Table of Contents
From a one-sided 1986 Asia Cup debut in Kandy to last-ball thrillers in 2025, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 vs Bangladesh 🇧🇩 has evolved from polite mismatch into Asia’s fiercest, most passionate rivalry. What began with clinical Sri Lankan dominance has transformed into explosive upsets, heated celebrations, raw aggression, and mutual respect—two proud nations battling for pride, every boundary and wicket carrying decades of emotion. This is their epic journey. 🔥🏏
Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 vs Bangladesh 🇧🇩 – Head-to-Head Rivalry Stats Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 108+ (across all formats as of late 2025) |
| Sri Lanka Wins | Higher overall (77+ wins) – Dominant in Tests & ODIs |
| Bangladesh Wins | Competitive rise (23+ wins) – Strong in recent T20Is & upsets |
| Highest Team Total | Sri Lanka 541/9d (Test, 2002); Bangladesh 495 (Test, 2025) |
| Lowest Team Total | Sri Lanka 94 (T20I, 2025); Bangladesh 62 (Test) |
| Super Over Matches | Multiple thrilling ties/super overs in limited-overs (e.g., Asia Cups) |
| First Match | ODI – 2 April 1986 (Asia Cup, Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets) |
The Dawn of Unequals – First Sparks in the Shadows (1986–1999)
Back in the spring of 1986, cricket was still finding its feet in Asia. Bangladesh 🇧🇩, the plucky underdogs fresh from associate status, stepped onto the international stage against a rising Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 in the Asia Cup at Kandy’s Asgiriya Stadium. On April 2, Bangladesh batted first and fought to 131/8 in their 45 overs. Minhajul Abedin top-scored with a gritty 40, but Sri Lanka’s disciplined attack kept them in check. In reply, Sri Lanka chased it down comfortably at 132/3 in just 31.3 overs, winning by 7 wickets with plenty to spare. Asanka Gurusinha earned Player of the Match for his steady hand. No fireworks or bad blood yet—just a quiet statement from Sri Lanka that they belonged among Asia’s elite, while Bangladeshi fans in Dhaka cheered their team’s debut spirit, turning early defeat into fuel for dreams of one day turning the tables.
Through the late 80s and 90s, clashes stayed rare, mostly Asia Cup one-offs. Sri Lanka’s experience in batting flair and spin control proved too much. Matches like the 1988 encounter saw Bangladesh struggle again, but each loss built character. Fans felt the passion: Bangladeshi supporters chanted defiantly despite big margins, while Sri Lankans enjoyed the easy points. Subtle aggression emerged in tight fielding and competitive stares, planting rivalry seeds that would bloom decades later.
| Date & Venue | Format | Result & Margin | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Key Stars & Highlights | Bangladesh 🇧🇩 Key Stars & Highlights | Memorable Moment / Fan Buzz | Aggression / Rivalry Spark |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2, 1986 – Kandy | ODI | 🇱🇰 won by 7 wkts (81 balls rem) | 132/3 (Kuruppu steady; Gurusinha POTM) | 131/8 (Minhajul Abedin 40 top score) | Debut thrill for BAN fans chanting in stands | Subtle pressure from SL bowlers |
| 1988 Asia Cup – Chittagong (approx) | ODI | 🇱🇰 big win (exact margin 100+ runs) | Roy Dias unbeaten chase; spin traps early | Low total ~118; early collapses | Dhaka streets buzzing with hope despite loss | First hints of fielding fire |
| 1995 Sharjah Asia Cup | ODI | 🇱🇰 won by 107 runs (D/L) | 230/6 (Jayasuriya explosive 51) | 123 all out; rain drama | BAN fans’ upset dream dashed, emotional media outpour | SL pacers intimidating young batsmen |
| 1997 Colombo | ODI | 🇱🇰 dominant (296/4 posted) | Aravinda de Silva century masterclass | 193/6 reply; Rafique spin fightback | Rare BAN wickets sparked joy in crowds | Growing frustration turning to motivation |
Test Dreams Meet Harsh Reality – Bangladesh Enters the Arena (2000–2007)
The new millennium brought Bangladesh’s big leap into Test cricket in 2000, and their first clash with Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 came in July 2002 at Colombo’s P Sara Oval. It was a brutal welcome: Bangladesh 🇧🇩 bowled out for 161 and 184, while Sri Lanka piled on 541/9d with Aravinda de Silva’s epic 206 and Sanath Jayasuriya’s explosive 145 (including six sixes). Muttiah Muralitharan spun magic with 10 wickets across innings. Sri Lanka won by an innings and 196 runs in just three days. Bangladeshi fans felt the heartbreak but admired the fight from youngsters like Mohammad Ashraful. Sri Lankan crowds celebrated their stars, but the match showed Bangladesh’s hunger to survive.
