Table of Contents
The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh cricket rivalry has developed into one of South Asia’s most intriguing contests, featuring memorable matches, dramatic finishes, standout individual performances, and important tournament battles. Both teams have experienced periods of dominance as their squads and playing styles have evolved across different generations. The rivalry spans multiple formats, with Tests, ODIs, and T20Is producing plenty of significant moments for fans to remember. This Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team timeline explores the journey between the two sides, highlighting major encounters, turning points, memorable performances, important results, and the moments that helped shape their competitive history.
Rivalry Overview
Sri Lanka have historically held the stronger overall record, particularly in Test cricket, but Bangladesh have increasingly challenged them in ODIs and T20Is.
The rivalry became more competitive as Bangladesh developed into a stronger international side. The 2018 Nidahas Trophy was a major turning point in the relationship between the two teams, with Bangladesh producing a memorable chase against Sri Lanka and later defeating them again in a dramatic group-stage match.
| Area | Rivalry Significance |
|---|---|
| Primary formats | Test, ODI and T20I |
| Region | South Asia |
| Major tournaments | Asia Cup, World Cup, T20 World Cup |
| Famous era | 2010s onward |
| Notable rivalry | Nidahas Trophy 2018 |
| Recent competitive period | 2021 to 2025 |
First Official Match
The two nations first met in international cricket in the 1986 Asia Cup, when Sri Lanka and Bangladesh faced each other in an ODI. Sri Lanka entered the contest as the more established international side, while Bangladesh were still developing their international cricket program.
Their relationship later expanded into Test cricket and T20Is as Bangladesh gained higher international status.
Timeline of Major Matches
| Year | Format | Tournament/Series | Major Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | ODI | Asia Cup | First official international meeting |
| 1990s | ODI | Asia Cup and bilateral cricket | Regular Asian encounters developed |
| 2001 | Test | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Bangladesh entered Test rivalry |
| 2007 | Test | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh | Muralitharan starred in Colombo |
| 2013 | Test | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | High-scoring draw in Galle |
| 2016 | T20I | Asia Cup | Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka |
| 2018 | T20I | Nidahas Trophy | Bangladesh chased 215 against Sri Lanka |
| 2018 | T20I | Nidahas Trophy | Bangladesh won a dramatic two-wicket thriller |
| 2021 | T20I | T20 World Cup | Sri Lanka chased 172 successfully |
| 2024 | Test | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won the first Test by 328 runs |
| 2025 | T20I | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won the first T20I by seven wickets |
The 2024 Test series was particularly significant because Sri Lanka dominated the opening Test in Sylhet, winning by 328 runs after Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva produced major batting contributions.
Historic Test Matches
2007 Colombo Test
The 2007 Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground was an important early chapter in the Test rivalry. Sri Lanka won the match, with Muttiah Muralitharan named Player of the Match. Bangladesh were dismissed for 254 in their second innings.
2013 Galle Test
The 2013 Test in Galle became one of the most remarkable batting contests between the teams. Bangladesh earned their first Test draw against Sri Lanka after five days of huge scores.
A total of 1,613 runs were scored, with only 19 wickets falling. Eight centuries were recorded, while Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test double century.
2021 Pallekele Test
The 2021 series produced another extraordinary batting spectacle. The first Test ended in a high-scoring draw, with Najmul Hossain Shanto scoring 163 and Mominul Haque making 127 for Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva combined for a 322-run fourth-wicket partnership, a record partnership at Pallekele at the time.
2024 Sylhet Test
Sri Lanka produced a dominant performance in the first Test of the 2024 series. Kamindu Mendis scored 164 and Dhananjaya de Silva made 108 as Sri Lanka set Bangladesh a massive target of 511.
Bangladesh were eventually dismissed for 182, giving Sri Lanka a 328-run victory.
Historic ODI Matches
ODI cricket has been one of the most frequently contested areas of the rivalry.
A memorable example came in the 2010 Asia Cup, when Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 158 runs. Sanath Jayasuriya scored 130 and Kumar Sangakkara made 121, sharing a 201-run opening partnership. Muttiah Muralitharan then took 5/31 as Bangladesh were dismissed for 174.
Another important match came in 2017, when Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 70 runs in Colombo. Kusal Mendis and Thisara Perera scored half-centuries, while Nuwan Kulasekara claimed 4/37.
Memorable Rivalry Moments
Bangladesh’s 2018 Chase
One of the defining moments came during the 2018 Nidahas Trophy. Sri Lanka scored 214/6, but Bangladesh chased the target by reaching 215/5 in 19.4 overs. Mushfiqur Rahim played a spectacular innings of 72 from 35 balls.
