Bangladesh National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline

The cricket rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has grown considerably since the teams first met in international cricket. Sri Lanka initially held a commanding advantage, particularly in Test cricket and ODIs, but Bangladesh gradually developed into a much more competitive opponent. Major turning points included Bangladesh’s first ODI victories, their breakthrough performances in the Asia Cup, the first Test win over Sri Lanka in 2017, the dramatic Nidahas Trophy encounters of 2018, and Bangladesh’s first ODI series victory over Sri Lanka in 2021.

The rivalry has produced memorable performances from players such as Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim. It has also featured several close matches and controversial moments, particularly in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy and 2023 Cricket World Cup.

1986: The First ODI Meeting

The international rivalry began in One-Day International cricket on April 2, 1986, when Bangladesh faced Sri Lanka in Moratuwa.

Sri Lanka won the inaugural encounter by seven wickets. At this stage, Bangladesh were still developing their status in international cricket, while Sri Lanka were already an established ODI side.

The first meeting established a pattern that would continue for many years. Sri Lanka generally controlled the results, while Bangladesh looked for opportunities to compete against one of Asia’s stronger cricketing nations.

The two sides would continue to meet primarily in ODI tournaments during the late 1980s and 1990s, including Asian cricket competitions.

1990s: Sri Lanka Establish Their Advantage

During the 1990s, Sri Lanka became one of the world’s leading limited-overs teams.

Their rise culminated in the 1996 Cricket World Cup title, while Bangladesh were still building the foundations of their international side.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka encountered each other in several Asia Cup and other ODI competitions during this period. Sri Lanka’s stronger batting and bowling resources generally made them the dominant side.

Players such as Arjuna Ranatunga, Aravinda de Silva and Sanath Jayasuriya became major figures in Sri Lankan cricket, while Bangladesh continued developing players capable of competing at international level.

2001: The First Test Match

The rivalry entered a new phase on September 6, 2001, when Bangladesh played their first Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Sri Lanka won the match by an innings and 137 runs, establishing their superiority in the longest format. According to the Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians, the teams have since played 28 men’s Tests through June 2025, with Sri Lanka winning 21, Bangladesh winning one and six ending in draws.

The first Test also demonstrated the scale of the challenge Bangladesh faced. Sri Lanka had a world-class bowling attack and considerable experience in Test cricket, while Bangladesh were still learning how to compete over five days.

2002: First Full Test Series

The teams met again in Test cricket in July 2002.

Sri Lanka won the first Test by an innings and 196 runs. Bangladesh’s batting struggled against Sri Lanka’s experienced attack, but the series provided valuable exposure for the developing Test side.

At this point, Bangladesh had yet to record a Test victory against Sri Lanka, and the head-to-head record was overwhelmingly in Sri Lanka’s favour.

2005: Bangladesh Continue to Gain Experience

The teams met in both Test and ODI cricket during the middle of the decade.

Sri Lanka remained the stronger side, but Bangladesh were beginning to produce individual performances capable of challenging established teams.

The rivalry also became more important as Bangladesh strengthened their position as a full ICC member and increased their schedule against leading Test nations.

2006: Bangladesh’s ODI Progress

By 2006, Bangladesh had become more competitive in one-day cricket.

Their performance against Sri Lanka in the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy showed that Bangladesh could post substantial totals against the Sri Lankan attack. Bangladesh scored 265 for nine in Mohali, which remained their highest ODI total against Sri Lanka for several years.

Although Sri Lanka remained ahead overall, Bangladesh’s improvement was becoming increasingly visible.

2007: World Cup and the Test Challenge

The 2007 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean brought another important chapter.

Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh during the tournament, continuing their strong record. The World Cup also demonstrated the difference in experience between the two teams at that stage.

Bangladesh nevertheless produced one of the greatest performances in their cricket history during the same tournament by defeating India, showing that they were capable of beating established international teams.

In bilateral cricket, Sri Lanka continued to dominate Bangladesh in Test matches.

2008: Bangladesh’s Batting Breakthroughs

Bangladesh’s batting began producing more substantial totals against Sri Lanka.

One important moment came when Mushfiqur Rahim scored a determined 80 against Sri Lanka. His development would become particularly important to the rivalry during the following decade.

