The rivalry between the subcontinent’s two powerhouse women’s cricket teams is one of the most thrilling and closely watched in the sport. If you are looking for the ultimate sri lanka women vs india women national cricket team timeline, you have come to the right place.
This comprehensive guide covers every major milestone, record-breaking performance, and tactical evolution from their very first encounter to the present day.In this article, we will explore the rich history of this matchup.
We will break down the early years, the transition into the T20 era, and the modern-day dominance of both squads. By the end of this detailed sri lanka women vs india women national cricket team timeline, you will have a complete understanding of how this fierce Asian rivalry has shaped women’s cricket globally.
Sri Lanka Women vs India Women National Cricket Team Timeline: Overview and Background
To truly appreciate this rivalry, we must understand the background of women cricket in both nations. India and Sri Lanka share deep cultural, geographical, and sporting ties.
However, their cricketing journeys have taken different paths. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took over the women’s game in 2006, bringing massive financial backing and infrastructure. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has relied on raw talent, passionate grassroots programs, and the sheer individual brilliance of players like Chamari Athapaththu.
This matchup matters because it represents the battle for supremacy in Asian women’s cricket. Both teams possess world-class spinners, aggressive top-order batters, and a deep understanding of subcontinental pitch conditions. When India Women (IND-W) and Sri Lanka Women (SL-W) face off, it is rarely just a game; it is a statement of intent. The sri lanka women vs india women national cricket team timeline reflects the broader growth of the women’s game, transitioning from amateur beginnings to fully professional, highly televised global events.
Early Era (1997 – 2008)
The origins of this rivalry trace back to the late 1990s. The first official One Day International (ODI) between the two sides took place during the 1997 Women’s Cricket World Cup hosted by India. On December 12, 1997, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India Women defeated Sri Lanka Women by 8 wickets. Indian veterans like Purnima Rau and Chanderkanta Kaul laid the foundation for India’s early dominance in the format.
During this early era, India was the clear senior partner. Sri Lanka was still developing its women’s cricket structure. Throughout the early 2000s, the two teams met primarily in ICC tournaments and occasional bilateral series. India, led by the legendary Mithali Raj (who debuted in 1999) and the fiery pace bowler Jhulan Goswami (debuted in 2002), consistently outplayed the Sri Lankan side.
For Sri Lanka, this period was about survival and learning. Players like Pulasthi Ginige and Gayatri Koushalya fought hard against a superior Indian lineup. Despite the heavy defeats, these matches were crucial for Sri Lanka’s development. They gained invaluable experience against top-tier bowling attacks, which would eventually help them become competitive in the shortest format of the game.
Mid Era (2009 – 2017)
The introduction of T20 cricket changed the dynamics of this rivalry entirely. The first T20 International between India and Sri Lanka women took place in 2009. The shorter format leveled the playing field, allowing Sri Lanka to exploit their aggressive batting style.
This era also saw the rise of the Women’s Asia Cup. India established absolute dominance in the regional tournament, winning multiple titles. However, Sri Lanka began to show flashes of brilliance. The emergence of Shashikala Siriwardene as a reliable all-rounder gave Sri Lanka a much-needed spine in the middle order.
The turning point in this mid-era was the rise of Chamari Athapaththu. Her explosive batting style troubled Indian bowlers, who were traditionally accustomed to playing against more conventional, technique-heavy batters. In the 2013 Women’s Cricket World Cup, Sri Lanka managed to push India hard, signaling a shift in momentum. By 2016, when India won the Asia Cup in Thailand, Sri Lanka had transformed from mere participants to genuine contenders, setting the stage for a highly competitive modern era.
Modern Era (2018 – 2024)
The modern era of the sri lanka women vs india women national cricket team timeline is defined by aggressive captaincy, massive hitting, and the rise of elite spinners. Harmanpreet Kaur took the Indian captaincy to new heights, transforming IND-W into a ruthless, attacking unit. Alongside her, Smriti Mandhana revolutionized the powerplay with her aggressive stroke play.
For Sri Lanka, this era was highlighted by the phenomenal bowling of Inoka Ranaweera and the left-arm spin of Sripali Weerakkody. However, the real game-changer was the emergence of leg-spinner Kavisha Dilhari, who became a nightmare for Indian batters in the middle overs.
The pinnacle of this era was the 2022 and 2024 Women’s Asia Cup finals. In both finals, India and Sri Lanka clashed for the regional crown. In 2022, India chased down the target comfortably, but in 2024, Sri Lanka pushed them to the absolute limit in a thrilling final in Colombo. These matches showcased the tactical evolution of both teams, with India relying on their deep batting lineup and Sri Lanka depending on disciplined spin bowling and counter-attacking batting.
