Table of Contents
The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka cricket rivalry has evolved from one-sided domination in the 1980s to a fierce, emotional battle packed with drama, upsets, and mind games. What began as lessons in humility has transformed into neighborly fire—historic breakthroughs, Naagin celebrations, timed-out controversies, and balanced clashes that keep fans on edge. This is the full journey of stats, passion, and pride.
Latest Matches
Recent Bangladesh National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline encounters as of December 2025:
| Tournament | Venue | Date | Toss | Bangladesh Score | Sri Lanka Score | Result | Series | Player of the Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asia Cup T20I | Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai | Sep 20, 2025 | SL | 168/6 (20) | 164/7 (20) | Bangladesh won by 4 wickets | Asia Cup 2025 | Najmul Hossain Shanto (BAN) |
| 3rd T20I | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jul 16, 2025 | BAN | 133/2 (16.3) | 132/7 (20) | Bangladesh won by 8 wickets | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 | Rishad Hossain (BAN) |
| 2nd T20I | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla | Jul 13, 2025 | SL | 177/7 (20) | 94 (15.2) | Bangladesh won by 83 runs | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 | Towhid Hridoy (BAN) |
| 1st T20I | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy | Jul 10, 2025 | BAN | 154/5 (20) | 159/3 (19) | Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 | Kusal Mendis (SL) |
| 3rd ODI | Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy | Jul 8, 2025 | BAN | 186 (39.4) | 285/7 (50) | Sri Lanka won by 99 runs | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 | Pathum Nissanka (SL) |
| 2nd ODI | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jul 5, 2025 | SL | 248 (45.5) | 232 (48.5) | Bangladesh won by 16 runs | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 | Tanzim Hasan Sakib (BAN) |
| 1st ODI | R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | Jul 2, 2025 | SL | 167 (35.5) | 244 (49.2) | Sri Lanka won by 77 runs | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 | Avishka Fernando (SL) |
| 2nd Test | Sinhalese Sports Club Ground, Colombo | Jun 25-28, 2025 | BAN | 247 & 133 | 458 | Sri Lanka won by an innings and 78 runs | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 | Kamindu Mendis (SL) |
| 1st Test | Galle International Stadium, Galle | Jun 17-21, 2025 | SL | 495 & 285/6d | 485 & 72/4 | Match drawn | Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka 2025 | Mushfiqur Rahim (BAN) |
| 2nd Test | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | Mar 30-Apr 3, 2024 | SL | 178 & 157/7d | 531 | Sri Lanka won by 192 runs | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2024 | Lahiru Kumara (SL) |
| 1st Test | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet | Mar 22-25, 2024 | BAN | 188 & 182 | 280 & 418 | Sri Lanka won by 328 runs | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2024 | Dhananjaya de Silva (SL) |
| 3rd ODI | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | Mar 18, 2024 | SL | 237/6 (40.2) | 235 (50) | Bangladesh won by 4 wickets | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2024 | Tanzid Hasan (BAN) |
| 2nd ODI | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | Mar 15, 2024 | BAN | 286/7 (50) | 287/7 (47.1) | Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2024 | Charith Asalanka (SL) |
| 1st ODI | Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram | Mar 13, 2024 | BAN | 255 (48.5) | 257/4 (44.4) | Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2024 | Pathum Nissanka (SL) |
| 3rd T20I | Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet | Mar 9, 2024 | SL | 174/7 (20) | 146 (19.4) | Bangladesh won by 28 runs | Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh 2024 | Rishad Hossain (BAN) |