Bangladesh were still searching for their first Test victory over Sri Lanka, but the gap between the teams was beginning to narrow.

2012: Bangladesh Shock Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup

One of the biggest turning points arrived during the 2012 Asia Cup in Dhaka.

Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets while chasing a revised target of 212. Tamim Iqbal scored 59, Shakib Al Hasan made 56 and Nasir Hossain contributed an unbeaten 36.

The victory was significant because Bangladesh were no longer simply competing against Sri Lanka. They were defeating them in a major international tournament in front of a home crowd.

Bangladesh went on to reach the Asia Cup final for the first time, although they eventually lost to Pakistan.

The tournament marked an important stage in Bangladesh’s development as a competitive Asian cricket nation.

2013: Mushfiqur Rahim’s Historic Double Century

The 2013 Test series produced one of the most important individual achievements in the rivalry.

During the first Test in Galle, Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladeshi batter to score a Test double century.

He made 200 from 321 balls, while Mohammad Ashraful scored 190 and Nasir Hossain made 100. Bangladesh reached 638, their highest Test total at that time.

The match ended in a draw after an extraordinary run-filled contest.

Bangladesh finished the match with 638 in their first innings, while Sri Lanka also scored heavily. A total of 1,613 runs were scored in the match, and only 19 wickets fell. It was Bangladesh’s first Test draw against Sri Lanka and ended a 12-match losing streak against the island nation in Tests.

The match demonstrated how far Bangladesh’s Test batting had progressed.

2014: Sri Lanka Continue Their Test Dominance

Sri Lanka remained difficult to beat in Test cricket.

Bangladesh continued producing competitive batting performances, but Sri Lanka’s combination of experienced batsmen and high-quality spin bowling remained a major obstacle.

In limited-overs cricket, however, Bangladesh were becoming increasingly capable of challenging Sri Lanka.

The rivalry was gradually becoming less one-sided outside Test cricket.

2015: World Cup and a New Generation

The 2015 Cricket World Cup represented another important period for Bangladesh.

The team entered the tournament with greater confidence and eventually reached the quarter-finals after beating England.

Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal had become central figures in Bangladesh’s international setup.

Sri Lanka remained a major force, but Bangladesh’s progress meant that encounters between the two teams increasingly carried competitive significance rather than simply being expected Sri Lankan victories.

2016: Bangladesh Win Their First T20I Against Sri Lanka

Bangladesh’s improvement in Twenty20 cricket became evident in the 2016 Asia Cup.

Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 23 runs in Mirpur. Sabbir Rahman played a major role with an 80-run innings, while Bangladesh’s bowlers successfully defended the total.

It was Bangladesh’s first victory over Sri Lanka in T20I cricket after losing their previous four meetings in the format.

This was another significant milestone in the changing balance between the two teams.

2017: Bangladesh’s First Test Victory Over Sri Lanka

March 2017 produced arguably the biggest Test milestone in the rivalry.

Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets at the P Sara Oval in Colombo.

The victory came in Bangladesh’s 100th Test match, making the occasion even more significant. Tamim Iqbal scored 82 during the successful chase of 191, while Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 22 and Mehedi Hasan hit the winning runs.

It was Bangladesh’s first Test victory over Sri Lanka.

Bangladesh had previously recorded only eight Test victories overall, so defeating Sri Lanka away from home represented a major achievement.

The same tour also produced a 1-1 ODI series. Bangladesh won the opening ODI in Dambulla by 90 runs, with Tamim Iqbal scoring 127.

The three-format series ended with identical 1-1 results in Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Bangladesh won the second T20I by 45 runs, with Mustafizur Rahman taking four wickets and Shakib Al Hasan taking three.

2018: Sri Lanka Respond Strongly

Sri Lanka responded strongly during the 2018 bilateral series in Bangladesh.

They won the two-Test series 1-0. In the second Test in Dhaka, Sri Lanka won by 215 runs after Akila Dananjaya and Rangana Herath caused significant damage with spin.

The Test also featured a remarkable bowling performance from Dananjaya, who took eight wickets in the match on debut.

Sri Lanka also won the two-match T20I series 2-0. In the second match, Kusal Mendis scored 70 as Sri Lanka posted 210 for four before bowling Bangladesh out for 135.

