Cricket has long been a unifying force across South Asia, and the rivalry between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline reflects the growing competitiveness in the region. While Sri Lanka has enjoyed a storied cricketing legacy since gaining Test status in 1981, Bangladesh emerged as a full member in 2000, gradually carving its own identity in international cricket. Their encounters, though not as historic as some traditional rivalries, have gained significance over the years, especially in ICC tournaments and bilateral series.
These matches are pivotal in shaping regional dynamics in Test, ODI, and T20 formats. Fans from both nations eagerly anticipate these fixtures, which often produce thrilling finishes and breakthrough performances. As both teams evolve, their head-to-head contests continue to contribute valuable chapters to Asian cricket history.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Cricket Rivalry
The cricketing rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, while relatively young, has grown in intensity and importance over the past two decades. Sri Lanka, known for its explosive batting, spin mastery, and World Cup triumph in 1996, has long been a dominant force in South Asian cricket. In contrast, Bangladesh, once considered an underdog, has steadily improved since achieving Test status in 2000. Their first official meeting came in the late 1990s during ICC Trophy events, but bilateral contests began in earnest in the early 2000s.
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline showcases a journey from one-sided affairs to closely contested battles. Over time, Bangladesh has challenged Sri Lanka’s dominance, especially in limited-overs cricket. These matches are more than just games—they represent national pride and the shifting balance of power in the subcontinent. With both teams competing in major ICC events, their encounters remain crucial for rankings and momentum.
Head-to-Head Records (All Formats)
When analyzing the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh head-to-head record across all formats, Sri Lanka holds a clear advantage, particularly in Test and ODI cricket. However, Bangladesh has closed the gap in recent years, especially in white-ball formats. The overall head-to-head reflects Sri Lanka’s early dominance, built on superior experience and infrastructure. Still, Bangladesh’s rise—marked by ICC tournament upsets and consistent performances—has made these contests more competitive. The SL vs BAN match history reveals a fascinating evolution from lopsided results to nail-biting finishes. In Tests, Sri Lanka leads comfortably, but Bangladesh has recorded historic wins.
In ODIs, Sri Lanka remains ahead, though Bangladesh has claimed key series. T20Is have seen the most parity, with both teams trading victories in high-pressure games. This balance makes their future clashes unpredictable. As both nations invest in youth development and coaching, the rivalry is poised to grow even fiercer in the coming decade.
Summary Table: Overall Head-to-Head (All Formats – Updated 2025)
| Test | 18 | 11 | 4 | 3 |
| ODI | 45 | 28 | 16 | 1 |
| T20I | 24 | 13 | 11 | 0 |
| Total | 87 | 52 | 31 | 4 |
Test Matches (Total Matches, Wins, Losses, Draws)
In Test cricket, the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline reveals a clear dominance by Sri Lanka. Since their first Test meeting in 2001, the two teams have played 18 matches, with Sri Lanka winning 11, Bangladesh securing 4 victories, and 3 ending in draws. Sri Lanka’s early superiority stemmed from a stronger batting lineup and world-class spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath. Bangladesh struggled initially, often collapsing under pressure. However, their first Test win against Sri Lanka in 2018 at Chittagong was a turning point—marking their arrival as a competitive Test side.
That victory, led by Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, signaled Bangladesh’s growing confidence. Sri Lanka bounced back with a series win in 2021, but Bangladesh leveled the series in 2022 with a thrilling win in Galle. The most recent Test series in 2024 ended 1-1, showcasing improved resilience from Bangladesh. These matches are now more competitive, reflecting Bangladesh’s progress in red-ball cricket.
ODI Matches (Major Series and Outcomes)
In One Day Internationals, the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh head-to-head record shows Sri Lanka leading with 28 wins from 45 encounters. The rivalry in the 50-over format has been defined by ICC World Cup clashes and bilateral series. Sri Lanka dominated early, winning most of their initial meetings, including a 3-0 whitewash in 2005. However, Bangladesh began asserting themselves in the 2010s. A landmark moment came during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, when Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 5 wickets in Adelaide—a match that helped Bangladesh reach the quarterfinals.
Another key series was in 2018, when Bangladesh won their first-ever bilateral ODI series against Sri Lanka at home, 2-1. That series included a stunning century by Litton Das and a disciplined bowling effort. Sri Lanka regained control in 2021 with a 2-1 series win in Colombo. The 2023 Asia Cup saw Sri Lanka triumph in a group-stage thriller, while Bangladesh responded with a narrow win in the 2024 tri-series in Zimbabwe. These ODI battles are increasingly unpredictable, with both teams capable of match-winning performances.
