In the wonderful world of cricket, few stories are as inspiring and captivating as the journey between Sri Lanka and England.
The Sri Lanka national cricket team vs England cricket team timeline represents a remarkable tale of growth, determination, and sporting excellence that has unfolded over more than four decades.
What makes the SL national cricket team vs eng cricket team timeline so special is how it shows the power of cricket to bring different nations together.
When this story began in 1982, England was already a cricket giant with centuries of experience, playing in historic grounds and boasting legendary players.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, was just stepping onto the international stage, full of enthusiasm and raw talent but lacking experience in world-class competition.
The beauty of the Sri Lanka national cricket team vs England cricket team timeline lies in its constant evolution.
We’ve watched Sri Lanka grow from eager newcomers to world champions, while England has reinvented itself multiple times to stay competitive.
Through Test matches that tested patience and skill over five days, ODI games that brought excitement and strategy together, and T20 contests that packed thrills into just a few hours, both teams have contributed to cricket’s rich tapestry.
Contents
- 1 Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs England Cricket Team Timeline
- 1.1 Origins of the ENG vs SL
- 1.2 ENG vs SL Timeline between 1980 to 1990
- 1.3 Test Matches
- 1.4 ODI Matches
- 1.5 ENG vs SL Timeline between 1990 to 2000
- 1.6 Test Matches
- 1.7 ODI Matches
- 1.8 ENG vs SL Timeline between 2001 to 2010
- 1.9 Test Matches
- 1.10 T20i Matches
- 1.11 ENG vs SL Timeline 2011 to 2020
- 1.12 Test Matches
- 1.13 ENG vs SL Timeline 2021 to Present
- 1.14 Test Matches
- 1.15 Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs England National Cricket Team Stats
- 1.16 ENG vs SL Head-to-Head (All Formats)
- 1.17 ENG vs SL Records (Test)
- 1.18 Highest Totals in an Innings
- 1.19 Lowest Totals in an Innings
- 1.20 Individual Records
- 1.21 ENG vs SL Records (ODIs)
- 1.22 Highest Innings Total
- 1.23 Lowest Innings Total
- 1.24 ENG vs SL Records (T20Is)
- 1.25 Highest Innings Total
- 1.26 FAQs:
- 1.27 Conclusion:
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs England Cricket Team Timeline

This timeline isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about human stories, breakthrough moments, and the bonds formed through competition.
From Sri Lanka’s first nervous steps in 1982 to England’s recent dominance, every chapter reveals something new about courage, perseverance, and the beautiful game of cricket.
Whether you’re discovering cricket for the first time or have followed it for decades, this journey shows how sport can inspire, unite, and create memories that last forever.
Origins of the ENG vs SL
Every great cricket story needs a memorable beginning, and the tale between England and Sri Lanka started with exactly that.
February 1982 marked not just the start of a sporting relationship but the birth of a rivalry that would grow into something truly special.
The Historic Beginning | Details |
---|---|
First ODI Date | February 13, 1982 |
Historic Venue | Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo |
England’s Score | 212 runs |
Sri Lanka’s Score | 206/8 runs |
Final Result | England won by 5 runs |
Historic Significance | Sri Lanka’s debut in international cricket |
This maiden contest was nothing short of spectacular. England, with all their experience, managed to post 212 runs, thinking they had set a challenging target.
But Sri Lanka, playing their very first international match, showed the world they were ready to compete.
They came tantalizingly close to victory, reaching 206 runs before falling just 5 runs short. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, and cricket fans everywhere realized they were witnessing the birth of something special.
The story gets even better. Just 24 hours later, Sri Lanka proved their first performance wasn’t a fluke.
In their second-ever ODI, they defeated England by 3 runs, giving the cricket world notice that a new force had arrived. This early success planted the seeds of confidence that would help Sri Lanka grow into a cricket powerhouse.
ENG vs SL Timeline between 1980 to 1990
The 1980s were all about learning and growing for Sri Lankan cricket. These were the formative years when they were absorbing lessons from every match, every tour, and every interaction with established cricket nations like England.
Test Matches
Date | Venue | Series | Result |
---|---|---|---|
Feb 17-21, 1982 | Colombo (PPS) | SL vs ENG – Only Test | ENG won by 7 wickets |
Aug 23-28, 1984 | Lord’s | ENG vs SL – Only Test | Match Drawn |
Aug 25-30, 1988 | Lord’s | ENG vs SL – Only Test | ENG won by 7 wickets |
These early Test matches were like cricket school for Sri Lanka. Playing at Lord’s, the most famous cricket ground in the world, was an incredible experience that taught them about tradition, pressure, and the highest levels of competition.
ODI Matches
Date | Venue | Tournament | Result |
---|---|---|---|
Feb 13, 1982 | Colombo (PPS) | England in Sri Lanka ODI Series- 1st ODI | ENG won by 5 runs |
Feb 14, 1982 | Colombo (PPS) | England in Sri Lanka ODI Series- 2nd ODI | SL won by 5 runs |
June 11, 1983 | Taunton | Prudential World Cup | ENG won by 47 runs |
Oct 23, 1987 | Pune | Reliance World Cup | ENG won by 8 Wickets |
Sep 4, 1988 | The Oval | Texaco Trophy | ENG won by 5 Wickets |
Oct 15, 1989 | Delhi | MRF World Series (Nehru Cup) | ENG won by 5 Wickets |
Throughout the 1980s, these teams met 6 times in ODI cricket. England’s superiority was clear as they won 5 matches to Sri Lanka’s 1 victory. However, every match was a valuable learning experience for Sri Lanka, building the foundation for future success.
ENG vs SL Timeline between 1990 to 2000
The 1990s marked Sri Lanka’s coming of age in international cricket. This decade saw them transform from promising newcomers to serious contenders who could challenge anyone on their day.
Test Matches
Date | Venue | Series | Result |
---|---|---|---|
Aug 22-27, 1991 | Lord’s | ENG vs SL – Only Test | ENG won by 137 runs |
Mar 13-18, 1993 | Colombo (SSC) | SL vs ENG – Only Test | SL won by 5 wickets |
Aug 27-31, 1998 | The Oval | ENG vs SL – Only Test | SL won by 10 wickets |
The watershed moment came in March 1993 when Sri Lanka achieved their first-ever Test victory against England. Playing at home in Colombo, they showed they could compete with the best. Even more impressive was their commanding victory at The Oval in 1998, proving they could win anywhere in the world.
ODI Matches
Date | Venue | Tournament | Result |
---|---|---|---|
Mar 09, 1992 | Ballarat | Benson & Hedges World Cup | ENG won by 106 runs |
Mar 10, 1993 | Colombo (RPS) | SL in ENG ODI Series- 1st ODI | SL won by 32 runs |
Mar 20, 1993 | Moratuwa | SL in ENG ODI Series- 2nd ODI | SL won by 8 wickets |
Mar 09, 1996 | Faisalabad | Wills World Cup | SL won by 5 Wickets |
Aug 16, 1998 | Lord’s | Emirates Triangular Tournament | ENG won by 36 runs |
Aug 20, 1998 | Lord’s | Emirates Triangular Tournament | SL won by 5 Wickets |
Jan 11, 1999 | Brisbane | Carlton & United Series | ENG won by 4 Wickets |
Jan 19, 1999 | Melbourne | Carlton & United Series | ENG won by 7 Wickets |
Jan 23, 1999 | Adelaide | Carlton & United Series | SL won by 1 Wicket |
Jan 29, 1999 | Perth | Carlton & United Series | ENG won by 128 runs |
Feb 03, 1999 | Sydney | Carlton & United Series | SL won by 11 runs |
May 14, 1999 | Lord’s | ICC World Cup | ENG won by 8 Wickets |
The 1990s witnessed 17 thrilling ODI encounters between these teams. The results were much more balanced, with England securing 9 victories while Sri Lanka claimed 8 wins. This showed that Sri Lanka had truly arrived as a competitive force in world cricket.
ENG vs SL Timeline between 2001 to 2010
This decade represents the “Championship Era” when both teams reached peak performance levels and produced some of the finest cricket ever seen between these two nations.