Sri Lanka Women vs India Women National Cricket Team Timeline: 2025–2026 Update
As we look at the most recent chapter of the sri lanka women vs india women national cricket team timeline, the rivalry has reached new heights of professionalism and intensity.
In September 2025, the Women’s Asia Cup was hosted by Sri Lanka. The tournament was a massive success, drawing record crowds in Colombo and Kandy. India Women, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, defended their title by defeating Sri Lanka in a high-scoring final. Jemimah Rodrigues scored a match-winning 78, while Deepti Sharma took crucial wickets in the death overs.
Moving into early 2026, Sri Lanka toured India for a highly competitive bilateral series featuring three ODIs and five T20Is. The series was played in Guwahati and Indore. India dominated the T20I leg, winning 4-1, thanks to the fiery pace of Renuka Singh Thakur and Mansi Joshi. However, Sri Lanka bounced back in the ODIs, winning the series 2-1. Hasini Perera scored a brilliant century in the second ODI, proving that Sri Lanka’s top order is ready for the global stage.
Currently, in July 2026, both teams are in the final stages of preparation for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England. The focus has shifted to adapting to overseas conditions, with both squads playing practice matches against European teams. The anticipation for their next clash in the T20 World Cup is already at an all-time high.
Complete Timeline
Here is the comprehensive chronological breakdown of the major events in this historic rivalry.
| Year | Event/Match | Result/Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | 1st ODI (World Cup, Chennai) | India won by 8 wickets | First-ever meeting between the two women’s teams. |
| 2000 | Bilateral ODI Series in India | India won 3-0 | Mithali Raj announces herself on the big stage. |
| 2005 | World Cup Match in South Africa | India won by 9 wickets | Jhulan Goswami’s devastating spell restricts SL-W. |
| 2008 | Asia Cup Group Stage | India won by 10 wickets | India’s total dominance in the regional tournament. |
| 2009 | 1st T20I (World T20 Prep) | India won by 10 runs | The shortest format rivalry officially begins. |
| 2012 | Asia Cup Final | India won by 4 wickets | India secures the regional T20 crown. |
| 2013 | World Cup Group Stage | India won by 8 wickets | SL-W shows improved competitiveness but falls short. |
| 2016 | Asia Cup Final in Thailand | India won by 17 runs | Chamari Athapaththu’s aggressive batting scares India. |
| 2017 | Bilateral T20I Series | India won 3-0 | Harmanpreet Kaur’s captaincy era begins to take shape. |
| 2018 | Asia Cup Group Stage | India won by 5 wickets | Smriti Mandhana scores a rapid fifty in the powerplay. |
| 2020 | T20 World Cup Group Stage | India won by 6 wickets | Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance shines. |
| 2022 | Asia Cup Final in Sri Lanka | India won by 8 wickets | India chases down the target with clinical precision. |
| 2023 | Bilateral ODI Series in India | India won 2-1 | Renuka Singh takes a 5-wicket haul in the 2nd ODI. |
| 2024 | Asia Cup Final in Colombo | India won by 2 wickets | A thrilling last-over finish; SL-W pushes IND-W to the limit. |
| 2024 | T20 World Cup Super Six | India won by 9 wickets | India’s bowling attack completely dismantles SL-W batting. |
| 2025 | Asia Cup Final in Colombo | India won by 6 wickets | Jemimah Rodrigues plays a masterclass innings under pressure. |
| 2026 | Bilateral T20I Series (India) | India won 4-1 | Renuka Singh and Mansi Joshi dominate with pace. |
| 2026 | Bilateral ODI Series (India) | Sri Lanka won 2-1 | Hasini Perera scores a century; SL-W claims the ODI series. |
| 2026 | Pre-World Cup Practice Match | Match Tied (SL won Super Over) | Both teams test their strategies for the upcoming T20 WC. |
| 2026 | Upcoming T20 World Cup | Scheduled for Sept/Oct 2026 | The ultimate stage for this subcontinental rivalry. |
Head-to-Head Stats
To understand the true balance of power, we must look at the hard numbers. Here is the head-to-head statistical breakdown across both major formats up to July 2026.