T20 Matches (Key Tournaments and Stats)
The T20 format has produced some of the most exciting chapters in the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline. With 24 T20 Internationals played as of 2025, the contest is nearly even—Sri Lanka leads 13-11. The fast-paced nature of T20 cricket has allowed Bangladesh to compete on equal footing, often relying on aggressive batting and clever spin bowling. Their first T20 meeting was in 2009 during the ICC World T20, where Sri Lanka won comfortably. However, Bangladesh recorded their first T20 win in 2013 during a tri-series in Zimbabwe.
The 2014 ICC World T20 saw a dramatic group-stage match where Bangladesh chased down 140 with an over to spare, thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim’s calm finish. In 2022, during the Asia Cup, Sri Lanka edged a tense encounter by 5 runs. The 2024 T20 World Cup group match in the USA was another thriller—Bangladesh won by 2 wickets with 2 balls left, courtesy of a 72-run stand between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy. These high-pressure games highlight the growing competitiveness in the shortest format.
Complete Timeline of Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Matches (Table Format)
| 1998 | ODI | Dhaka | Sri Lanka | First-ever meeting; SL won by 97 runs in ICC Trophy qualifier |
| 2001 | Test | Colombo | Sri Lanka | SL won by 107 runs; Muralitharan took 8 wickets |
| 2002 | ODI | Colombo | Sri Lanka | SL won by 6 wickets; Jayasuriya scored 70 |
| 2005 | ODI | Dhaka | Sri Lanka | SL swept 3-0 series; Malinga took 4/35 in 3rd ODI |
| 2007 | T20I | Johannesburg | Sri Lanka | First T20 clash; SL won by 44 runs |
| 2009 | T20I | Lord’s | Sri Lanka | SL won ICC World T20 group match by 62 runs |
| 2012 | ODI | Mirpur | Bangladesh | BAN won by 2 wickets; Shakib 72*, Tamim 65 |
| 2013 | T20I | Harare | Bangladesh | First T20 win; BAN chased 145 with 4 balls left |
| 2014 | T20I | Chittagong | Bangladesh | BAN won World T20 group match by 5 wickets |
| 2015 | ODI | Adelaide | Bangladesh | BAN won World Cup match by 5 wickets; Mahmudullah 78* |
| 2017 | ODI | Colombo | Sri Lanka | SL won by 7 wickets; Perera 97*, Mathews 60 |
| 2018 | Test | Chittagong | Bangladesh | Historic first Test win; Mehidy 96, Shakib 5/70 |
| 2018 | ODI | Mirpur | Bangladesh | BAN won 2-1 series; first bilateral ODI series win vs SL |
| 2019 | T20I | Colombo | Sri Lanka | SL won by 3 wickets; Gunathilaka 65* |
| 2021 | Test | Galle | Sri Lanka | SL won by 209 runs; Karunaratne 115, Asitha 6/51 |
| 2022 | Test | Chattogram | Bangladesh | BAN won by 5 wickets; Najmul 118*, Shoriful 4/62 |
| 2022 | T20I | Dubai | Sri Lanka | SL won Asia Cup match by 5 runs |
| 2023 | ODI | Colombo | Sri Lanka | SL won Asia Cup match by 45 runs; Matheesha Pathirana 4/35 |
| 2024 | T20I | New York | Bangladesh | BAN won World Cup match by 2 wickets; Hridoy 48* |
| 2025 | ODI | Pallekele | Sri Lanka | SL won by 6 wickets; Nissanka 89, Theekshana 3/41 |
| 2025 | Test | Mirpur | Bangladesh | BAN won by 8 wickets; Mominul 102, Rishad 5/67 |
This Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline captures the evolution of a rivalry that has grown in depth and drama over the years.
Memorable Matches & Key Highlights
Several matches between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh stand out as defining moments in their rivalry. The 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup clash in Adelaide is arguably the most iconic. Bangladesh, chasing 276, were in trouble at 117/5 before Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim staged a 112-run partnership. Mahmudullah’s unbeaten 78 guided Bangladesh to a historic win, eliminating Sri Lanka from quarterfinal contention. Another unforgettable game was the 2018 Test in Chittagong, where Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test victory against Sri Lanka. Chasing 241, they were 112/5 before Mehidy Hasan Miraz (96) and Shakib Al Hasan (75*) steered them to victory.
In T20Is, the 2024 T20 World Cup group match in New York was a nail-biter. Bangladesh, needing 15 off the last over, pulled it off with two balls to spare. The 2018 ODI series in Dhaka marked Bangladesh’s first bilateral ODI series win against Sri Lanka, a symbol of their growing confidence. The 2022 Test in Chattogram saw Najmul Hossain Shanto’s maiden Test century (118) lead Bangladesh to a series-leveling win. These matches have redefined the SL vs BAN match history.
Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline has been shaped by several iconic players from both sides. For Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene laid early foundations with consistent performances. Muttiah Muralitharan dominated Bangladesh’s batting with his spin, taking 42 wickets in 10 Tests. Tillakaratne Dilshan and Lasith Malinga were key in ODIs and T20s. More recently, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Wanindu Hasaranga have been instrumental. Hasaranga, with his leg-spin and aggressive batting, has troubled Bangladesh in T20s. Pathum Nissanka and Maheesh Theekshana have emerged as vital contributors in recent years. On the Bangladesh side, Shakib Al Hasan stands tall as the most influential player.
His all-round performances—like his 75* and 5/70 in the 2018 Test win—have changed games. Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah have delivered crucial knocks. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with his off-spin and lower-order batting, has been a game-changer in Tests. Mustafizur Rahman’s death bowling has won T20Is, while Najmul Hossain Shanto’s recent leadership and centuries have elevated Bangladesh’s stature. These players have defined the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka records.
Future Matches & Upcoming Series (2025 & Beyond)
Looking ahead, the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline is set to expand with several high-profile fixtures. In July 2025, the two teams will face off in a three-match ODI series in Sri Lanka, part of their ICC Cricket World Cup Super League commitments. This will be followed by a two-match Test series in September 2025 in Bangladesh, crucial for the World Test Championship points. The 2026 ICC T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka will likely feature another intense group-stage clash.
Additionally, both teams are expected to meet in the 2025 Asia Cup, which will be held in a hybrid model across multiple venues. There are also discussions about a standalone T20I tri-series involving Afghanistan in late 2025. These upcoming matches will test the depth and adaptability of both squads. With younger players like Nishan Peiris, Rishad Hossain, and Sadeera Samarawickrama emerging, the rivalry is entering a new phase. Fans can expect more competitive, high-stakes encounters in the years ahead.
FAQs
When was the first Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match played?
The first official match between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline took place on September 13, 1998, during the ICC Trophy in Dhaka. It was an ODI qualifier, and Sri Lanka won by 97 runs. This match marked the beginning of their international rivalry, though Bangladesh was still an associate nation at the time. Full bilateral series began after Bangladesh gained Test status in 2000.
Who has won more matches between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?
Sri Lanka has won more matches across all formats. In 87 total encounters (Tests, ODIs, T20Is), Sri Lanka has 52 wins compared to Bangladesh’s 31. Sri Lanka leads in Tests (11-4) and ODIs (28-16), while Bangladesh has narrowed the gap in T20Is (13-11 in SL’s favor). The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh head-to-head record reflects early dominance by Sri Lanka, though Bangladesh has improved significantly since 2015.
What is Bangladesh’s biggest win against Sri Lanka?
Bangladesh’s biggest win came in the 2018 Test match in Chittagong, where they won by 7 wickets—their first-ever Test victory over Sri Lanka. Chasing 241, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (96) and Shakib Al Hasan (75*) guided them to victory. This win was historic, symbolizing Bangladesh’s arrival as a competitive Test nation and reshaping the SL vs BAN match history.
Have Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ever met in an ICC final?
No, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have never met in an ICC tournament final. However, they have faced each other in group stages and knockout matches of the ICC World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Asia Cup. Their most crucial ICC meeting was the 2015 World Cup game, where Bangladesh’s win eliminated Sri Lanka.
Which player has the most wickets in SL vs BAN matches?
For Sri Lanka, Muttiah Muralitharan holds the record with 42 wickets in Test matches against Bangladesh. In limited-overs, Lasith Malinga has 18 ODI wickets. For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan leads with 38 wickets across formats, including 20 in Tests and 15 in ODIs. He is also the top run-scorer in the rivalry.
Where are upcoming SL vs BAN matches scheduled?
Upcoming matches include a 3-ODI series in Sri Lanka (July 2025), a 2-Test series in Bangladesh (September 2025), and potential clashes in the 2025 Asia Cup and 2026 T20 World Cup. Exact venues and dates will be confirmed by the respective boards and ICC.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline tells a compelling story of growth, resilience, and evolving competition. From one-sided affairs in the early 2000s to tightly contested battles in 2025, this rivalry has matured significantly. Sri Lanka’s early dominance in Tests and ODIs has been challenged by Bangladesh’s rise, particularly in white-ball formats. Key players like Shakib Al Hasan, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Najmul Hossain Shanto have shaped the narrative, delivering match-winning performances. Memorable matches in World Cups and bilateral series have added drama and excitement.
The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka records now reflect a more balanced contest, especially in T20Is. With future series lined up in 2025 and beyond, including World Cup and Asia Cup clashes, the rivalry is set to intensify. As both teams invest in youth and strategy, fans can expect more thrilling encounters. This evolving rivalry is a testament to the growing competitiveness of cricket in South Asia.
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