Dramatic 2018 Finish
Bangladesh also defeated Sri Lanka by two wickets with one ball remaining in another Nidahas Trophy match. Bangladesh successfully chased 160 after Sri Lanka had posted 159/7.
These matches helped establish the modern competitive edge of the rivalry.
2021 T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka produced a memorable response in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Bangladesh scored 171/4, but Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa led Sri Lanka to 172/5 in 18.5 overs.
Asalanka scored an unbeaten 80 from 49 balls, while Rajapaksa made 53 from 31.
Greatest Individual Performances
| Player | Team | Performance | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanath Jayasuriya | Sri Lanka | 130 | ODI |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 121 | ODI |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 5/31 | ODI |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 72 off 35 | T20I |
| Charith Asalanka | Sri Lanka | 80* off 49 | T20I |
| Kamindu Mendis | Sri Lanka | 164 | Test |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | Bangladesh | 163 | Test |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | Double century | Test |
The 2013 Test was especially important for Mushfiqur Rahim because his double century became Bangladesh’s first Test double hundred.
Record-Breaking Matches
The 2013 Galle Test stands out as one of the biggest statistical matches in the rivalry. The two teams combined for 1,613 runs, while eight centuries were scored and only 19 wickets fell.
The 2018 Nidahas Trophy match was another record-setting contest from a T20 perspective, with Bangladesh successfully chasing 215, one of the highest successful chases in their T20I history at that stage.
Recent Encounters
Recent meetings have continued to demonstrate how competitive the rivalry has become.
In the 2024 Test series, Sri Lanka won the opening Test in Sylhet by 328 runs. Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva were central to Sri Lanka’s dominance.
In the 2025 T20I series, Sri Lanka won the first match in Kandy by seven wickets. Bangladesh scored 154/5, but Kusal Mendis struck 73 from 51 balls and Pathum Nissanka smashed 42 from just 16 deliveries as Sri Lanka reached 159/3.
Historic T20I Matches
| Year | Tournament | Result | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Asia Cup | Bangladesh won | Bangladesh claimed their first T20I win over Sri Lanka |
| 2018 | Nidahas Trophy | Bangladesh won | 215/5 chase against Sri Lanka |
| 2018 | Nidahas Trophy | Bangladesh won | Two-wicket thriller |
| 2021 | T20 World Cup | Sri Lanka won | Asalanka scored 80* |
| 2024 | T20 World Cup era | Competitive meetings | Both sides remained strong Asian contenders |
| 2025 | T20I series | Sri Lanka won | Sri Lanka chased 155 in Kandy |
Bangladesh’s first T20I victory over Sri Lanka came in the 2016 Asia Cup, ending Sri Lanka’s four-match winning start in the format.
The 2018 Nidahas Trophy remains the defining T20I chapter, while Sri Lanka’s 2021 World Cup chase demonstrated its ability to respond under tournament pressure. The rivalry has therefore evolved from Sri Lankan dominance into a much more unpredictable contest, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
Final Thoughts
The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh rivalry continues to grow with every new series and tournament meeting. What began as a developing international contest has produced increasingly competitive matches, particularly as Bangladesh have strengthened their presence in international cricket. Sri Lanka’s experience and tradition have often been tested by Bangladesh’s improving depth and determination. Looking through the timeline shows how the balance between the teams has changed across generations and formats. From decisive victories to thrilling finishes and individual heroics, their history provides plenty of memorable chapters—and future meetings could add even more.
FAQs
When did Sri Lanka and Bangladesh first play cricket against each other?
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh first met in international cricket during the early stages of Bangladesh’s rise as a full international side. Their subsequent encounters helped establish the competitive relationship between the two teams.
How many times have Sri Lanka and Bangladesh played each other?
The two nations have played numerous matches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The exact number changes as new bilateral series and tournament fixtures are added.
Which team has the better head-to-head record?
Sri Lanka have historically held an advantage in several formats, particularly because of their longer-established international record. Bangladesh, however, have produced notable victories and have become increasingly competitive.
What are the most memorable Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh matches?
Several encounters stand out because of close finishes, major tournament implications, outstanding batting displays, and dramatic bowling performances. The most memorable matches vary depending on the format and competition.
Why is Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh an important cricket rivalry?
The rivalry represents the growth of Asian cricket and the changing competitive landscape in international cricket. Both teams have passionate supporters, talented players, and a history of producing unpredictable and entertaining matches.