2018: The Nidahas Trophy Thriller

Only a few weeks later, the rivalry produced one of its most memorable T20I matches.

During the Nidahas Trophy in Colombo, Sri Lanka posted 214 for six.

Bangladesh appeared to be heading toward defeat, but Mushfiqur Rahim produced a remarkable unbeaten 72 from just 35 balls.

Bangladesh chased down the target with two balls remaining, winning by five wickets.

The match became famous for its dramatic finish and heated moments between the teams.

It also established the fixture as one of the more emotionally charged rivalries in Asian cricket.

2019: World Cup Competition

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were scheduled to meet at the 2019 Cricket World Cup, but their group-stage match in Bristol was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain.

The abandoned game meant both teams received one point.

Bangladesh produced their strongest World Cup campaign to that point, while Sri Lanka also remained competitive during the tournament.

The lack of a result between the teams left their World Cup rivalry unresolved for another four years.

2021: Bangladesh Win Their First ODI Series

Another major milestone arrived in May 2021.

Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series in Dhaka, winning 2-1.

This was Bangladesh’s first-ever ODI series victory against Sri Lanka. Mushfiqur Rahim played a leading role, finishing the series as the highest run-scorer with 237 runs. The achievement also made him the first Bangladeshi player to reach 150 international appearances.

The series represented a major shift in the rivalry.

Sri Lanka had historically controlled the head-to-head record, but Bangladesh were now capable of winning a complete bilateral ODI series.

2022: Test Series Ends in Draw

The teams met again in Test cricket in Bangladesh in 2022.

Both matches ended in draws.

The results reinforced an important trend in the Test rivalry. Although Sri Lanka still held a large historical advantage, Bangladesh had become much harder to defeat on home soil.

The improvement was particularly noticeable compared with the heavy defeats Bangladesh had suffered during the early years of their Test rivalry.

2023: World Cup and the Timed-Out Incident

The 2023 Cricket World Cup produced one of the most discussed moments in Bangladesh-Sri Lanka cricket history.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka met in Delhi during the tournament.

Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews became the first batter in men’s international cricket to be timed out after arriving at the crease without being ready to face the next delivery within the required period.

Bangladesh appealed and the dismissal was upheld.

The incident attracted extensive debate about the spirit and laws of cricket, and it added another dramatic chapter to an already intense rivalry.

On the field, Bangladesh won the match by three wickets.

Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka scored a century, while Bangladesh successfully chased the target.

2024: Another Closely Contested Year

The rivalry remained active across all three formats in 2024.

Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh for Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

The Test series was particularly one-sided. Sri Lanka won both matches, including a 192-run victory in the second Test in Chattogram. Bangladesh were set 511 to win and were eventually dismissed for 318.

Kamindu Mendis was named Player of the Series after scoring 367 runs across four innings.

The limited-overs contests were considerably more competitive.

Bangladesh won the third ODI in March by four wickets after Sri Lanka had won the second match by three wickets. Bangladesh also won the first ODI by six wickets, giving them a 2-1 ODI series victory.

2025: Sri Lanka Regain ODI Series Advantage

The teams met again in Sri Lanka in July 2025 for a three-match ODI series.

Sri Lanka won the first ODI by 77 runs after posting 244 and dismissing Bangladesh for 167. Bangladesh suffered a dramatic collapse, losing seven wickets for only five runs. Wanindu Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis combined for seven wickets.

Bangladesh responded in the second ODI.

They defeated Sri Lanka by 16 runs after Sri Lanka had been dismissed for 232 while chasing Bangladesh’s 248.

Sri Lanka then won the deciding third ODI by 99 runs. Kusal Mendis scored 124 from 115 balls as Sri Lanka posted 285 for seven, before Bangladesh were dismissed for 186. Sri Lanka therefore won the series 2-1.

2025: Bangladesh Make T20I History

The T20I series that followed produced another important milestone.

Sri Lanka won the opening match by seven wickets after scoring 159 for three in the chase. Bangladesh then responded emphatically in the second T20I, winning by 83 runs after scoring 177 for seven and bowling Sri Lanka out for 94.

Bangladesh completed the comeback by winning the third T20I by eight wickets. They chased 133 with 21 balls remaining.

