India vs Sri Lanka: Head-to-Head & Stats & Fantasy Edge
Cricket fans have long relished the battles between India and Sri Lanka. Over the decades, these two teams have produced drama, thrilling finishes, and outstanding individual performances. This post examines their head-to-head records across formats and then delves into how fans can gain an edge in fantasy cricket when these teams clash, utilizing fresh, verified data as of mid-July 2025.
Head-to-Head Summary
Test Matches
India and Sri Lanka have met in 46 Test matches since their first series in 1982. India has claimed 22 victories, while Sri Lanka has won 7 times, and 17 matches ended in draws. One of the recent matchups was back in March 2022, when India sealed a commanding 2-0 series win at home.
One-Day International (ODIs)
In ODIs, the two teams have faced off 171 times. India holds the edge in the rivalry with 99 wins, while Sri Lanka trails with 59 victories. There have been 11 no results and 2 matches that ended in a tie.
During India’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2024, Sri Lanka secured a rare bilateral ODI series victory by beating India 2-0, their first win in 27 years.
T20 Internationals
Across 31 T20Is, India leads with 21 wins, Sri Lanka has 9, and 1 match ended no result. India put on a dominant display in the 2024 T20I series in Sri Lanka, winning matches and underlining their solid recent form.
Trends & Context
- India holds the upper hand overall, especially in Tests and ODIs.
- Sri Lanka has remained competitive at home, demonstrated by the 2024 ODI series win.
- India’s T20 strength is clear, especially under captain Suryakumar Yadav in 2024.
- Sri Lanka’s spinners—especially Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana—have a knack for troubling Indian batters and keeping things tight in the middle overs.
Fantasy Cricket Insights: Where the Edge Lies
When constructing fantasy teams for India vs Sri Lanka matches, understanding historical and recent patterns unlocks key advantages.
Key Fantasy Picks – India
- Suryakumar Yadav (T20I captain in 2024): Led as top run-scorer in the 3-0 whitewash (92 runs) and earned player-of-series honors.
- Ravi Bishnoi: Claimed 6 wickets in that T20 series, showing value as an attacking spinner at a strike rate – 16.
- Kuldeep Yadav: Ran bank in recent matches at Colombo, with multiple wickets in head-to-head ODIs. Recognized as a strong fantasy Captain or Vice-Captain pick.
- Shubhman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Shubhman Gill: Gigantic average vs Sri Lanka and at venues like Colombo.
Key Fantasy Picks – Sri Lanka
- Pathum Nissanka: Leading run-scorer in the 2024 T20I series against India with 137 runs (strike rate 154)
- Matheesha Pathirana: Picked up 5 wickets in the same series; wicket-taking threat especially in middle overs.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: A dangerous all-rounder and a go-to pick in fantasy lineups, especially when the pitch offers some turn.
Fantasy Strategy: Format-Wise Suggestions
ODI Strategy
- Top-order priority: picks like Rohit, Kohli, and Nissanka provide consistency.
- Spin attack matters: Players like Kuldeep for India, and Hasaranga or Theekshana for Sri Lanka, usually make a big impact on turning tracks in places like Colombo and Kandy.
- All-rounders boost points: Axar Patel and Wanindu offer dual contributions with bat and ball.
T20I Strategy
- Strike-rate wins games: SKY, Gill, Nissanka deliver quick points.
- Wicket-taking spinners: Ravi Bishnoi and Pathirana often change the game.
- Game awareness: Choose picks depending on pitch (spin vs pace, average total runs, chase success rates around 60%), historically ,teams chasing their first win more often.
Summary of Fantasy Advantage
- When India tours Sri Lanka, spinners and lower-order hitters can surprise.
- At neutral venues like the Asia Cup, India tends to dominate, but Sri Lanka upsets occasionally, especially in ICC events.
- Use form vs opponent and venue history to fine-tune picks: prefer high usage and consistency over flare alone.
- Captain: SKY and Kuldeep, vice-captains: Gill, Nissanka, or Bishnoi, depending on pitch conditions.
Conclusion
India vs Sri Lanka remains a riveting cricket rivalry with a clear statistical tilt towards India, but Sri Lanka’s performances on home soil and in high-stakes matches are never to be underestimated. In fantasy cricket, leveraging the right combo of consistent batsmen, strike spinners, and all-rounders can yield strong returns. Successful fantasy teams hinge on understanding format-specific patterns, venue characteristics, and recent player form. Tune your pick accordingly, and you can turn historical insight into fantasy gold.
FAQ’s ?
They have contested 171 ODI matches, with India winning 99, Sri Lanka 59, 11 resulting no result, and 2 tied.
In 32 T20I matches, India won 22, Sri Lanka won 9, and 1 had no result.
Suryakumar Yadav has led fantasy scoring in India-Sri Lanka T20Is, and his performance under pressure earns him regular selection.
Spinners usually earn more value in Sri Lanka, particularly bowlers like Kuldeep Yadav, Wanindu Hasaranga, or Rasbinder teammates, while reliable batters like Kohli or Nissanka anchor fantasy points.
Historically, teams batting first win about 60% of T20 matches between these sides. Chasing first has a slightly lower success rate, worth considering when picking fantasy strategies.