Category | India | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 171 | 171 |
| Wins | 99 | 59 |
| Losses | 59 | 99 |
| Ties | 2 | 2 |
| No Results | 11 | 11 |
| First ODI meeting | 1979 | 1979 |
| Latest ODI meeting | 2024 | 2024 |
The overall record shows India’s advantage, although Sri Lanka have produced several important victories over the years, particularly in major tournaments and on home soil. India vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head in ODI
A Rivalry That Began in 1979
The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka was played at Old Trafford, Manchester, during the 1979 World Cup. Sri Lanka won that match by 47 runs. At that time, Sri Lanka had not yet achieved Test status, making the result an important early moment in the history of the two teams.
Since then, the fixture has become a regular feature of international cricket. The teams have played across India, Sri Lanka and neutral venues, with their matches often carrying additional significance because of World Cups and Asia Cup encounters.
The large number of matches is partly a result of the extensive cricket played between the two countries during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, including multi-team tournaments.
India’s Overall Advantage
India’s 99 victories give them a substantial advantage in the overall ODI head-to-head record. Sri Lanka’s 59 wins show that the contest has nevertheless produced plenty of competitive games.
According to available head-to-head records, India have won 40 of their 55 ODIs played in India, while Sri Lanka have won 12. In Sri Lanka, India have won 32 of 69 matches, while Sri Lanka have won 30. There have also been ties and no-results.
This home-and-away split illustrates an important part of the rivalry. India have historically had a strong record at home, while matches in Sri Lanka have generally been more closely contested.
Recent ODI Meetings
The most recent ODI series between India and Sri Lanka took place in August 2024 in Colombo. It produced an unusual result.
The opening ODI on 2 August ended in a tie after both teams scored 230 runs. Sri Lanka then won the second ODI by 32 runs and the third by 110 runs, taking the three-match series 2-0.
2024 ODI Series Results
| Date | Match Result |
|---|---|
| 2 August 2024 | Match tied |
| 4 August 2024 | Sri Lanka won by 32 runs |
| 7 August 2024 | Sri Lanka won by 110 runs |
The third match was particularly significant because Sri Lanka scored 248/7 before dismissing India for 138. The 110-run victory completed Sri Lanka’s series win.
Before that series, India had dominated their recent meetings. India won all three ODIs during the 2023 bilateral series and also defeated Sri Lanka in several major matches during the 2023 Asia Cup and Cricket World Cup.
Major ODI Matches Between India and Sri Lanka
One of the most famous matches between the teams was the 2011 Cricket World Cup final in Mumbai. Sri Lanka scored 274/6, with Mahela Jayawardene making an unbeaten century. India eventually chased the target successfully, with Gautam Gambhir scoring 97 and captain MS Dhoni finishing the chase with an unbeaten 91. The victory gave India their second men’s ODI World Cup title.
The 2023 Asia Cup final was another memorable encounter. Sri Lanka were bowled out for just 50, after which India completed the chase in only 6.1 overs.
The 2023 World Cup meeting was also heavily one-sided. India scored 357/8 before dismissing Sri Lanka for 55, winning by 302 runs.
Biggest Victory in the Rivalry
India recorded the largest victory in the history of men’s ODI cricket when they defeated Sri Lanka by 317 runs in the third ODI at Thiruvananthapuram on 15 January 2023.
India scored 390/5, powered by an unbeaten century from Virat Kohli and a century from Shubman Gill. Sri Lanka were then dismissed for only 73. The 317-run margin became a men’s ODI world record for the largest victory by runs.
This match also completed a 3-0 series sweep for India.
Highest Team Totals
The rivalry has produced some extraordinary batting performances. India’s highest ODI total against Sri Lanka is 414/7, scored at Rajkot in December 2009.
Sri Lanka responded with 411/8 in the same match, producing an aggregate of 825 runs. It remains one of the most memorable high-scoring encounters between the two sides.
At the opposite end of the scale, both teams have also suffered major batting collapses. India were dismissed for 54 against Sri Lanka at Sharjah in 2000, while Sri Lanka were bowled out for 50 in the 2023 Asia Cup final.
India vs Sri Lanka in Major Tournaments
The rivalry has been particularly important in ICC and Asian tournaments.
India and Sri Lanka have faced each other in several World Cups, including the 1996, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2023 editions. Their 2011 final remains the most famous World Cup meeting.
They have also played numerous matches in the Asia Cup. The 2023 final was especially memorable because India’s bowlers dismissed Sri Lanka for 50.
The teams have also met in Champions Trophy competition. Historically, their matches in multi-team tournaments have helped create some of the most significant moments in the rivalry.
Recent Form and Future Meetings
As of September 2026, the latest completed ODI meeting remains the third match of the 2024 series in Colombo. The two teams have not played another men’s ODI against each other since that match.
However, India are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series in December 2026, with matches scheduled for Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.
India were ranked No. 1 in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings after the annual 2026 update, while Sri Lanka were sixth. The rankings reflect recent performance across the specified ranking period and are separate from the historical head-to-head record.
Why the India-Sri Lanka ODI Rivalry Matters
The India-Sri Lanka ODI rivalry is notable because of its longevity and the sheer number of matches played. With 171 meetings, it is one of the most frequently contested international ODI fixtures.
India’s 99 victories demonstrate their stronger overall record, but Sri Lanka’s history includes important wins in major competitions and a recent bilateral series victory in 2024.
The rivalry has also featured legendary players from different generations, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
From the 1979 World Cup to the 2011 final, the 2023 Asia Cup and World Cup matches, and the 2024 series in Colombo, India vs Sri Lanka has repeatedly produced notable ODI moments.
Conclusion
India have the stronger overall ODI head-to-head record against Sri Lanka. In 171 matches, India have won 99, Sri Lanka have won 59, two have ended in ties and 11 have produced no result.
Despite India’s historical advantage, Sri Lanka’s 2024 series victory demonstrated that the contest remains capable of producing a change in momentum. With another three-match ODI series scheduled in India in December 2026, the long-running rivalry is set for another chapter.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many ODIs have India and Sri Lanka played?
India and Sri Lanka have played 171 ODI matches against each other as of September 2026.
2. Who has won more ODIs between India and Sri Lanka?
India have won 99 matches, compared with Sri Lanka’s 59 victories. Two matches were tied and 11 ended without a result.
3. When did India and Sri Lanka last play an ODI?
Their latest ODI was played on 7 August 2024 in Colombo. Sri Lanka won by 110 runs.
4. What is India’s biggest ODI win over Sri Lanka?
India’s biggest victory came in January 2023, when they defeated Sri Lanka by 317 runs in Thiruvananthapuram. It was the biggest victory by runs in men’s ODI cricket at the time.
5. When will India and Sri Lanka next play an ODI?
India are scheduled to host Sri Lanka for three ODIs in December 2026, in Delhi, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad.