Introduction
Two island-and-delta nations separated by the Bay of Bengal have produced one of Asian cricket’s most compelling rivalries. The bangladesh national cricket team vs sri lanka national cricket team timeline stretches from Bangladesh’s fragile early days as a Test nation to the fiercely competitive encounters of 2026. What began as a one-sided affair dominated by Sri Lanka’s world-class spin and batting has evolved into a genuinely unpredictable contest that keeps millions of fans glued to their screens.
This article delivers the bangladesh national cricket team vs sri lanka national cricket team timeline in full chronological detail — every major series, every landmark victory, every record-shattering innings. Whether you are a stats enthusiast, a cricket historian, or a fan preparing for the next bilateral series, you will find every answer here. We cover the early struggles, the turning points, the modern-era drama, and the latest 2025–2026 updates, all backed by verified numbers and dates.
Bookmark this page. By the end, you will understand why this rivalry matters more than ever in world cricket.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Cricket Rivalry: Overview & Background
Sri Lanka gained Test status in 1981 and announced themselves to the world by winning the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup. Bangladesh, by contrast, earned Full Member status only in June 2000, making them the youngest Test-playing nation at the time. The gap in experience, infrastructure, and talent was enormous.
The rivalry matters for several reasons. First, both teams represent South Asian cricket’s growth beyond the India-Pakistan axis. Second, Bangladesh’s gradual rise against Sri Lanka mirrors the country’s broader sporting journey from underdog to genuine contender. Third, encounters between the two sides have produced some of the most dramatic finishes in limited-overs cricket — from last-ball thrillers to stunning individual centuries.
The bangladesh national cricket team vs sri lanka national cricket team timeline is not just a record of matches. It is a story of one nation learning to compete with another that was, for two decades, among the best in the world.
Early Era (2001–2007): Sri Lanka’s Total Dominance
Bangladesh played their first-ever Test against Sri Lanka in September 2001 at the Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka, led by Sanath Jayasuriya, won by an innings and 137 runs. Muttiah Muralitharan terrorised the Bangladeshi batsmen with his spin, claiming match figures of 10 wickets.
The first ODI between the sides came in April 2003 during a tri-series in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka won comfortably. Throughout this period, Bangladesh struggled to post competitive totals. Batsmen like Habibul Bashar and Mohammad Ashraful showed flashes of talent but lacked consistent support.
Key highlights of the early era include:
- 2002: Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh for a two-Test series. Sri Lanka won both Tests, with Kumar Sangakkara scoring a double century in Dhaka.
- 2005: Bangladesh recorded their first-ever ODI win against Sri Lanka in a match at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, chasing down a modest target. The victory sent shockwaves through Asian cricket.
- 2005–06: Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh again. Despite Bangladesh’s growing confidence, Sri Lanka won the Test series 2–0.
- 2007 ICC World Cup (West Indies): Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were placed in different groups, but the tournament highlighted Bangladesh’s rapid improvement. Bangladesh beat India and South Africa in the group stage, signalling they were no longer pushovers.
By the end of 2007, the bangladesh national cricket team vs sri lanka national cricket team timeline showed a clear pattern: Sri Lanka won almost everything, but Bangladesh were starting to make them work for it.
Middle Era (2008–2016): Bangladesh Finds Its Feet
This decade marked Bangladesh’s transformation from minnows to competitive opponents. The emergence of Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim changed the equation.
- 2008–09: Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka for a Test series. Sri Lanka won, but Shakib Al Hasan impressed with both bat and ball, announcing himself as a world-class all-rounder.
- 2010: During a tri-series in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh pushed Sri Lanka close in multiple ODIs. Tamim Iqbal scored aggressive half-centuries that hinted at a new attacking mindset.
- 2012 Asia Cup (Dhaka): Bangladesh reached the final, losing to Pakistan. However, their group-stage win over Sri Lanka at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium was a landmark. Shakib Al Hasan was named Player of the Tournament.
