Introduction
Cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated series between Sri Lanka and India, scheduled for July and August 2024. The tour will feature three T20 Internationals and three One-Day Internationals, with matches taking place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium and the R Premadasa Stadium. Both teams will be looking to put on a thrilling display of cricket for their fans, and it’s crucial to know where you can catch all the action. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information to ensure you don’t miss a single ball of this exciting series.
Historical Context of India vs Srilanka Cricket Matches
The cricket rivalry between India and Sri Lanka has a rich historical context that dates back to their first official encounter in 1979 during the ICC Cricket World Cup. Sri Lanka won that match, marking the beginning of a competitive relationship. The rivalry intensified after Sri Lanka gained Test status in 1981, with their first Test match against India occurring in Chennai in 1982.
The 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup was a pivotal moment, as Sri Lanka emerged victorious, solidifying their status as a formidable cricketing nation. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, both teams engaged in memorable encounters, including the shared trophy in the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy final due to rain.
India generally holds the upper hand in head-to-head records across formats, but Sri Lanka has consistently challenged them, producing legendary players like Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara. Matches between these two teams are often characterized by high stakes, thrilling performances, and passionate fan engagement, making them a highlight of the cricketing calendar. The rivalry continues to evolve, with both nations contributing significantly to the sport’s history and development.
Top 5 memorable moments for India vs Srilanka Cricket
Here are the top five memorable moments in the cricket rivalry between India and Sri Lanka:
1. 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup Final: One of the most iconic moments in cricket history occurred on April 2, 2011, when MS Dhoni hit a six to seal India’s victory over Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. This win marked India’s second World Cup title and was celebrated as a monumental achievement, with Dhoni’s unbeaten 91 runs being pivotal in the chase.
2. 1983 Cricket World Cup Victory: Although not directly against Sri Lanka, India’s triumph in the 1983 World Cup laid the foundation for future cricketing success in the region. Kapil Dev’s leadership and the team’s underdog story inspired generations, including Sri Lankan cricketers, and established cricket as a major sport in both countries.
3. Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid’s Record Partnership: During the 2000 Coca-Cola Champions Trophy, Ganguly and Dravid set a then-world record partnership of 318 runs for the second wicket against Sri Lanka. This remarkable feat showcased India’s batting prowess and remains a highlight in the annals of cricket history.
4. Sri Lanka’s First Test Win Against India (1985): Sri Lanka achieved its first Test victory against India in 1985, a significant milestone that marked the rise of Sri Lankan cricket on the international stage. Led by captain Duleep Mendis, this win was celebrated as a turning point for Sri Lankan cricket.
5. Harbhajan Singh’s Hat-Trick (2001): In a historic Test match at Eden Gardens, Harbhajan Singh became the first Indian bowler to take a hat-trick in Test cricket against Australia. While not directly against Sri Lanka, this moment set the stage for future encounters and highlighted India’s growing strength in Test cricket, including matches against Sri Lanka.
These moments not only define the rivalry but also reflect the shared history and competitive spirit between the two cricketing nations.
How to Watch the Sri Lanka vs India Series
The Sri Lanka vs India T20I and ODI series will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network in India. Fans can also stream the matches live on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website.
In Sri Lanka, the matches will be aired on the state-owned television channel, Rupavahini. Fans can also stream the games live on the SLC’s official website and app.
For international viewers, the series will be available on various cricket streaming platforms and broadcasters, depending on the region. It’s best to check with your local sports channels or streaming services for more information on how to watch the matches in your country.
Where to Watch Sri Lanka vs India Cricket
Television Broadcasts
India
In India, the series will be broadcast live on the **Sony Sports Network**. Fans can tune in to the following channels for commentary in different languages:
Sony Sports 1/HD: English commentary
Sony Sports 3/HD: Hindi commentary
Sony Sports 5/HD: English commentary
Sony Sports 4/HD: Tamil and Telugu commentary
Coverage will begin approximately 10 minutes before the scheduled start time of each match, ensuring that viewers don’t miss any pre-match analysis or team updates.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan viewers can catch the matches on Dialog TV and SLT IPTV, which will provide comprehensive coverage of the series. Additionally, local channels like TV ONE and SLC’s official YouTube channel** may also offer live telecasts, making it easier for fans to follow their team.