Test Matches
Date | Venue | Series | Result |
---|---|---|---|
Feb 22-26, 2001 | Galle | SL vs ENG – 3 Test series (1st Match) | SL won by 28 runs |
Mar 07-11, 2001 | Kandy | SL vs ENG – 3 Test series (2nd Match) | ENG won by 3 wickets |
Mar 15-17, 2001 | Colombo (SSC) | SL vs ENG – 3 Test series (3rd Match) | ENG won by 4 wickets |
May 16-20, 2002 | Lords | ENG vs SL – 3 Test series (1st Match) | Match Drawn |
May 30-June 02, 2002 | Birmingham | ENG vs SL – 3 Test series (2nd Match) | ENG won by 111 runs |
Jun 13-17, 2002 | Manchester | ENG vs SL – 3 Test series (3rd Match) | ENG won by 10 wickets |
Dec 02-06, 2003 | Galle | SL vs ENG – 3 Test series (1st Match) | Match Drawn |
Dec 10-14, 2003 | Kandy | SL vs ENG – 3 Test series (2nd Match) | Match Drawn |
Dec 18-21, 2003 | Colombo (SSC) | SL vs ENG – 3 Test series (3rd Match) | SL won by 215 runs |
May 11-15, 2006 | Lord’s | ENG vs SL – 3 Test series (1st Match) | Match Drawn |
May 25-28, 2006 | Birmingham | ENG vs SL – 3 Test series (2nd Match) | ENG won by 6 wickets |
May 02-05, 2006 | Nottingham | ENG vs SL – 3 Test series (3rd Match) | SL won by 134 runs |
Dec 01-05, 2007 | Kandy | SL vs ENG- 3 Test series (1st Match) | SL won by 134 runs |
Dec 09-13, 2007 | Colombo (SSC) | SL vs ENG – 3 Test series (2nd Match) | Match Drawn |
Dec 18-22, 2007 | Galle | SL vs ENG – 3 Test series (3rd Match) | Match Drawn |
This golden decade featured 15 absorbing Test matches. England managed 5 victories, Sri Lanka secured 4 wins, while 6 matches ended in draws. The cricket was of exceptional quality, with each match telling its own compelling story.
T20i Matches
Date | Venue | Tournament | Result |
---|---|---|---|
Jun 15, 2006 | Southampton | ENG vs SL- Only T20i | SL won by 2 Runs |
May 13, 2010 | Gros Islet | ICC T20 World Cup | ENG won by 7 wickets |
T20 cricket burst onto the scene during this period, bringing explosive action, innovative strategies, and entertainment that attracted millions of new cricket fans worldwide.
ENG vs SL Timeline 2011 to 2020
This decade witnessed England’s remarkable transformation into a modern cricket powerhouse. They revolutionized their approach and achieved unprecedented success across all formats.
Test Matches
England dominated this era by playing 13 Test matches against Sri Lanka. They achieved 7 victories, suffered 2 defeats, and had 4 draws. The crowning achievement was their stunning 3-0 series sweep in Sri Lanka during 2018, showcasing their evolution as a touring side.
ENG vs SL Timeline 2021 to Present
Recent years have demonstrated England’s current supremacy across all cricket formats, while Sri Lanka works diligently to rebuild and rediscover their competitive edge.
Test Matches
Date | Venue | Series | Result |
---|---|---|---|
Jan 14, 2021 | Galle | SL vs ENG- 2 Test Series (1st Match) | ENG won by 7 wickets |
Jan 22, 2021 | Galle | SL vs ENG- 2 Test Series (2nd Match) | ENG won by 6 wickets |
Aug 21, 2024 | Manchester | ENG vs SL- 3 Test Series (1st Match) | ENG won by 5 wickets |
Aug 29, 2024 | Lords | ENG vs SL- 3 Test Series (2nd Match) | ENG won by 190 runs |
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs England National Cricket Team Stats
Tournament | Matches | England Won | Sri Lanka Won | Draw/Tie/No Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
ODI World Cup | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
T20 World Cup | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
Champions Trophy | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Total | 18 | 12 | 6 | 0 |
ENG vs SL Head-to-Head (All Formats)
Format | Matches | ENG Wins | SL Wins | D/T/NR |
---|---|---|---|---|
All Formats | 131 | 67 | 49 | 15 |
Test | 38 | 19 | 8 | 11 |
ODI | 79 | 38 | 37 | 4 |
T20I | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
ENG vs SL Records (Test)
Highest Totals in an Innings
Runs | Team | Venue | Year |
---|---|---|---|
628/8d | Sri Lanka | Colombo (SSC) | 2003 |
591 | Sri Lanka | The Oval | 1998 |
575/9d | England | Lord’s | 2014 |
Lowest Totals in an Innings
Runs | Team | Venue | Year |
---|---|---|---|
81 | England | Galle | 2007 |
81 | Sri Lanka | Colombo (SSC) | 2001 |
82 | Sri Lanka | Cardiff | 2011 |
Individual Records
Most Runs by Individuals:
Runs | Player | Playing Era |
---|---|---|
2212 | Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 1998-2014 |
1568 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 2001-2014 |
1351 | Joe Root (ENG) | 2014-2024 |