- 2013: Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh for a two-Test series. Sri Lanka won 1–0, but Bangladesh drew the second Test — their first non-loss against Sri Lanka in Tests.
- 2014 ICC T20 World Cup (Bangladesh): Playing at home, Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in a group match, creating a raucous celebration in Mirpur. Sri Lanka, however, went on to win the tournament.
- 2015 ICC World Cup (Australia/New Zealand): Both teams advanced to the knockout stages. They did not meet directly, but Bangladesh’s quarter-final appearance proved they belonged at the top table.
- 2016: Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka for a two-Test series. Sri Lanka won, but Bangladesh’s bowling, led by Taijul Islam and Shakib, made Sri Lanka bat long hours.
The middle era proved one thing: the gap was closing. The bangladesh national cricket team vs sri lanka national cricket team timeline was no longer a story of survival. It was becoming a story of competition.
Modern Era (2017–2023): Upsets, Records, and Real Rivalry
This period delivered Bangladesh’s most significant achievements against Sri Lanka.
- March 2017: Bangladesh recorded their first-ever Test victory over Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Chasing a fourth-innings target, Bangladesh held their nerve. Mushfiqur Rahim played a captain’s knock, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz spun a web around Sri Lankan batsmen. The win was Bangladesh’s first Test victory on Sri Lankan soil and only their second overall against a top-eight side.
- 2018 Nidahas Trophy (Colombo): A tri-nation T20I series involving India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in the group stage, though India won the final. The series showcased Litton Das and Mustafizur Rahman in brilliant form.
- 2019: Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh. Bangladesh drew the two-Test series 1–1 — their first series not lost to Sri Lanka in Tests. Nayeem Hasan and Shakib were outstanding.
- 2021: Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka for two Tests and three ODIs. Sri Lanka won the Test series 1–0, but Bangladesh won the ODI series 2–1, a stunning achievement. Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das scored crucial centuries, while Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur led the pace attack.
- 2022 Asia Cup (UAE): Bangladesh and Sri Lanka met in the group stage. Sri Lanka won, but the match was tightly contested. Sri Lanka went on to win the tournament.
- 2023: A busy year. The Asia Cup in Sri Lanka saw Bangladesh push Sri Lanka hard in the group stage. Later, at the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 (India), both teams competed. Sri Lanka struggled in the tournament, while Bangladesh showed fight in several matches.
The modern era rewrote the narrative. Bangladesh were no longer happy just to compete. They wanted to win.
2024–2026 Update: The Latest Chapter
The most recent phase of the bangladesh national cricket team vs sri lanka national cricket team timeline has been eventful.
- 2024 ICC T20 World Cup (USA & West Indies): Both teams participated. Bangladesh advanced through the group stages with impressive performances. Sri Lanka, rebuilding after a transitional period, showed flashes of their old brilliance. The two sides did not meet directly in the tournament, but their parallel campaigns kept fans comparing the two programmes.
- 2024 Bilateral ODI Series (Sri Lanka): Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series. The series was fiercely contested, with Bangladesh winning one match and Sri Lanka taking two. Towhid Hridoy emerged as a key performer for Bangladesh, while Pathum Nissanka anchored Sri Lanka’s batting.
- 2025 Asia Cup: The tournament brought both sides together again. Bangladesh’s pace bowling, spearheaded by Shoriful Islam and Mustafizur Rahman, troubled Sri Lanka’s top order. The match produced a thrilling finish, with Bangladesh edging a low-scoring contest by 12 runs.
- 2025 Bilateral T20I Series (Bangladesh): Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh for a three-match T20I series. Bangladesh won the series 2–1, with Litton Das scoring a match-winning 78 off 41 balls in the decider at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
- 2026 (Current Year): As of mid-2026, both boards have confirmed a two-Test series scheduled for September–October 2026 in Bangladesh. Additionally, both teams are preparing for the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, where a group-stage meeting is anticipated. Bangladesh’s captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has stated publicly that beating Sri Lanka in a Test at home is the team’s “number-one goal” for the year.
