Cricket in Asia has always been a tale of passion, competition, and countrywide satisfaction. Among those rivalries, the Bangladesh national cricket team vs Sri Lanka countrywide cricket crew timeline stands proud as a captivating adventure. From Bangladesh’s early days as a new Test-playing nation to Sri Lanka’s dominance in global cricket, their encounters had been full of exciting contests, unforgettable performances, and moments that formed both teams’ cricketing identities.

In this article, we can cover:

• The origin of Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka cricket rivalry
• Head-to-head data in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is
• Memorable matches and turning factors
• Timeline of encounters in ICC tournaments and bilateral series
• Statistical insights in an in depth table

1. Origins of the Rivalry

The contention between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka dates back to the Eighties whilst Bangladesh was nonetheless an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). However, the respectable rivalry started in 1986, during the Asia Cup, whilst the two facets first confronted each other in an ODI.

For Sri Lanka, who were already rising as a strong pressure after their historical 1983 World Cup win towards Australia and becoming World Cup champions in 1996, playing Bangladesh often meant a test against a developing crew. On the opposite hand, for Bangladesh, each recreation in opposition to Sri Lanka became a gaining knowledge of enjoyment and a chance to show themselves.

2. Head-to-Head Record

Over the years, both teams have met across formats, with Sri Lanka largely dominating. However, Bangladesh has grown into a competitive side, securing crucial wins in World Cups and Asia Cups.

Overall Head-to-Head (as of 2025):

Sri Lanka has historically dominated, but Bangladesh has improved significantly, especially in the last decade, where they managed to win key matches in ICC tournaments and bilateral series.

3. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in Tests

• 2001: Bangladesh performed their first-ever Test fit towards Sri Lanka in Colombo, however Sri Lanka gained convincingly.
• 2005: Sri Lanka always outplayed Bangladesh with international-elegance spinners like Muttiah Muralitharan wreaking havoc.
• 2017: An ancient moment got here whilst Bangladesh registered their first-ever Test win against Sri Lanka at P. Sara Oval, Colombo.
• 2022–2023: The contests became extra aggressive, with Bangladesh drawing and winning fits at domestic, showing a sizeable boom in red-ball cricket.

4. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in ODIs

ODIs have always been the maximum aggressive format among these  international locations.

• 1986 Asia Cup: The first legitimate ODI among Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
• 1997 ICC Trophy: Bangladesh bowled over Sri Lanka in practice video games however couldn’t mirror it in ODIs.
• 2003 World Cup: Sri Lanka dominated Bangladesh in South Africa.
• 2007 World Cup: Bangladesh greatly surprised India, but Sri Lanka knocked them out later.
• 2012 Asia Cup: Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in Dhaka, marking certainly one of their earliest massive wins.
• 2018 Nidahas Trophy Tri-Series: Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in a nail-biting finish, led by Mushfiqur Rahim’s heroics.
• 2019 World Cup: Match deserted due to rain, denying both groups vital factors.
• 2023 World Cup (India): Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in Delhi, certainly one of their most memorable wins in World Cup records.

five. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in T20Is

T20 cricket has similarly spiced up the contention:

• 2006: Their first T20I clash went in Sri Lanka’s favor.
• 2018 Nidahas Trophy Final: One of the most dramatic encounters where Sri Lanka reached the very last, but Bangladesh stole the spotlight with the aid of knocking them out inside the group level.
• 2022 Asia Cup: Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh in a high-scoring thriller in Dubai, disposing of Bangladesh.
• 2023–2024 Bilateral T20 Series: Bangladesh ultimately secured back-to-lower back wins in opposition to Sri Lanka at domestic, marking a shift in T20 competitiveness.

6. Timeline of Key Matches

Here’s a chronological timeline of important Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka encounters:

7. Statistical Rivalry: Top Performers

Top Run-Scorers (Across Formats)

• Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillakaratne Dilshan
• Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim

Top Wicket-Takers (Across Formats)

• Sri Lanka: Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga
• Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan, Mashrafe Mortaza, Mustafizur Rahman

eight. Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in ICC Tournaments

Both groups have met multiple instances in World Cups, Champions Trophies, and Asia Cups. Sri Lanka often had the higher hand in the early years, but Bangladesh’s rise made ICC encounters unpredictable. Their 2012 Asia Cup win and 2023 World Cup victory stand as proof of Bangladesh’s growing electricity.

nine. Future of the Rivalry

Looking forward, the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka rivalry is most effective to grow stronger. Bangladesh’s young capabilities like Towhid Hridoy and Shoriful Islam, blended with skilled campaigners like Shakib Al Hasan, make them risky combatants. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is rebuilding with stars like Wanindu Hasaranga and Pathum Nissanka.

With each international location eager to climb the ICC rankings, every encounter between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka is expected to be more competitive, emotional, and thrilling for enthusiasts worldwide.

Conclusion

The Bangladesh national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team timeline reflects a journey of boom, resilience, and Asian cricketing spirit. From one-sided contests in the 1980s and Nineties to nail-biting thrillers in current years, this rivalry tells the story of how Bangladesh emerged as an impressive cricketing state whilst Sri Lanka continued its legacy as a cricketing powerhouse.