Australia Vs Sri Lanka: How many times has Sri Lanka won against Australia?

Cricket has always been a sport of intense rivalries, and one of the most intriguing contests in international cricket is Australia Vs Sri Lanka. While Australia has traditionally been a dominant force in world cricket, Sri Lanka has had its moments of brilliance, particularly in limited-overs formats.

In this article, we will analyze how many times Sri Lanka has won against Australia across different formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is). We will also provide insights into key matches, statistics, and records that define this cricketing rivalry.

Head-to-Head Record: Australia vs Sri Lanka

Test Matches

Australia and Sri Lanka first played a Test match in April 1983 at Kandy. Since then, they have played multiple series, with Australia holding a significant edge.

• Total Tests Played: 33
• Australia Wins: 20
• Sri Lanka Wins: 6
• Draws: 7

Sri Lanka has traditionally struggled against Australia in Test cricket, particularly in away conditions. However, they have enjoyed success on home soil, thanks to their spin-friendly pitches.

Notable Sri Lankan Test Wins Against Australia

1. Colombo, 1999 – Sri Lanka defeated Australia by 6 wickets, with Muttiah Muralitharan taking 9 wickets in the match.
2. Galle, 2016 – Sri Lanka crushed Australia by 229 runs, with Rangana Herath claiming 9 wickets.
3. Kandy, 2016 – Sri Lanka won by 106 runs, with Kusal Mendis scoring a match-winning 176.
4. Colombo, 2016 – Sri Lanka completed a historic 3-0 whitewash against Australia, led by Herath’s 13 wickets.

The 2016 whitewash remains one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable Test achievements.

One-Day Internationals (ODIs)

Australia and Sri Lanka have been fierce competitors in ODI cricket. Sri Lanka’s golden period in ODIs was during the 1996 World Cup, where they famously defeated Australia in the final.

• Total ODIs Played: 103
• Australia Wins: 63
• Sri Lanka Wins: 36
• No Result: 4

While Australia has won most encounters, Sri Lanka has produced iconic performances, especially in ICC tournaments.

Most Memorable Sri Lanka Wins in ODIs

1. 1996 World Cup Final (Lahore) – Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets, with Aravinda de Silva scoring 107*.
2. Adelaide, 2006 – Sri Lanka bowled out Australia for just 212, with Chaminda Vaas taking 4 wickets.
3. Commonwealth Bank Series 2010 – Sri Lanka chased 240/5 at the MCG, thanks to Upul Tharanga’s 86.
4. Pallekele, 2022 – Sri Lanka won by 4 runs defending 258, with Dunith Wellalage’s all-round performance.

Sri Lanka has managed to pull off incredible wins when their batting and spin attack perform at their best.

T20 Internationals (T20Is)

The shortest format of the game has produced some thrilling contests between the two teams. Sri Lanka was one of the strongest T20I sides in the early years of the format.

• Total T20Is Played: 27
• Australia Wins: 17
• Sri Lanka Wins: 10

Sri Lanka’s ability to produce world-class T20 players like Lasith Malinga, Mahela Jayawardene, and Kumar Sangakkara has helped them challenge Australia.

Memorable T20I Wins for Sri Lanka

1. 2010, Perth – Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets, with Tillakaratne Dilshan scoring 41* off 34 balls.
2. 2012, Melbourne – Sri Lanka defended 161, with Malinga taking 3 wickets.
3. 2013, Sydney – Sri Lanka won by 5 runs, with Thisara Perera’s all-round brilliance.
4. 2019, Colombo – Sri Lanka chased 157 in just 17 overs, with Kusal Perera’s quickfire 57.

Though Australia dominates overall, Sri Lanka has had some memorable victories in this format.

Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry

Sri Lanka’s Greatest Match-Winners Against Australia

1. Muttiah Muralitharan – Took 59 wickets in Tests vs Australia, including multiple five-wicket hauls.
2. Lasith Malinga – One of the best death bowlers, known for his hat-tricks in ODIs.
3. Sanath Jayasuriya – Scored 1002 ODI runs vs Australia, including his aggressive 1996 World Cup final knock.
4. Kumar Sangakkara – Averaged 41.88 in ODIs vs Australia with multiple match-winning innings.
5. Rangana Herath – Led the famous 2016 Test whitewash with 28 wickets in 3 matches.

Australia’s Dominance Over Sri Lanka

While Sri Lanka has won some key battles, Australia has been the superior side overall.

Reasons for Australia’s Success Against Sri Lanka

• Pace Dominance – Australian fast bowlers like Glenn McGrath, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc have exploited Sri Lanka’s weakness against pace.
• Strong Batting Line-up – Batters like Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, and David Warner have consistently troubled Sri Lanka.
• Winning in All Conditions – Australia has won away series in Sri Lanka, unlike most other top teams.
• Superior Fielding – Australia’s fitness and fielding standards have given them an edge.

Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka has often fought back, especially in ICC tournaments.

Head-to-Head Stats Breakdown (All Formats Combined)

• Total Matches Played: 163 (Across Tests, ODIs, T20Is)
• Australia Wins: 100+
• Sri Lanka Wins: 52+
• Draws/No Results: 11+

Australia clearly leads, but Sri Lanka has pulled off stunning upsets over the years.

Conclusion

The Australia-Sri Lanka cricket rivalry is a fascinating battle between one of the strongest cricketing nations and one of the most unpredictable teams in the world.

While Australia has dominated historically, Sri Lanka’s victories, especially in ICC tournaments and home conditions, have been legendary. From Muralitharan’s magic to Malinga’s yorkers, Sri Lanka has produced unforgettable moments in their battles against Australia.

As both teams continue to evolve, cricket fans can expect more thrilling contests between these two nations in the years to come.

Who do you think will win the next big Australia vs Sri Lanka clash? Let us know your thoughts!