The result gave Bangladesh their first-ever T20I series victory over Sri Lanka.

The achievement was especially significant because Sri Lanka had won the first four T20Is between the sides before Bangladesh recorded their first victory in the format in 2016.

2025: Asia Cup Super Four

The teams met again in the 2025 Asia Cup.

Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the Super Four stage on September 20, chasing Sri Lanka’s 168 for seven with a score of 169 for six.

This added another close T20I result to a rivalry that had increasingly become competitive in the shortest format.

Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Timeline at a Glance

How the Rivalry Has Changed

The history can broadly be divided into several periods.

During the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, Sri Lanka were clearly ahead. Bangladesh were still establishing themselves internationally, and the Test results reflected the large difference in experience.

The 2010s brought a significant change. Bangladesh began winning individual matches in major tournaments and eventually achieved their first Test victory against Sri Lanka in 2017.

The 2020s have produced an even more competitive rivalry. Bangladesh won their first ODI series against Sri Lanka in 2021, defeated Sri Lanka in the 2023 World Cup, won the 2024 ODI series 2-1 and captured their first T20I series against Sri Lanka in 2025.

Sri Lanka, however, have continued to hold a substantial advantage in Test cricket. Through June 2025, they had won 21 of the 28 Tests between the teams, compared with Bangladesh’s one victory and six draws.

That contrast between formats is one of the defining characteristics of the rivalry.

Major Players in the Rivalry

Several players have played especially important roles across different stages of Bangladesh-Sri Lanka cricket.

Mushfiqur Rahim has been one of Bangladesh’s most influential players. His 200 in Galle in 2013 was a historic moment, while his unbeaten 72 in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy chase remains one of the most memorable T20I innings between the teams.

Shakib Al Hasan has also been central to Bangladesh’s success. His batting and left-arm spin have produced important performances in both ODI and T20I cricket.

Tamim Iqbal produced several significant innings against Sri Lanka, including his 127 during Bangladesh’s 90-run ODI victory in Dambulla in 2017.

For Sri Lanka, players such as Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Rangana Herath, Lasith Malinga and Kusal Mendis have played major roles across different eras.

The newer generation has continued that tradition, with players such as Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga contributing important performances in recent meetings.

FAQ

When did Bangladesh and Sri Lanka first play international cricket?

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka first met in men’s ODI cricket on April 2, 1986. Sri Lanka won the match by seven wickets. Their first Test meeting came in September 2001.

When did Bangladesh first beat Sri Lanka in a Test?

Bangladesh recorded their first Test victory over Sri Lanka in March 2017. They won by four wickets at the P Sara Oval in Colombo during Bangladesh’s 100th Test match.

When did Bangladesh first win an ODI series against Sri Lanka?

Bangladesh won their first ODI series against Sri Lanka in May 2021. They won the three-match series 2-1, with Mushfiqur Rahim finishing as the leading run-scorer with 237 runs.

What happened in the famous 2018 Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka T20I?

During the Nidahas Trophy in Colombo, Sri Lanka scored 214 for six. Bangladesh chased the target with two balls remaining, winning by five wickets. Mushfiqur Rahim scored an unbeaten 72 from 35 balls.

When did Bangladesh first win a T20I series against Sri Lanka?

Bangladesh won their first T20I series against Sri Lanka in July 2025. After losing the opening match, Bangladesh won the second by 83 runs and the third by eight wickets to take the series 2-1.

Conclusion

The Bangladesh-Sri Lanka cricket timeline shows a rivalry that has changed dramatically over nearly four decades. Sri Lanka dominated the early years, particularly in Test cricket, but Bangladesh gradually closed the gap through strong performances in major tournaments and bilateral series.

The most important milestones include Bangladesh’s 2012 Asia Cup victory, Mushfiqur Rahim’s historic 2013 Test double century, the first Test victory in 2017, the dramatic 2018 Nidahas Trophy chase, the first ODI series victory in 2021 and the first T20I series victory in 2025.

By the end of 2025, the rivalry had become much more balanced in limited-overs cricket, while Sri Lanka continued to hold the stronger historical record in Tests. That contrast gives the Bangladesh-Sri Lanka fixture its distinctive character and provides a long-running story of Bangladesh’s development against one of Asia’s established cricket powers.