The 2002 series sweep (2-0) and later tours kept the pattern: Sri Lanka’s spin dominance and batting depth crushed hopes. In 2005-06 Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh, another 2-0 Test whitewash followed. Chittagong saw Bangladesh post 319 then 181, but Sri Lanka chased 163/2 easily. Bogra brought more pain with innings defeats. ODIs mirrored this—Sri Lanka swept series like 2002’s 3-0 and 2007’s 3-0 in home Tests/ODIs. Yet, glimmers appeared: Bangladesh’s first ODI win against Sri Lanka came later (2006 elsewhere), but here resilience built. Fan emotions soared—Dhaka crowds turned passionate, chanting for breakthroughs amid frustration. Subtle aggression grew: Lankan bowlers’ intimidating stares met Bangladeshi defiance in the field. Tactics highlighted Murali’s grip vs emerging spin hopes like Mohammad Rafique. These years forged Bangladesh’s grit for future upsets.
| Date & Venue | Format | Result & Margin | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Key Stars & Highlights 🔥 | Bangladesh 🇧🇩 Key Stars & Highlights 💪 | Record Moment / Fan Buzz 🌟 | Aggression & Rivalry Spark ⚡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 21-23, 2002 – Colombo (PSS) | Test | 🇱🇰 won by innings & 196 runs | 541/9d (de Silva 206, Jayasuriya 145); Murali 10 wkts | 161 & 184 (Ashraful flashes) | World record 509 runs in a day! Fans stunned 😲 | Murali’s stare-downs vs young batsmen |
| Jul 28-31, 2002 – Colombo (SSC) | Test | 🇱🇰 won by 288 runs | 373 & 263/2d; spin mastery | 164 & 184 | Series sweep sealed early | Growing field tension, verbal exchanges |
| Feb 28-Mar 3, 2006 – Chittagong | Test | 🇱🇰 won by 8 wickets | 338 & 163/2 (Sangakkara steady) | 319 & 181 (Bashar fight) | Home crowd roars for 319 total! Hope sparks 🔥 | Pressure on BAN bowlers, SL chase ease |
| Mar 8-11, 2006 – Bogra | Test | 🇱🇰 won by innings (2-0 series) | Dominant bowling & batting | Collapses despite effort | Another whitewash; frustration boils 😤 | Subtle sledging, fielding fire |
| 2002 Bangladesh in SL ODIs | ODI | 🇱🇰 3-0 sweep | Clinical chases, spin traps | Struggles but building character | Fans chant defiantly in defeat | Early player banter emerges |
| 2007 Bangladesh in SL Tests | Test | 🇱🇰 3-0 (e.g., 577/6d massive) | Jayawardene & co dominate | 89 & 254 in one; grit shown | Huge totals; SL fans celebrate | Intensity rises with closer survival fights |
The Tide Begins to Turn – Upsets, Grit, and Rising Heat (2008–2014)
The late 2000s marked a subtle shift in the rivalry. Bangladesh 🇧🇩, no longer just minnows, started showing real fight against Sri Lanka 🇱🇰. While Tests remained Sri Lankan strongholds—like the 2008-09 tour where Sri Lanka swept 2-0 with massive innings wins (e.g., 465-run victory in Chittagong)—limited-overs cricket brought excitement. Bangladesh pushed harder, with Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round brilliance and Tamim Iqbal’s fearless opening emerging as key threats. Tactical battles heated up: Bangladesh’s improved pace and spin challenged Sri Lanka’s experienced lineup.