Head-to-Head Table: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – The Fiery Rivalry Breakdown
| Format | Matches Played | Bangladesh Wins | Sri Lanka Wins | Draws/No Result/Tie | Key Notes & Standout Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 28 | 1 | 21 | 6 | SL’s innings wins dominate; BAN’s sole victory in 2017 (historic chase). Highest total: SL 713/9d (2002). |
| ODIs | 60 | 13 | 45 | 2 | SL edges big tournaments; BAN’s 2023 World Cup win (by 3 wkts) a thriller. Highest chase: BAN 257/4 (2024). |
| T20Is | 22 | 9 | 13 | 0 | BAN’s recent surge (won 2025 Asia Cup clash); SL’s 83-run rout (2025). Best bowling: SL’s 5/20 by Thushara. |
| Overall (All Formats) | 110 | 23 | 79 | 8 | SL ~72% win rate; BAN’s passion shines in home thrillers. Emotions peak with sledging and fan rivalries! |
Best Player Analysis: Stars Who Ignite the BAN vs SL Battles
| Player | Team | Format Focus | Key Stats vs Opponent | Iconic Nail-Biter Moment | Why They Own the Rivalry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kumar Sangakkara | SL | Tests/ODIs | 1,816 Test runs (avg 90.8, 6x100s); 1,033+ overall | Double ton (222) in 2007 Test rout | Ultimate dominator—piled misery on BAN with elegant consistency |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | BAN | All formats | 1,200+ runs (multiple 70s/80s); solid keeping | Unbeaten 72 in 2018 T20 win chase | BAN’s spine—clutch finishes and defiance against SL pace |
| Shakib Al Hasan | BAN | All formats | 200+ wkts overall; 1,000+ runs | All-round heroics in 2017 Test win (wkts + runs) | Game-changer—spin traps and aggressive batting flip scripts |
| Lasith Malinga | SL | Limited overs | 50+ ODI/T20 wkts (best 5/34); yorker king | 4 wkts in 2018 Nidahas final thriller | Slinger supreme—death-over terror that crushed BAN hopes |
| Pathum Nissanka | SL | ODIs/T20Is | 500+ runs recent (HS 124); quick scoring | Century in 2024 ODI chase victory | Modern powerhouse—sets blazing starts in white-ball wars |
| Mustafizur Rahman | BAN | Limited overs | 40+ wkts (best 6/10); cutters lethal | 5-fer in 2022 ODI upset | Fizz factor—variations dismantle SL batting under lights |
| Kusal Mendis | SL | T20Is/ODIs | 400+ T20 runs (HS 86); explosive | 86 in 2024 T20 win amid collapse | Firestarter—counter-attacks turn pressure into SL triumphs |
| Najmul Hossain Shanto | BAN | All formats | Emerging 600+ runs; captain’s knocks | POTM in 2025 Test draw (century) | Rising leader—anchors innings, fuels BAN’s comeback era |
The Uneasy Start: 1986–2001 – When It Wasn’t Even a Rivalry Yet
Back in the mid-1980s, Bangladesh was just dipping its toes into international cricket, while Sri Lanka was already making waves after their 1983 World Cup exploits. Their first clash came on April 2, 1986, in the Asia Cup at Kandy, where Sri Lanka cruised to a seven-wicket win. Bangladesh managed only 131, highlighting their inexperience against pros like Arjuna Ranatunga. Fans in Dhaka watched with hope, but Colombo barely noticed—it felt like a mismatch, not a rivalry.
Over the next 15 years, they met eight times in ODIs, all in tournaments like the Asia Cup or Austral-Asia Cup. Sri Lanka dominated every one, often chasing modest totals with ease or setting imposing scores. Bangladesh’s batting crumbled under pressure, rarely crossing 200. Aggression was minimal; it was more about survival for the newcomers. Tactics? Sri Lanka relied on spin and steady batting, while Bangladesh struggled with basics.
The period ended with Bangladesh’s Test debut against Sri Lanka in September 2001 at Colombo’s SSC Ground. It was brutal—Sri Lanka declared at 555/5, powered by Aravinda de Silva’s 206, then bowled Bangladesh out twice for an innings defeat. Muttiah Muralitharan’s 5/13 in the first innings set records. Fans felt the gap, but it sparked Bangladesh’s resolve.
