Cricket fans around the world have witnessed some thrilling encounters between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka over the years. Both teams, rich in cricketing culture and talent, have built a fascinating rivalry that spans across decades. From Bangladesh’s early struggles to their rise as a formidable force, and Sri Lanka’s dominance during their golden era, the head-to-head history is a timeline worth exploring in detail.
This article provides a comprehensive timeline of matches, key moments, and records that define the Bangladesh national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team rivalry.
Early Encounters: The Beginning of a Rivalry (1986–1999)
1986: The First Meeting
The first-ever encounter between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka took place in the Asia Cup 1986. At this point, Bangladesh was still an associate member of the ICC, and Sri Lanka was an established Test nation. The match ended in a dominant win for Sri Lanka, showcasing their experience and strength.
Key Highlight:
- Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets.
- Bangladesh struggled to post a competitive total, scoring only 131 runs.
1997: A Memorable ODI for Bangladesh
In 1997, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka faced off again during the Pepsi Independence Cup. Though Sri Lanka won, Bangladesh put up a much-improved fight, signaling their growing capabilities in international cricket.
2000s: Bangladesh Gains Test Status and Faces a Giant
2001: The First Test Series
Bangladesh earned Test status in 2000, and their first Test series against Sri Lanka came in 2001. However, the transition was tough. Sri Lanka, with legends like Muttiah Muralitharan and Sanath Jayasuriya, dominated the series.
Test Series Result:
- Sri Lanka won 3–0.
- Muralitharan claimed 24 wickets in the series.
2002–2007: Sri Lanka’s Continued Dominance
Throughout the early 2000s, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka met several times in ODIs and Tests. Sri Lanka consistently outclassed Bangladesh in these years.
Notable Matches:
- 2005: Sri Lanka won all five ODIs during Bangladesh’s tour.
- 2007 World Cup: Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh in the Super Eights stage.
2010s: Bangladesh’s Rise and Memorable Victories
2013: First ODI Win Against Sri Lanka
One of the most important milestones in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka timeline came in 2013. Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in an ODI for the first time during the Tri-Nation Series in the West Indies.
Match Details:
- Bangladesh scored 232/4.
- Sri Lanka was restricted to 226 all out.
2017: Historic Test Win
Bangladesh created history in March 2017 by winning their first-ever Test match against Sri Lanka at the P Sara Oval in Colombo.
Result:
- Bangladesh won by 4 wickets.
- Mushfiqur Rahim played a key role with a gritty 50 in the chase.
This victory marked a turning point in Bangladesh cricket and showed they could compete with stronger teams away from home.
2018: Nidahas Trophy Drama
In the T20I format, the rivalry heated up during the Nidahas Trophy 2018. Bangladesh stunned Sri Lanka in a must-win game, chasing down 215 runs in dramatic fashion.
Key Moment:
- Mushfiqur Rahim’s “Naagin dance” celebration became a viral sensation.
Recent Years: A More Balanced Rivalry (2020–2024)
2021: ODI Series Win in Bangladesh
In May 2021, Bangladesh hosted Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series and emerged victorious 2–1. It was Bangladesh’s first ODI series win over Sri Lanka.
Series Highlights:
- Mushfiqur Rahim scored 237 runs in 3 matches.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz shined with the ball, taking 7 wickets.
2023: Asia Cup Showdown
The two sides met during the Asia Cup 2023, where Sri Lanka edged past Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller.
Match Summary:
- Bangladesh scored 164.
- Sri Lanka chased the target with 5 wickets in hand.
Head-to-Head Record: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (as of 2024)
| Format | Matches Played | Bangladesh Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 24 | 1 | 18 | 5 |
| ODIs | 53 | 10 | 43 | 0 |
| T20Is | 14 | 5 | 9 | 0 |
While Sri Lanka maintains an overall lead in all formats, Bangladesh’s improvement, especially since 2015, suggests the gap is narrowing.
Key Players Who Defined the Rivalry
Sri Lanka’s Legends
- Muttiah Muralitharan – Record wicket-taker in Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Tests.
- Kumar Sangakkara – Consistent performer with the bat.
- Sanath Jayasuriya – Blistering starts in ODIs.
Bangladesh’s Game Changers
- Shakib Al Hasan – All-round contributions across formats.
- Tamim Iqbal – Key ODI centuries against Sri Lanka.
- Mushfiqur Rahim – Vital match-winning innings over the years.
Why This Rivalry Matters
The Bangladesh national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team timeline reflects more than just cricket. It tells the story of a young team striving to earn respect and an experienced team adapting to generational changes.
With every encounter, Bangladesh has grown in confidence, while Sri Lanka has worked to rebuild its team post the retirement of its golden generation.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Both nations are now nurturing new talents. Bangladesh’s Liton Das and Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga symbolize the next generation ready to take this rivalry forward. With the ICC tournaments expanding and the teams meeting regularly, fans can expect many more memorable matches.