A landmark came in the 2012 Asia Cup at Mirpur. On March 20, Sri Lanka posted 232, but Bangladesh chased it down thrillingly at 212/5 in 37.1 overs (D/L adjusted target), winning by 5 wickets with balls to spare. Shakib’s calm 25* sealed it amid roaring home crowds. This was a massive statement—Bangladesh’s first big upset in a major tournament against Sri Lanka. Fan emotions exploded: Dhaka erupted in joy, fireworks lit the sky, while Sri Lankan supporters felt the sting of vulnerability. Aggression ramped up with intense stare-downs and verbal exchanges on field. Player rivalries ignited—Shakib vs Lasith Malinga became a highlight, with Shakib’s left-arm spin troubling Lankan batsmen.
Other clashes showed growing competitiveness. In 2010 Asia Cup at Dambulla, Sri Lanka won comfortably by 126 runs (312/4 to 186), but Bangladesh’s resilience in chases grew. By 2014, bilateral series like Sri Lanka’s tour saw mixed results—Sri Lanka won the Test series 1-0 (one drawn), but ODIs had closer finishes. The pressure was on: Bangladesh fans chanted louder for breakthroughs, turning Mirpur into a cauldron. Sri Lanka adapted with better death bowling, but the gap narrowed. These years built real rivalry fire—grit met class, setting the stage for fiercer drama ahead.
| Date & Venue | Format | Result & Margin | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Key Stars & Highlights 🔥 | Bangladesh 🇧🇩 Key Stars & Highlights 💪 | Record Moment / Fan Buzz 🌟 | Aggression & Rivalry Spark ⚡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 26-31, 2008 – Mirpur | Test | 🇱🇰 won by 107 runs | 293 & 405/6d; spin & batting depth | 178 & 413 (fightback effort) | Huge declaration totals; SL dominance 😤 | Early tension in long chases |
| Jan 3-6, 2009 – Chittagong | Test | 🇱🇰 won by 465 runs (2-0 series) | 384 & 447/6d; massive innings wins | 208 & 158 | Record margin in series! Fans stunned 😲 | Growing frustration boils in crowds |
| Jun 18, 2010 – Dambulla (Asia Cup) | ODI | 🇱🇰 won by 126 runs | 312/4 (Dilshan masterclass) | 186 all out | Comfortable SL win; but BAN shows grit | Subtle sledging in middle overs |
| Mar 20, 2012 – Mirpur (Asia Cup) | ODI | 🇧🇩 won by 5 wkts (D/L) | 232 all out | 212/5 (Shakib calm finish) | Huge upset! Dhaka explodes in celebration 🎆 | Intense celebrations; first big statement |
| Jan-Feb 2014 – Bangladesh | Test | 🇱🇰 1-0 (1 drawn) series | Innings win in Mirpur (248 runs) | Strong fight in one draw | Close series; hope builds for BAN | Player stare-downs intensify |
| 2014 Asia Cup (various) | ODI | Mixed; SL edge most | Tactical chases & bowling | Near-misses & resilience | Growing competitiveness; fans on edge 😱 | Rivalry heats with closer finishes |
Fire and Fury Unleashed – The Rivalry Turns Feisty (2015–2018)
This period exploded with raw emotion and drama. Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 still held Test supremacy, like their 1-1 drawn series in 2016/17 (one win each) and strong home performances, but limited-overs cricket became electric. Bangladesh 🇧🇩 grew bolder, pulling off stunning upsets that ignited fan wars. The pinnacle? The 2018 Nidahas Trophy T20 tri-series in Sri Lanka, a cauldron of aggression. On March 10 at RPS Colombo, Bangladesh chased 215 in a thriller—215/5 in 19.4 overs—with Mushfiqur Rahim’s aggressive 72 off 35 and Mahmudullah’s finishing heroics. Then, the March 16 finale group clash: Sri Lanka posted 159/7, but Bangladesh sneaked home 160/8 with 1 ball left, Mahmudullah’s six sealing it. Celebrations turned wild—
Bangladeshi players and fans did the “naagin dance,” a snake-like move that infuriated Sri Lankans. Tensions boiled over: shoving, finger-pointing, and a dressing-room door incident fueled headlines. Sri Lankan fans felt disrespected; Bangladeshi supporters reveled in the confidence from underdogs. Aggression peaked with on-field stares, verbal barbs, and heated exchanges. Other highlights included World Cup clashes and bilateral ODIs where Bangladesh pushed hard, narrowing the gap. Fan emotions hit fever pitch—social media battles raged, stadiums turned hostile, and the rivalry transformed from one-sided to fiercely personal. These years marked the shift: respect earned through fire.
| Date & Venue | Format | Result & Margin | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Key Stars & Highlights 🔥 | Bangladesh 🇧🇩 Key Stars & Highlights 💪 | Record Moment / Fan Buzz 🌟 | Aggression & Rivalry Spark ⚡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2016 – Chittagong | Test | Drawn series (1-1 overall 2016/17) | Strong bowling in wins | Historic first Test win? No, but fight in draw | Emotional highs in home draw! Fans roar 😤 | Rising tension in red-ball battles |
| Mar 10, 2018 – Colombo RPS (Nidahas) | T20I | 🇧🇩 won by 5 wkts (2 balls rem) | 214/6 (aggressive total) | 215/5 (Mushfiqur 72 off 35 explosive) | Chase masterclass! Dhaka-style joy in Colombo 🎉 | Early celebrations spark ire |
| Mar 16, 2018 – Colombo RPS (Nidahas) | T20I | 🇧🇩 won by 2 wkts (1 ball rem) | 159/7 (decent fight) | 160/8 (Mahmudullah finishing six hero) | Last-ball drama; spot in final clinched! 😱 | Naagin dance frenzy; massive controversy |
| Nidahas Trophy Overall 2018 | T20 | BAN advanced over SL (group drama) | Inconsistent; lost key games | 2 wins over SL; bold statements | Series remembered for aggression & upsets 🔥 | Shoving, door incident, fan wars online/offline |
| 2015-2018 Various ODIs/Asia Cup | ODI | Mixed; SL edge but closer | Tactical chases & death bowling | Shakib/Tamim brilliance in pushes | Near-upsets build pressure; fans on edge | Stare-downs, verbal exchanges intensify |
| 2017-18 Bilateral Clashes | Mixed | SL Test wins; BAN T20/ODI threats | Spin & experience dominate red-ball | Limited-overs grit & power-hitting | Bangladesh’s confidence surge; rivalry alive! | Heated on-field moments & post-match talk |
Modern Warriors – Balanced Battles & Mutual Respect (2019–2023)
By 2019, the rivalry had matured into gripping, competitive contests across formats. Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 maintained Test dominance, sweeping series like the 2019 home ODIs 3-0 (e.g., 314/8 to 223 in the first at Colombo) and strong showings in 2021-22. But Bangladesh 🇧🇩 struck gold in limited-overs, especially thrillers that showcased tactical depth and star power. Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das, and Taskin Ahmed became nightmare match-ups for Lankan bowlers, while Sri Lanka countered with Wanindu Hasaranga’s spin wizardry and Kusal Mendis’ aggression.
Key highlights included the 2022 Asia Cup in Dubai: Bangladesh posted 183/7, but Sri Lanka chased 184/8 in 19.2 overs for a tense 2-wicket win—Kusal Mendis anchored amid pressure. The 2023 Asia Cup Super Four clash saw Sri Lanka edge Bangladesh by 21 runs (257/9 to 236). The pinnacle? The 2023 World Cup blockbuster in Delhi on November 6: Sri Lanka made 279, but Bangladesh chased 282/7 in 41.1 overs—Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 82 and Shakib’s composure sealed a historic first WC win over Sri Lanka, with Angelo Mathews’ timed-out controversy adding spice. Fans went wild: Bangladeshi supporters celebrated wildly as their team eliminated Sri Lanka, while Lankan fans felt the gut punch.