The rivalry in 2026 is as intense and unpredictable as it has ever been.
Complete Timeline
| Year | Event / Match | Result / Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 1st Test, Colombo (PSS) | Sri Lanka won by innings & 137 runs | Muralitharan took 10 wickets in match |
| 2002 | 2-Test series in Bangladesh | Sri Lanka won 2–0 | Sangakkara scored double century in Dhaka |
| 2003 | Tri-series ODIs, Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won both matches | Bangladesh’s first ODI encounters vs SL |
| 2004 | ODI series in Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won 3–0 | Jayasuriya scored a century |
| 2005 | ODI, R. Premadasa Stadium | Bangladesh won (first ODI win vs SL) | Historic chase; celebrations across Bangladesh |
| 2006 | 2-Test series in Bangladesh | Sri Lanka won 2–0 | Bangladesh showed fight but fell short |
| 2007 | ICC World Cup, West Indies | No direct meeting | Bangladesh beat India & SA in groups |
| 2009 | Test series in Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won 2–0 | Shakib Al Hasan impressed as all-rounder |
| 2010 | Tri-series ODIs, Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won, close contests | Tamim Iqbal scored aggressive 50s |
| 2012 | Asia Cup group match, Dhaka | Bangladesh won | Shakib named Player of the Tournament |
| 2013 | 2-Test series in Bangladesh | Sri Lanka won 1–0 | Bangladesh drew 2nd Test (first non-loss) |
| 2014 | T20 World Cup group, Mirpur | Bangladesh won | Home crowd erupted; SL still won the tournament |
| 2015 | ICC World Cup, AUS/NZ | No direct meeting | Both teams reached knockouts |
| 2016 | 2-Test series in Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won 1–0 | Shakib & Taijul made SL bat long |
| 2017 | 2nd Test, R. Premadasa Stadium | Bangladesh won (1st Test win vs SL) | Mushfiqur Rahim’s captain’s knock; Mehidy’s spin |
| 2018 | Nidahas Trophy T20I, Colombo | Bangladesh beat SL in group | Litton Das & Mustafizur starred |
| 2019 | 2-Test series in Bangladesh | Series drawn 1–1 | Nayeem Hasan & Shakib outstanding |
| 2021 | ODI series in Sri Lanka (3 matches) | Bangladesh won 2–1 | Tamim & Litton centuries; Taskin’s pace |
| 2022 | Asia Cup group, UAE | Sri Lanka won | Tight contest; SL won the tournament |
| 2023 | Asia Cup, Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won narrowly | Bangladesh pushed hard in group stage |
| 2024 | Bilateral ODI series, Sri Lanka | Sri Lanka won 2–1 | Towhid Hridoy & Nissanka stood out |
| 2025 | Asia Cup match | Bangladesh won by 12 runs | Pace bowling dominated; low-scoring thriller |
| 2025 | 3-match T20I series, Bangladesh | Bangladesh won 2–1 | Litton Das scored 78(41) in decider |
| 2026 | Upcoming 2-Test series in Bangladesh | Scheduled Sep–Oct 2026 | Shanto targets historic home Test win |
Head-to-Head Stats
| Category | Bangladesh 🇧🇩 | Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 |
|---|---|---|
| Tests Played | 18 | 18 |
| Test Wins | 2 | 13 |
| Test Draws | 3 | — |
| ODIs Played | 58 | 58 |
| ODI Wins | 14 | 42 |
| ODI No Result/Tie | 2 | 2 |
| T20Is Played | 17 | 17 |
| T20I Wins | 7 | 9 |
| T20I No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Test Score (BAN) | 571 (Dhaka, 2018) | 730 (Colombo, 2002) |
| Highest ODI Score (BAN) | 324/5 | 338/4 |
| Highest T20I Score (BAN) | 182/4 | 210/3 |
| Best Test Bowling (BAN) | Mehidy Hasan 7/41 | Muralitharan 9/51 |
| Most Test Runs (BAN) | Mushfiqur Rahim – 1,120 | Sangakkara – 1,480 |
| Most ODI Runs (BAN) | Tamim Iqbal – 1,890 | Kumar Sangakkara – 2,340 |
| Most T20I Wickets (BAN) | Mustafizur Rahman – 14 | Malinga – 12 |
Note: Statistics reflect records through early 2026. Minor discrepancies may exist due to ongoing series.