| Date | Format | Venue | Result | Bangladesh Score | Sri Lanka Score | Key Player Stats | Best Moments/Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 2, 1986 | ODI | Kandy | SL won by 7 wkts | 131/8 (45 ov) | 132/3 (25.3 ov) | Ranatunga 38*, de Silva 2/19 | SL’s easy chase; Ban’s lowest total in debut |
| Mar 31, 1988 | ODI | Colombo | SL won by 9 wkts | 70 (31.5 ov) | 71/1 (12.1 ov) | Mahanama 32*, Vaas 3/10 | Ban’s record low score; quickest SL win |
| Oct 29, 1988 | ODI | Dhaka | SL won by 9 wkts | 118/8 (45 ov) | 120/1 (23.2 ov) | de Silva 52*, Ratnayeke 3/17 | Home crowd disappointment; de Silva’s fastest fifty |
| Apr 25, 1990 | ODI | Sharjah | SL won by 71 runs | 160/8 (45 ov) | 231/5 (45 ov) | Ranatunga 52, Labrooy 3/34 | Highest SL total then; Ban’s fighting chase falls short |
| Dec 31, 1990 | ODI | Kolkata | SL won by 71 runs | 143 (42.5 ov) | 214/8 (45 ov) | de Silva 89, Ramanayake 4/30 | de Silva’s highest; New Year’s Eve thriller for fans |
| Apr 2, 1995 | ODI | Sharjah | SL won by 107 runs | 122 (37.3 ov) | 229/6 (45 ov) | Gurusinha 108, Muralitharan 3/21 | Gurusinha’s ton; Murali’s spin magic emerges |
| Jul 24, 1997 | ODI | Colombo | SL won by 103 runs | 193/9 (50 ov) | 296/4 (50 ov) | Jayasuriya 108, Atapattu 118 | Double centuries; SL’s highest score vs Ban |
| Jun 1, 2000 | ODI | Dhaka | SL won by 9 wkts | 175 (49.5 ov) | 176/1 (36.4 ov) | Sangakkara 58*, Muralitharan 3/29 | Sangakkara’s debut impact; Ban’s home loss stings |
| Sep 6-9, 2001 | Test | Colombo | SL won by inns & 137 runs | 90 & 328 | 555/5d | de Silva 206, Murali 5/13 & 5/98 | Record innings win; de Silva’s farewell double ton |
Sparks of Defiance: White-Ball Breakthroughs and Growing Belief (2011–2016)
As Bangladesh cricket matured in the 2010s, white-ball games became the arena where defiance first flickered against Sri Lanka’s long shadow. While Tests remained one-sided (Sri Lanka won all series, including 2013-14’s massive innings thrashings), ODIs and T20Is showed cracks in the armor. Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round brilliance, Tamim Iqbal’s aggressive opening, and Mushfiqur Rahim’s calm anchoring started troubling Sri Lanka’s vaunted lineup.
A landmark came in the 2012 Asia Cup at Dhaka: Bangladesh chased down Sri Lanka’s 232 under D/L method, winning by five wickets with Mahmudullah and Shakib steering calmly. It was a rare upset in a high-pressure tournament. Then the 2016 Asia Cup in Mirpur delivered fireworks—Bangladesh stunned defending champions Sri Lanka by 23 runs, thanks to Sabbir Rahman’s explosive 80 off 54 balls and disciplined bowling restricting the Lions.
Tactics evolved: Bangladesh exploited home spin-friendly pitches with Shakib and Nasir Hossain, while Sri Lanka’s pace and spin duo of Lasith Malinga and Rangana Herath still dominated. Fan emotions surged—Mirpur crowds roared louder, believing victory was possible. Online banter grew; aggression simmered in close finishes. Sri Lanka still led head-to-head (ODIs around 40-10 overall then), but Bangladesh closed the gap, building momentum for bigger breakthroughs. These years planted seeds of belief—no more easy wins for the visitors.
| Date | Format | Venue | Result | Bangladesh Score | Sri Lanka Score | Key Player Stats | Best Moments/Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 20, 2012 | ODI (Asia Cup) | Dhaka | Ban won by 5 wkts (D/L) | 212/5 (40.1/46 ov target) | 232/8 (50 ov) | Mahmudullah 52*, Shakib 49*, Malinga 3/49 | Historic chase; first major Asia Cup win vs SL; D/L drama |
| Feb 26, 2014 | ODI | Mirpur | SL won by 92 runs | 135 (33.2 ov) | 227/9 (50 ov) | Dilshan 67, Shakib 3/32 | SL’s low total defended; Ban collapse under pressure |
| Feb 28, 2014 | ODI | Mirpur | SL won by 3 wkts | 240 (49.4 ov) | 241/7 (49.2 ov) | Tamim 59, Mathews 75*, Rubel 4/63 | Thriller chase; Mathews heroics |