T20 clashes stayed tight, with mutual respect growing—no more easy wins. Tactics evolved: Bangladesh’s pace attacks tested Sri Lanka’s middle order, and Hasaranga’s variations troubled Bangladeshi top order. Player rivalries shone—Shakib vs Hasaranga battles were electric. Fan emotions peaked in packed stadiums and online: pride, frustration, and admiration mixed in equal measure. These years proved Bangladesh had arrived as equals in white-ball cricket, turning the rivalry into Asia’s most unpredictable.
| Date & Venue | Format | Result & Margin | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Key Stars & Highlights 🔥 | Bangladesh 🇧🇩 Key Stars & Highlights 💪 | Record Moment / Fan Buzz 🌟 | Aggression & Rivalry Spark ⚡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 26, 2019 – Colombo | ODI | 🇱🇰 won by 91 runs | 314/8 (solid top order) | 223 all out (41.4 ov) | SL whitewash series 3-0; dominance asserted 😤 | Pressure builds on BAN chases |
| Jul 31, 2019 – Colombo (3rd ODI) | ODI | 🇱🇰 won by 122 runs | 294/8 posted | 172 all out (36 ov) | Big margin; SL fans celebrate sweep | Tactical masterclasses in bowling |
| Sep 1, 2022 – Dubai (Asia Cup) | T20I | 🇱🇰 won by 2 wickets (4 balls rem) | 184/8 chase (Mendis key) | 183/7 (strong total) | Nail-biter finish; crowd on edge 😱 | Tense death overs drama |
| Sep 9, 2023 – Colombo RPS (Asia Cup Super Four) | ODI | 🇱🇰 won by 21 runs | 257/9 (balanced innings) | 236 all out (48.1 ov) | SL edge in high-scoring game | Close contest fuels respect |
| Nov 6, 2023 – Delhi (World Cup) | ODI | 🇧🇩 won by 3 wickets (53 balls rem) | 279 all out (49.3 ov) | 282/7 (Shanto 82, Shakib calm) | Historic first WC win vs SL! Elimination shock 😲 | Timed-out controversy adds fire; massive celebrations |
| Various 2021-2023 Bilateral | Mixed | SL Test wins; BAN limited-overs threats | Hasaranga spin traps; Mendis aggression | Taskin pace, Shakib all-round brilliance | Gap narrows; mutual respect grows | Intense player duels & fan passion online |
Recent Fireworks & The Latest Chapter – 2024–2025 Dominance & Upsets
The post-2023 era delivered high-stakes drama as the rivalry hit peak intensity. Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 flexed red-ball muscle during Bangladesh’s 2025 tour of Sri Lanka, claiming a 1-0 Test series win (one draw). The 2nd Test at Colombo SSC saw Sri Lanka bowl Bangladesh out for 247 and 133 to win by an innings and 78 runs—Pathum Nissanka’s marathon batting anchored the massive total of 458. Tactics shone: Sri Lanka’s spin and seam exploited turning tracks, while Bangladesh fought valiantly but crumbled under pressure. Fan emotions ran deep—Colombo crowds roared for dominance, Dhaka supporters lamented collapses yet praised grit from Najmul Hossain Shanto.
Limited-overs brought flips: Sri Lanka edged the ODI series 2-1, with big wins like 99 runs (285/7 to 186) and 77 runs (244 to 167), but Bangladesh struck back in one thriller (248 to 232 by 16 runs). Then the T20Is exploded—Bangladesh won the series 2-1, sweeping early games: an 8-wicket chase (133/2 in 16.3 overs off 132/7) and a crushing 83-run victory (177/7 to 94). Sri Lanka salvaged the decider (159/3 chasing 155). Litton Das and Taskin Ahmed starred for Bangladesh, while Sri Lanka’s death bowling faltered in key moments.
Other 2025 clashes, like Asia Cup Super Four nail-biters (e.g., Bangladesh’s dramatic 4-wicket chase of 169 with a ball left in Dubai), added revenge flavor. The very latest? A September 20, 2025 T20I where Bangladesh sealed a tight win, capping a year of mutual blows. Aggression stayed controlled but intense—stare-downs, heated celebrations, and fan wars online. These matches proved the rivalry’s evolution: Sri Lanka’s Test fortress vs Bangladesh’s white-ball firepower, with respect earned through epic battles.
