The rivalry between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the Bangladesh National Cricket Team has developed into an exciting competition in modern international cricket. While Sri Lanka entered international cricket earlier and achieved major successes in global tournaments, Bangladesh gradually emerged as a strong and competitive team over the years. Matches between these two Asian sides have produced memorable performances and intense battles across Test matches, One Day Internationals, and T20 Internationals. Sri Lanka traditionally relied on skilled batting and effective spin bowling, while Bangladesh became known for its passionate players and fearless approach. Over the years, encounters between the two teams have grown more competitive as Bangladesh improved its overall performance in international cricket. This timeline highlights the key moments, historic series, and turning points that have defined the rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Latest Matches : Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
Tournament
Venue
Date
Sri Lanka Score
Bangladesh Score
Result
Player of the Match
Asia Cup
Colombo
2023
257/9
236
Sri Lanka won by 21 runs
Matheesha Pathirana
ODI Series
Chattogram
2023
286
203
Sri Lanka won by 83 runs
Kusal Mendis
ODI Series
Dhaka
2023
245
248/6
Bangladesh won by 4 wickets
Shakib Al Hasan
Test Series
Mirpur
2022
506
365
Sri Lanka won by innings
Angelo Mathews
Test Series
Chattogram
2022
397
465
Draw
Mushfiqur Rahim
T20 World Cup
Sharjah
2021
171/4
172/5
Bangladesh won by 5 wickets
Mohammad Naim
ODI Series
Colombo
2021
242
238
Sri Lanka won by 4 runs
Dhananjaya de Silva
Head-to-Head Summary : Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
Format
Matches
Sri Lanka Wins
Bangladesh Wins
No Result
Test
24
19
1
4
ODI
54
43
9
2
T20I
16
10
6
0
Total
94
72
16
6
Biggest Wins : Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
Team
Margin
Match Type
Year
Sri Lanka
Won by innings and 187 runs
Test
2007
Sri Lanka
Won by 139 runs
ODI
2006
Bangladesh
Won by 137 runs
ODI
2018
Bangladesh
Won by 45 runs
T20I
2018
Standout Individual Performances
Player
Team
Performance
Match Type
Kumar Sangakkara
Sri Lanka
319 runs
Test
Muttiah Muralitharan
Sri Lanka
7 wickets
Test
Shakib Al Hasan
Bangladesh
124 runs
ODI
Mushfiqur Rahim
Bangladesh
175 runs
Test
Early Encounters and First Matches (2000–2005)
The rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh began when Bangladesh joined the international Test cricket arena in 2000. Sri Lanka was already an established team with experienced players and a strong cricketing system. Early matches between the two sides were largely dominated by Sri Lanka due to their experience and strong squad depth. Bangladesh, however, used these matches as learning opportunities to develop its players and improve its performance on the international stage. Despite facing tough competition, Bangladesh displayed determination and gradually improved its batting and bowling abilities. Fans in both countries began to follow these encounters with growing interest. Although Sri Lanka won most early series, Bangladesh continued to gain valuable experience that would eventually help them become a competitive team in the years ahead.
Year
Format
Venue
Winner
2001
Test Series
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
2002
ODI Series
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
2004
Test Match
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
2005
ODI Match
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh’s Improvement and Competitive Matches (2006–2012)
Between 2006 and 2012, Bangladesh began showing significant improvement in international cricket. Matches against Sri Lanka became more competitive as Bangladesh developed stronger batting lineups and improved bowling strategies. Several matches during this period were closely contested, and Bangladesh managed to challenge Sri Lanka more effectively than in earlier years. Sri Lanka continued to rely on experienced players and consistent performances, but Bangladesh started producing talented cricketers capable of delivering match-winning performances. The rivalry gradually gained attention from cricket fans because the results were no longer predictable. Series between the two teams often featured exciting finishes and impressive individual performances. This era marked an important stage in the development of the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh rivalry.
Year
Series
Venue
Result
2007
ODI Series
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
2009
Test Series
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
2010
ODI Match
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
2012
T20 Match
Asia
Sri Lanka
Rise of Limited-Overs Cricket Battles (2013–2017)
The period between 2013 and 2017 saw the rivalry expand significantly in limited-overs cricket. ODI and T20 matches between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh became extremely popular among fans due to their fast-paced and exciting nature. Bangladesh started achieving more victories, demonstrating their growth as a competitive cricket team. Several matches during this period were decided in the final overs, creating thrilling moments for spectators. Sri Lanka continued to perform strongly in international tournaments, but Bangladesh proved that it could challenge any team on its day. The increased competitiveness between the two sides added new excitement to the rivalry and attracted larger audiences.
Year
Tournament
Format
Winner
2013
Bilateral Series
ODI
Sri Lanka
2014
T20 World Event
T20
Sri Lanka
2016
Asia Tournament
T20
Bangladesh
2017
Bilateral Series
ODI
Bangladesh
Modern Era Encounters (2018–2025)
In recent years, matches between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have become even more competitive. Both teams have introduced young players who bring energy and new strategies to the field. Modern cricket has emphasized aggressive batting, athletic fielding, and tactical bowling changes, making matches more unpredictable. Bangladesh has continued to improve its international standing, while Sri Lanka remains a strong team capable of delivering outstanding performances. Series between these two teams are now followed closely by fans across Asia and around the world. Each match adds a new chapter to the rivalry, showcasing exciting moments and impressive individual achievements.
Year
Series
Venue
Winner
2018
Test Series
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka
2020
ODI Series
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh
2022
Test Series
Sri Lanka
Draw
2024
Bilateral Series
Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Memorable Matches and Turning Points
Over the years, several matches between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have become memorable due to dramatic finishes and outstanding performances. Close ODI encounters and high-scoring T20 matches have provided thrilling entertainment for fans. Both teams have experienced moments of dominance, but the rivalry remains balanced and unpredictable. Individual performances, including centuries, crucial bowling spells, and match-winning partnerships, have played a major role in shaping the timeline of this competition. These moments highlight the growth of Bangladesh as a competitive cricketing nation and the consistency of Sri Lanka as a respected international team.
Year
Event
Format
Highlight
2016
Asia Tournament
T20
Bangladesh Victory
2017
Historic Match
Test
Draw
2019
ODI Match
ODI
Close Finish
2023
Bilateral Series
ODI
Sri Lanka Win
Conclusion
The timeline of matches between the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and the Bangladesh National Cricket Team reflects a rivalry that has grown steadily over the past two decades. From the early years dominated by Sri Lanka to the modern era where Bangladesh has become increasingly competitive, the rivalry continues to evolve. Both teams have produced exciting matches and memorable performances that have entertained cricket fans around the world. As new players emerge and cricket continues to develop, future encounters between Sri Lanka an