United States
For fans in the United States, the series will be available on Willow TV, a specialist cricket channel that broadcasts a variety of international cricket matches. Viewers can also stream the matches on ESPN+, which offers a subscription service for sports content. Both platforms will provide live coverage, ensuring that fans can enjoy the matches in real time.
Australia
In Australia, the matches will be aired on Fox Sports 503, with coverage starting shortly before the matches begin. For those without a cable package, Kayo Sports will also stream the matches live, offering a free trial for new subscribers.
Online Streaming Options
India
For viewers looking to stream the matches online, SonyLIV will be the go-to platform in India. The app allows fans to watch matches live on their mobile devices or computers. Subscriptions start at 149 for three months, making it an affordable option for cricket enthusiasts.
Global Streaming
Internationally, viewers can access the matches through various streaming services depending on their location:
ESPN Player: Available in the UK and parts of Europe, offering live streaming of matches for a monthly fee.
Willow TV: In the US, this service provides comprehensive cricket coverage, including the Sri Lanka vs India series.
Kayo Sports: For Australian viewers, this platform offers live streaming of the matches, with subscription options available.
VPN for International Viewers
If you are traveling abroad and want to access your home country’s streaming service, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and watch the matches as if you were in your home country. Popular VPN services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are highly recommended for their reliability and ease of use.
Which Fan Pages offer the most engaging updates for India vs Srilanka Cricket Matches?
1. BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) – Their official social media pages, especially Twitter and Facebook, provide comprehensive updates, match highlights, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content related to the Indian cricket team. They have a massive following and engage fans actively.
2. Sri Lanka Cricket – The official social media handles of Sri Lanka Cricket, particularly Twitter and Facebook, are great sources for updates on the Sri Lankan team. They share team news, match reports, player profiles, and insights that cater to their passionate fan base.
3. CricTracker – This popular cricket website and its social media pages, especially Facebook and Twitter, are known for their engaging content, match previews, fantasy tips, and interactive polls related to India vs Sri Lanka matches. They have a massive following and are very active in engaging fans.
4. CricBuzz – CricBuzz is one of the most trusted names in cricket journalism. Their social media pages, particularly Twitter, are excellent sources for live scores, match updates, analysis, and expert opinions on India vs Sri Lanka matches. They have a large following and are known for their credible and engaging content.
5. Cricket World Cup – Although not directly related to the India vs Sri Lanka series, the official pages of the Cricket World Cup, especially Twitter, and Facebook, often feature updates and highlights from bilateral series between these two cricketing giants. They have a huge global following and provide engaging content for fans.
These fan pages offer a mix of official updates, expert analysis, fan engagement, and entertaining content related to India vs Sri Lanka cricket matches. Following them can enhance your experience as a fan and keep you updated with the latest developments in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the India vs Sri Lanka cricket rivalry:
Q1: When did India and Sri Lanka first play against each other?
India and Sri Lanka first faced each other in an official One Day International (ODI) match on June 16, 1979, during the ICC Cricket World Cup. This match marked the beginning of a competitive rivalry that has grown over the decades.
Q2: What are some key milestones in the India-Sri Lanka rivalry?
Notable milestones include Sri Lanka’s victory in the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup, where they defeated Australia in the final, and the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, which was shared between the two teams due to rain interruptions. Additionally, India’s memorable win in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Sri Lanka is a significant highlight.
Q3: How do the head-to-head records look for ODIs and T20Is?
As of now, in ODIs, India has won 99 matches while Sri Lanka has claimed 58 victories, with 11 matches having no result. In T20Is, India leads with 19 wins compared to Sri Lanka’s 9 victories, with one match ending without a result.
Q4: Who are some legendary players from both teams that have defined this rivalry?
Key players include India’s Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, known for their match-winning performances, while Sri Lanka has produced legends like Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara, who have also left a significant mark in this rivalry.
Q5: What are some of the most memorable matches between India and Sri Lanka?
Memorable encounters include the 2011 World Cup final, where India emerged victorious, and the 2008 Test match in Galle, where India chased down a target of 400 runs, showcasing their resilience. Another notable match was the 2002 Champions Trophy final, which ended in a draw due to rain, resulting in both teams sharing the trophy.