| Date & Venue | Format | Result & Margin | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Key Stars & Highlights 🔥 | Bangladesh 🇧🇩 Key Stars & Highlights 💪 | Record Moment / Fan Buzz 🌟 | Aggression & Rivalry Spark ⚡ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 25-28, 2025 – Colombo SSC | Test | 🇱🇰 won by innings & 78 runs | 458 all out (Nissanka marathon); spin dominance | 247 & 133 (Shanto fight) | Massive innings win; SL red-ball supremacy 😤 | Pressure cooker in turning conditions |
| Jun 17-21, 2025 – Galle | Test | Drawn (high-scoring thriller) | 485 & 72/4 chasing 296; resilience | 495 & 285/6d (huge totals) | Epic draw; fans on edge with massive scores 😲 | Tactical cat-and-mouse in draws |
| Jul 2, 2025 – Colombo | ODI | 🇱🇰 won by 77 runs | 244 posted; disciplined attack | 167 all out (35.5 ov) | ODI series edge; SL fans celebrate control | Bowling intensity in middle overs |
| Jul 5, 2025 – (venue) | ODI | 🇧🇩 won by 16 runs | 232 chasing 249 | 248 all out | Tight upset; Dhaka joy erupts 🎉 | Nail-biting chase pressure |
| Jul 8, 2025 – (venue) | ODI | 🇱🇰 won by 99 runs | 285/7 (strong total) | 186 all out (39.4 ov) | Big margin seals 2-1 series; dominance asserted | Frustration boils in collapses |
| Jul 10, 2025 – (venue) | T20I | 🇱🇰 won by 7 wkts (6 balls rem) | 159/3 chasing 155 | 154/5 posted | Series decider salvage; tense finish | High-stakes aggression in powerplay |
| Early Jul 2025 T20I | T20I | 🇧🇩 won by 8 wkts (21 balls rem) | 132/7 posted | 133/2 (clinical chase) | Series opener shock; BAN momentum builds 🔥 | Confident celebrations spark tension |
| Mid-Jul 2025 T20I | T20I | 🇧🇩 won by 83 runs | 94 all out (15.2 ov) | 177/7 (power-hitting) | Crushing win; 2-1 series triumph for BAN 😱 | Massive celebrations; fan wars peak |
| Sep 20, 2025 – (venue, e.g. Asia Cup style) | T20I | 🇧🇩 won by 4 wkts (close) | 168/7 (fightback) | 169/6 (last-ball drama) | Latest thriller; revenge flavor in chase | Intense final overs; rivalry at boiling point |
Eternal Flames – Legacy, Stats, and What Lies Ahead
From that humid April day in Kandy in 1986 to the tense, electric nights of 2025, the Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 vs Bangladesh 🇧🇩 rivalry has transformed from a teacher-student mismatch into one of Asia’s most captivating cricketing sagas. What started as polite dominance—Sri Lanka winning every early clash with clinical ease—has become a story of grit, pride, upsets, and mutual respect. Bangladesh arrived as dreamers; they stayed to become warriors.
The numbers tell a clear tale of evolution. Sri Lanka holds commanding leads in longer formats: 21 Test wins to Bangladesh’s solitary victory across 28 matches (plus draws), with massive innings triumphs marking their red-ball superiority. In ODIs, Sri Lanka leads roughly 45-13 in 60+ encounters, though Bangladesh’s upset wins—especially in World Cups and Asia Cups—carry huge emotional weight. T20Is sit closer at 13-9 in Sri Lanka’s favor across 22 games, but Bangladesh has dominated recent bilateral series and delivered last-ball thrillers that keep fans glued.
Beyond stats, the real legacy lives in moments: Aravinda de Silva’s double centuries crushing early hopes, Muttiah Muralitharan’s unplayable spin hauls, Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round mastery turning games, the Nidahas Trophy naagin dance controversy that lit social media on fire, and Bangladesh’s historic 2023 World Cup chase in Delhi that eliminated Sri Lanka and sent Dhaka into euphoria. Aggression has matured—from subtle stares in the 2000s to fiery celebrations and on-field tension in the late 2010s—yet respect has grown. Players now acknowledge each other as equals in white-ball cricket, while Tests remain Sri Lanka’s fortress.
Fan legacies run deep. Sri Lankan supporters cherish their golden era of class and spin mastery; Bangladeshi fans treasure every breakthrough, every upset, every defiant stand that proved their team belongs. Stadiums in Colombo and Mirpur have become cauldrons of passion—chants, flags, fireworks, and online battles that amplify every boundary and wicket.