| Mar 3, 2014 | ODI | Mirpur | SL won by 6 wkts | 268/6 (50 ov) | 269/4 (47.2 ov) | Anamul 62, Sangakkara 67*, Shakib 2/47 | SL’s composed chase |
| Feb 26, 2016 | T20I (Asia Cup) | Mirpur | Ban won by 23 runs | 147/8 (20 ov) | 124 (19.5 ov) | Sabbir 80 (54), Mustafizur 2/13, Malinga 1/30 | Sabbir’s maiden T20I fifty; historic upset over defending champs |
| Feb 28, 2016 | T20I (Asia Cup) | Mirpur | SL won by 6 wkts | 139/8 (20 ov) | 140/4 (19 ov) | Soumya 47, Chandimal 58*, Taskin 2/27 | SL bounce back |
| Mar 4, 2016 | T20I (Asia Cup) | Mirpur | SL won by 6 wkts | 108 (19 ov) | 110/4 (15.2 ov) | Herath 3/6, Shakib 1/12 | SL’s spin demolition; Ban’s lowest T20I total |
| Mar 17, 2013 | ODI | Pallekele | SL won by 17 runs | 225/9 (50 ov) | 242/9 (50 ov) | Tamim 59, Mathews 75*, Shakib 4/47 | Close contest; Shakib’s four-for |
| Feb 22, 2014 | Test | Mirpur | SL won by inns & 248 runs | 232 & 250 | 730/6d | Dilshan 247, Chandimal 203*, Shakib 5/139 | SL’s record high total vs Ban; massive margin |
| Jan 27-30, 2014 | Test | Mirpur | SL won by inns & 248 runs | 232 & 250 | 730/6d | Dilshan 247, Chandimal 203* | SL’s highest team total vs Ban; dominance peak |
The Naagin Era: Celebrations, Mind Games, and Rising Aggression (2018–2020)
The late 2010s turned the rivalry fiery with celebrations crossing into provocation. It kicked off in February 2018 during Sri Lanka’s T20I tour of Bangladesh. Spinner Nazmul Islam debuted with a maiden wicket and celebrated by mimicking a snake—Naagin dance—after dismissing Danushka Gunathilaka. Sri Lanka won both matches, and Gunathilaka mocked Nazmul with the same dance after sealing the series.
The spice exploded in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy in Colombo. Mushfiqur Rahim smashed an unbeaten 72 off 35 balls to chase 215 against Sri Lanka, then unleashed the Naagin dance toward the hosts’ dressing room—pure cheeky aggression. In the virtual semi-final (6th match), Bangladesh chased 160 in the final over via Mahmudullah’s late six, leading to wild team celebrations including the dance. Verbal volleys flew; a dressing room door allegedly got damaged amid shoving. Sri Lanka won the final thriller by two wickets, but Bangladesh’s bold mindset shone.
Tests stayed Sri Lankan-dominated (drawn 1-1 in 2017/18 home series), but white-ball games grew tense with mind games and close finishes. Fans loved the drama—Dhaka crowds chanted wildly, Colombo felt the heat. Tactics? Bangladesh’s aggressive batting and spin exploited conditions, while Sri Lanka’s experience held firm. Aggression spilled online and on-field; this era closed the gap, making every clash electric. Head-to-head tightened in limited-overs, fueling future chaos.
| Date | Format | Venue | Result | Bangladesh Score | Sri Lanka Score | Key Player Stats | Best Moments/Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 15, 2018 | T20I | Mirpur | SL won by 6 wkts | 193/5 (20 ov) | 194/4 (19.3 ov) | Liton Das 43, Nazmul Islam 2/21 (debut Naagin dance), Gunathilaka 42 | Nazmul’s maiden wicket + snake celebration; Gunathilaka’s mocking Naagin response later in series |
| Feb 18, 2018 | T20I | Mirpur | SL won by 75 runs | 210/8 (20 ov) | 125 (19.3 ov) | Shakib 39, Thisara Perera 3/24, Gunathilaka Naagin mock | Series sweep; Gunathilaka dances at Nazmul after final wicket |
| Mar 10, 2018 | T20I (Nidahas) | Colombo (RPS) | Ban won by 5 wkts (2b rem) | 215/5 (19.4 ov target 215) | 214/6 (20 ov) | Mushfiqur Rahim 72* (35), Liton Das 43, Malinga 2/41 | Mushfiqur’s explosive SR 205.71; iconic solo Naagin dance celebration toward SL dugout |
| Mar 16, 2018 | T20I (Nidahas) | Colombo (RPS) | Ban won by 2 wkts (1b rem) | 160/8 (19.5 ov target 160) | 159/7 (20 ov) | Mahmudullah winning six, Kusal Perera 61, Thisara 58, Mustafizur 2/21 | Thriller chase; full team Naagin dance; heated exchanges, alleged door damage |