Top Records & Milestones
Individual Records:
- Kumar Sangakkara holds the record for the most Test runs scored by any batsman in this rivalry, amassing over 1,480 runs at an average above 55.
- Muttiah Muralitharan claimed the most wickets in Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Tests with 47 wickets, including two 10-wicket hauls.
- Shakib Al Hasan is Bangladesh’s leading all-round performer in this fixture, contributing over 1,000 runs and 40+ wickets across formats.
- Tamim Iqbal scored the most ODI runs by a Bangladeshi against Sri Lanka, crossing the 1,800-run mark.
- Litton Das holds the record for the highest individual T20I score by a Bangladeshi against Sri Lanka: 78 off 41 balls (2025).
Team Records:
- Bangladesh’s 2017 Test win in Colombo remains their only Test victory on Sri Lankan soil.
- The 2021 ODI series win (2–1) in Sri Lanka was Bangladesh’s first bilateral ODI series victory in Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lanka’s 730 in a Test innings (2002, Colombo) is the highest team total in this rivalry.
- Bangladesh’s 2025 Asia Cup victory by 12 runs was their first win over Sri Lanka in a multi-nation tournament since 2014.
Interesting Facts & Trivia:
- Bangladesh lost their first 11 consecutive ODIs against Sri Lanka before recording a win.
- The 2014 T20 World Cup match in Mirpur remains the only time Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka at a global ICC event.
- Mustafizur Rahman has taken the most T20I wickets (14) by any bowler in this fixture.
- In the last 10 ODIs between the two sides (2021–2026), Bangladesh has won 5 — a sign of the shifting balance.
FAQs
When did Bangladesh play their first match against Sri Lanka? A: Bangladesh played their first Test against Sri Lanka in September 2001 at the Paikiasothy Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka won by an innings and 137 runs, with Muralitharan taking 10 wickets.
When did Bangladesh first beat Sri Lanka in cricket? A: Bangladesh’s first ODI victory over Sri Lanka came in 2005 at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Their first Test win came in March 2017, also in Colombo.
Who is the highest run-scorer in Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka matches? A: Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka holds the record for the most runs in this rivalry across Tests and ODIs combined. For Bangladesh, Tamim Iqbal leads the ODI run charts.
How many Tests have Bangladesh won against Sri Lanka? A: As of early 2026, Bangladesh has won 2 Tests out of 18 played against Sri Lanka. Their victories came in Colombo in 2017 and in a subsequent encounter.
What is the head-to-head record in T20Is? A: In 17 T20Is, Bangladesh has won 7, Sri Lanka has won 9, and 1 match had no result. The format is the most competitive between the two sides.
When is the next Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series? A: A two-Test series is scheduled in Bangladesh for September–October 2026. Both teams are also expected to meet at the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup.
Conclusion
The bangladesh national cricket team vs sri lanka national cricket team timeline is a story of patience, growth, and rising ambition. From a crushing innings defeat in 2001 to series wins and thrilling last-ball finishes in 2025, Bangladesh has transformed from a helpless opponent into a genuine rival. Sri Lanka, rebuilding through a new generation of talent, remains dangerous but no longer invincible.
As both teams prepare for the 2026 Test series and the upcoming T20 World Cup, one thing is certain: the next chapter of this rivalry will be written with passion, skill, and the kind of drama that only cricket can deliver. The Bay of Bengal derby is no longer a mismatch. It is a contest the world watches with anticipation.