Looking ahead in 2026 and beyond, the rivalry promises more fireworks. Bangladesh’s young guns—Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Taskin Ahmed—keep pushing boundaries, while Sri Lanka rebuilds with emerging talents like Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka . Will Bangladesh finally claim a Test series win on Sri Lankan soil? Can Sri Lanka reclaim T20 supremacy in Asia Cups and World Cups? One thing is certain: every clash will carry the weight of history, the heat of rivalry, and the thrill of two proud nations battling for pride.
| Format | Matches Played | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 Wins | Bangladesh 🇧🇩 Wins | No Result / Tie / Draw | Key Record / Milestone 🌟 | Iconic Moment / Legacy Highlight ⚡ | Current Edge & Future Tease |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 28 | 21 | 1 | 6 draws | Sri Lanka’s 21-1 dominance; biggest margin: innings & 196 runs (2002) | Bangladesh’s lone Test win dream still alive; first breakthrough in 2017? | SL red-ball fortress; BAN chasing first away series win |
| ODIs | ~60 | ~45 | ~13 | Few no-results | Highest chase: BAN 282/7 vs SL (2023 WC); Shakib masterclasses | 2023 WC upset in Delhi—historic elimination of SL 😲 | BAN closing gap fast; white-ball thrillers ahead |
| T20Is | ~22 | 13 | 9 | 0 | Recent BAN series sweeps (2025); last-ball dramas | Nidahas 2018 last-ball six + naagin dance controversy 🔥 | BAN’s T20 edge in bilaterals; Asia Cup battles looming |
| Overall | 110+ | 79+ | 23+ | Balance | From 100% SL wins (1986-2000s) to balanced modern era | Evolution from mismatch to Asia’s fiercest rivalry | Mutual respect earned; next chapter in 2026+ epic |
| Player Rivalries | – | – | – | – | Murali vs early BAN; Shakib vs Malinga/Hasaranga; Taskin vs SL middle order | Legends vs warriors: pride on both sides | Emerging stars to watch: Litton vs Mendis, etc. |
Latest Matches: sri lanka national cricket team vs bangladesh national cricket team stats
| Match Type | Venue | Date | Toss Winner | Sri Lanka Score | Bangladesh Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20I 🏆 | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | Sep 20, 2025 | Bangladesh (Field) | 168/7 (20) | 169/6 (19.5) | Bangladesh won by 4 wkts 🚀 | Asia Cup Super Fours | Saif Hassan (BAN) – Clutch batting masterclass! |
| T20I 🏆 | Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi | Sep 13, 2025 | Sri Lanka (Bowl) | 140/4 (14.4) | 139/5 (20) | Sri Lanka won by 6 wkts 😤 | Asia Cup Group B | Nuwan Thushara (SL) – 3/21 death bowling fire! |
| T20I 🏆 | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jul 16, 2025 | Bangladesh (Field) | 132/7 (20) | 133/2 (16.1) | Bangladesh won by 8 wkts ⚡ | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka | Najmul Hossain Shanto (BAN) – Unbeaten 78 chase boss! |
| T20I 🏆 | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla | Jul 13, 2025 | Bangladesh (Bat) | 94 (15.2) | 177/7 (20) | Bangladesh won by 83 runs 🛡️ | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka | Rishad Hossain (BAN) – 5/19 spin demolition! |
| T20I 🏆 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele | Jul 10, 2025 | Sri Lanka (Field) | 176/3 (18.3) | 172/8 (20) | Sri Lanka won by 7 wkts 💥 | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka | Pathum Nissanka (SL) – 89* opener’s rampage! |
| ODI 🏆 | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele | Jul 8, 2025 | Sri Lanka (Bat) | 298/6 (50) | 199 (42.4) | Sri Lanka won by 99 runs 📈 | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka | Charith Asalanka (SL) – Century 112 & 2/35 all-round gem! 🌟 |
| ODI 🏆 | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jul 5, 2025 | Bangladesh (Bat) | 270 (49.1) | 286/7 (50) | Bangladesh won by 16 runs 🏅 | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka | Taskin Ahmed (BAN) – 4/45 pace heroics! |
| ODI 🏆 | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jul 2, 2025 | Sri Lanka (Bat) | 244 (49.2) | 167 (35.5) | Sri Lanka won by 77 runs 😱 | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka | Lahiru Kumara (SL) – 5/32 fiery spell! |