| Mar 18, 2018 | T20I (Nidahas Final) | Colombo (RPS) | SL won by 2 wkts | 166/8 (20 ov) | 168/8 (19.5 ov) | Shakib 65, Thisara 3/32, Shakib 2/39 | SL edge thriller; Naagin backlash from fans; rivalry peaks with aggression |
| Jan 31-Feb 4, 2018 | Test | Chattogram | Drawn | 513 & 307/5 | 713/9d | Mushfiqur 159, Shakib 126 & 5/106, Dilshan 173 | High-scoring stalemate; Ban’s fightback |
| Feb 8-10, 2018 | Test | Mirpur | SL won by 215 runs | 110 & 123 | 222 & 226 | Herath 5/45 & 6/59, Dilruwan 4/69 | Spin demolition; SL regain control |
Recent Fireworks: 2024–2026 Clashes – Balanced Battles and Ongoing Drama
The 2024-2026 period delivered intense, balanced clashes as Bangladesh pushed Sri Lanka harder than ever. In white-ball cricket, upsets thrilled fans—Bangladesh stunned Sri Lanka in the 2024 T20 World Cup group stage (first WC win), then chased 169 in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Fours at Dubai, winning by four wickets with a ball to spare. Saif Hassan’s 61 off 45 and Towhid Hridoy’s explosive 58 off 37 anchored a dramatic final-over finish, igniting Dhaka celebrations and Colombo frustration. Tactics shone: Bangladesh’s middle-order firepower countered Sri Lanka’s pace.
Tests showed Sri Lanka’s resilience. The 2025 tour of Sri Lanka started with a high-scoring Galle draw—Bangladesh 495 & 285/6d, Sri Lanka 485 & 72/4 (target 296)—a tense stalemate with big centuries. But Colombo’s second Test crushed hopes: Sri Lanka bowled Bangladesh out for 247 & 133 after posting 458, winning by an innings and 78 runs. Spin mastery and home conditions prevailed.
ODIs mixed: Sri Lanka took a 77-run win in Colombo, but Bangladesh fought back in series. Aggression peaked with verbal jabs and crowd roars. Head-to-head narrowed—Tests Sri Lanka 21-1 overall (post-2025 updates), but T20Is/ODIs closer. Player battles like Taskin vs Hasaranga thrilled. Drama continued into 2026 hints, proving this neighborly feud now packs real punch—no easy wins anymore.
| Date | Format | Venue | Result | Bangladesh Score | Sri Lanka Score | Key Player Stats | Best Moments/Records |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 17-21, 2025 | Test | Galle | Drawn | 495 & 285/6d | 485 & 72/4 (T:296) | High scores across (specific centuries implied), tight defense | High-scoring thriller; closest to upset on turning track; massive totals |
| Jun 25-28, 2025 | Test | Colombo (SSC) | SL won by inns & 78 runs | 247 & 133 | 458 | SL spin dominance | Innings demolition; SL’s control regained; Bangladesh collapse under pressure |
| Jul 2, 2025 | ODI | Colombo (RPS) | SL won by 77 runs | 167 (35.5/50 ov, T:245) | 244 | SL bowling haul | Low chase failure; SL bounce back |
| Sep 20, 2025 | T20I (Asia Cup Super Fours) | Dubai | Ban won by 4 wkts (1b rem) | 169/6 (19.5/20 ov, T:169) | 168/7 | Saif Hassan 61 (45), Towhid Hridoy 58 (37) | Dramatic final-over chase; thriller with sixes under lights; fan-fueled drama |
| Earlier 2024 T20WC | T20I | Various | Ban won | (upset details) | – | Historic first WC win | Group stage shock; belief booster |
| Jul 2025 T20Is | T20I | Sri Lanka | Mixed (e.g., SL 7-wkt win, Ban big chase) | e.g., 154/5 vs 159/3 | Varied | Pace vs spin battles | Series spice; ongoing aggression |
Conclusion
From Muralitharan’s spin webs to Shakib’s all-round mastery and recent chase thrillers, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka has grown into one of Asia’s most captivating rivalries. No longer just dominance—it’s mutual respect laced with aggression, unforgettable moments, and endless drama. The fire burns brighter than ever, promising more epic battles ahead.
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