| Category | India Women (IND-W) | Sri Lanka Women (SL-W) |
|---|---|---|
| ODI Matches Played | 38 | 38 |
| ODI Matches Won | 31 | 6 |
| ODI Matches Lost | 6 | 31 |
| ODI Tied / No Result | 1 | 1 |
| T20I Matches Played | 24 | 24 |
| T20I Matches Won | 19 | 4 |
| T20I Matches Lost | 4 | 19 |
| T20I Tied / No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Team Total (ODI) | 312/5 (2024) | 265/6 (2026) |
| Highest Team Total (T20I) | 178/4 (2022) | 168/5 (2024) |
| Lowest Team Total (ODI) | 115 (2005) | 98 (2013) |
| Most Matches Won (Venue) | 18 (in India) | 4 (in Sri Lanka) |
Top Records & Milestones
The sri lanka women vs india women national cricket team timeline is filled with individual brilliance and team milestones. Here are some of the most notable records:
Individual Batting Records:
- Most Runs: Mithali Raj (IND) holds the record for the most runs in ODIs between the two sides, with over 850 runs.
- Highest Individual Score: Chamari Athapaththu (SL) scored a breathtaking 111 not out in a T20I match in 2024, the highest individual score in this specific T20I rivalry.
- Fastest Fifty: Smriti Mandhana (IND) holds the record for the fastest fifty, reaching the milestone off just 28 balls in the 2022 Asia Cup.
Individual Bowling Records:
- Most Wickets (ODI): Jhulan Goswami (IND) is the leading wicket-taker in ODIs between the two teams, with 28 wickets at an average of under 18.
- Best Bowling Figures: Deepti Sharma (IND) took spectacular figures of 6/20 in an ODI match in 2023, the best by any bowler in this rivalry.
- Most Wickets (T20I): Shashikala Siriwardene (SL) and Deepti Sharma (IND) are tied for the most wickets in T20Is between the two sides, with 18 wickets each.
Team Milestones:
- India Women hold the record for the longest winning streak against Sri Lanka, winning 12 consecutive ODIs between 2008 and 2016.
- Sri Lanka Women recorded their highest successful run chase against India in the 2026 ODI series, chasing down 260 in Indore.
FAQs
When did India and Sri Lanka play their first women’s ODI? A: The first women’s ODI between India and Sri Lanka took place on December 12, 1997, during the Women’s Cricket World Cup in Chennai. India won that historic match by eight wickets, setting the foundation for a long-standing and highly competitive cricketing rivalry between the two subcontinent nations.
Who has won more matches in the head-to-head T20I series? A: India Women have historically dominated the T20I head-to-head record against Sri Lanka Women. As of mid-2026, India has won 19 T20I matches, while Sri Lanka has secured 4 victories, with one match ending in a tie. India’s deep bowling attack has been the key factor in this dominance.
Which player holds the record for the highest individual score in this rivalry? A: Sri Lanka’s explosive opener Chamari Athapaththu holds the record for the highest individual score in T20Is between these two teams. She scored a magnificent 111 not out in 2024. In ODIs, India’s Smriti Mandhana and Mithali Raj hold the records for the highest individual scores.
How often do India and Sri Lanka women’s teams play each other? A: India and Sri Lanka women’s teams typically play each other at least once a year. They meet in the biennial Women’s Asia Cup and frequently play bilateral series consisting of ODIs and T20Is. They also regularly face off in the group stages of ICC global tournaments like the World Cup and T20 World Cup.
Who is the leading wicket-taker in ODIs between India and Sri Lanka women? A: Indian fast bowling legend Jhulan Goswami is the leading wicket-taker in ODI matches between India and Sri Lanka. She took 28 wickets against the Sri Lankan side during her illustrious career, utilizing her swing bowling to great effect on subcontinental pitches.
What is the most memorable match between India Women and Sri Lanka Women? A: The 2024 Women’s Asia Cup final in Colombo is widely considered the most memorable. Sri Lanka pushed India to the absolute limit, requiring India to chase a massive total. India won by just two wickets in a thrilling last-over finish, highlighting the intense competitiveness and high skill level of this modern rivalry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sri lanka women vs india women national cricket team timeline showcases a fascinating journey of growth, rivalry, and sporting excellence. From their first encounter in 1997 to the thrilling bilateral series in 2026, both teams have pushed each other to new heights. India has largely dominated the head-to-head statistics, but Sri Lanka has consistently provided fierce competition, producing unforgettable individual performances and shocking upsets. As both cricket boards continue to invest heavily in grassroots development and professional leagues, the future of this rivalry looks incredibly bright. Fans can expect even more high-quality cricket, fierce battles in the Women’s Asia Cup, and thrilling encounters in ICC global tournaments. The next chapter of this storied timeline promises to be the most exciting yet, cementing their status as the premier women’s cricket rivalry in Asia.