| Test 🏆 | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | Jun 25-28, 2025 | Sri Lanka (Bat) | 456/8d | 178 & 200 | Sri Lanka won by an innings and 78 runs 🏰 | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka | Kamindu Mendis (SL) – Twin tons 114 & 102*! |
| Test 🏆 | Galle International Stadium, Galle | Jun 17-21, 2025 | Bangladesh (Field) | 320 & 210/4 | 415 & 114/3 | Match drawn ☔ | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka | Dimuth Karunaratne (SL) – Solid 145 in first innings! |
| Test 🏆 | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | Mar 30-Apr 3, 2024 | Sri Lanka (Bat) | 531 & 157/7d | 178 & 318 | Sri Lanka won by 192 runs 💪 | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh | Kamindu Mendis (SL) – 164 & 92 all-format beast! |
| Test 🏆 | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet | Mar 22-26, 2024 | Bangladesh (Bat) | 288 & 418 | 188 & 182 | Sri Lanka won by 328 runs 🔥 | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh | Dhananjaya de Silva (SL) – Centuries in both innings! |
| ODI 🏆 | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | Mar 18, 2024 | Bangladesh (Field) | 235 (50) | 237/6 (48.1) | Bangladesh won by 4 wkts 🥊 | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh | Tanzid Hasan (BAN) – Debut ton 101! |
| ODI 🏆 | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | Mar 15, 2024 | Sri Lanka (Bat) | 286/7 (50) | 287/7 (47.1) | Sri Lanka won by 3 wkts 😯 | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh | Pathum Nissanka (SL) – 114 opener’s special! |
| ODI 🏆 | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | Mar 13, 2024 | Bangladesh (Field) | 255 (48.5) | 257/4 (44.4) | Bangladesh won by 6 wkts 🎯 | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh | Najmul Hossain Shanto (BAN) – Unbeaten 122* captain’s knock! |
Conclusion
From 1986’s humble mismatch to 2025’s last-ball thrillers, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 vs Bangladesh 🇧🇩 has grown into Asia’s most passionate rivalry. What began as one-sided dominance evolved into fiery upsets, raw aggression, and deep respect. Two proud nations, endless drama, unbreakable spirit—the flame burns eternal. The best clashes are yet to come. 🏏🔥
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who has the overall head-to-head advantage between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh? Sri Lanka leads strongly in Tests (21-1) and ODIs (~45-13), while T20Is are closer (13-9). Overall, Sri Lanka has won around 79+ of 110+ matches, but Bangladesh has closed the gap dramatically in limited-overs cricket since 2018.
What is the most famous moment in the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh rivalry? The 2018 Nidahas Trophy controversy stands out—the “naagin dance” celebration after Bangladesh’s last-ball win sparked massive tension, shoving, and a dressing-room door incident. It remains the rivalry’s most talked-about aggression flashpoint.
Has Bangladesh ever beaten Sri Lanka in a World Cup match? Yes! In the 2023 ODI World Cup at Delhi (November 6), Bangladesh chased 280 to win by 3 wickets, eliminating Sri Lanka. It was their first World Cup victory over the Lions and a historic upset that sent Bangladeshi fans into wild celebrations.
Which player has been central to Bangladesh’s rise against Sri Lanka? Shakib Al Hasan. His all-round brilliance—batting, left-arm spin, and clutch performances—has turned many games. From calm chases in Asia Cups to dismantling Sri Lankan lineups, Shakib symbolizes Bangladesh’s transformation from underdog to genuine threat.
When was the last Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh match, and who won? The most recent clash was the T20I on September 20, 2025 (Asia Cup-style format), where Bangladesh won by 4 wickets in a tense last-ball finish. It capped a year where Bangladesh dominated T20 bilaterals while Sri Lanka ruled Tests.
This epic journey—from debut dreams to modern fireworks—continues to captivate cricket fans across the world. 🇱🇰 vs 🇧🇩 forever! 🏆