Highest Individual Score:
Runs | Player | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|---|
228 | Joe Root (ENG) | Galle | Jan 14, 2021 |
213* | Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | Galle | Dec 18, 2007 |
213 | Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | The Oval | Aug 27, 1998 |
Most Wickets:
Wickets | Player | Matches | Average |
---|---|---|---|
112 | Muthiah Muralidaran (SL) | 16 | 20.06 |
58 | James Anderson (ENG) | 14 | 22.18 |
49 | Chaminda Vaas (SL) | 49 | 31.36 |
ENG vs SL Records (ODIs)
Highest Innings Total
Score | Team | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|---|
366/6 | Sri Lanka | Colombo (RPS) | Oct 23, 2018 |
333/9 | England | Taunton | Jun 11, 1983 |
324/2 | Sri Lanka | Leeds | Jul 1, 2006 |
Lowest Innings Total
Score | Team | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|---|
67 | Sri Lanka | Manchester | May 28, 2014 |
88 | England | Dambulla | Nov 18, 2003 |
99 | Sri Lanka | Perth | Jan 29, 1999 |
Most Runs (Individual):
Runs | Player | Playing Era |
---|---|---|
1625 | Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 2001-2015 |
1562 | Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | 1999-2015 |
1195 | Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | 1992-2011 |
Highest Individual Score:
Runs | Player | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|---|
162 | Jason Roy (ENG) | The Oval | Jun 29, 2016 |
152 | Sanath Jayasuriya (SL) | Leeds | Jul 01, 2006 |
144 | Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | Leeds | Jul 01, 2011 |
ENG vs SL Records (T20Is)
Highest Innings Total
Score | Team | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|---|
190/4 | England | Chattogram | Mar 27, 2014 |
189/4 | Sri Lanka | Chattogram | Mar 27, 2014 |
187/8 | England | Colombo (RPS) | Oct 27, 2018 |
Individual Records:
Runs | Player | Playing Era |
---|---|---|
385 | Jos Buttler (ENG) | 2012-2022 |
253 | Eoin Morgan (ENG) | 2010-2021 |
236 | Alex Hales (ENG) | 2012-2022 |
Highest Individual Score:
Runs | Player | Venue | Date |
---|---|---|---|
116* | Alex Hales (ENG) | Chattogram | Mar 27, 2014 |
101* | Jos Buttler (ENG) | Sharjah | Nov 01, 2021 |
89 | Mahela Jayawardene (SL) | Chattogram | Mar 27, 2014 |
FAQs:
- Q: How did this cricket rivalry begin?
A: The rivalry started in February 1982 when Sri Lanka played their very first international ODI against England in Colombo.
- Q: Which team has performed better historically?
A: England has the edge with 67 total wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 49 victories across all cricket formats.
- Q: What’s the record for the highest team score in their Test encounters?
A: Sri Lanka set the record with 628/8 declared at Colombo in 2003, which remains unbeaten.
- Q: Who holds the record for most runs scored in this rivalry?
A: Mahela Jayawardene from Sri Lanka leads with 2,212 Test runs scored between 1998-2014.
- Q: Which cricket format shows the closest competition?
A: ODI cricket displays the most balanced competition, with England winning 38 and Sri Lanka 37 matches.
- Q: Who has been the most successful bowler in this rivalry?
A: Muthiah Muralidaran stands supreme with 112 Test wickets at an outstanding average of 20.06.
Conclusion:
The Sri Lanka national cricket team vs England cricket team timeline tells us a heartwarming story about the power of dreams, hard work, and never giving up.
From Sri Lanka’s humble beginnings as complete newcomers in 1982 to their rise as world champions, and from England’s traditional strength to their modern cricket revolution, this timeline shows us that anything is possible in sport.
This incredible journey reminds us that cricket is much more than just a game. It’s about building bridges between different cultures, creating lifelong friendships, and inspiring millions of people around the world.
The legendary performances from players like Muthiah Muralidaran, Mahela Jayawardene, Joe Root, and James Anderson have given us moments we’ll treasure forever.
As both teams continue to develop exciting new talent and evolve their playing styles, the Sri Lanka national cricket team vs England cricket team timeline will keep adding new chapters filled with drama, excitement, and sporting excellence.
This beautiful rivalry will continue to entertain and inspire cricket fans across the globe, proving that the best stories in sport are still being written on cricket fields everywhere.