Table of Contents
The Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team rivalry is one of the most competitive matchups in Asian international cricket. The two teams regularly meet in bilateral series, ICC tournaments, and Asia Cup competitions. Sri Lanka have historically held the advantage, but Bangladesh have produced several famous victories, including important wins in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, the 2023 ODI World Cup, and the 2025 T20I series.
Their encounters feature a combination of experienced international stars, exciting batting performances, spin bowling, and closely contested finishes. From five-day Test matches to high-scoring T20Is, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have developed a rivalry that continues to attract cricket fans.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Record
Sri Lanka have won more matches overall across the three major men’s international formats. However, Bangladesh have improved considerably, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
The following figures provide a historical overview through September 2025, with the T20I record updated to include the October 2026 Asian Games bronze-medal match.
| Format | Matches played | Sri Lanka wins | Bangladesh wins | Draws or no results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 28 | 21 | 1 | 6 draws |
| ODI | 60 | 45 | 13 | 2 no results |
| T20I | 23 | 14 | 9 | 0 |
| Total | 111 | 80 | 23 | 8 |
These figures show Sri Lanka’s historical advantage, especially in Test cricket. Bangladesh have nevertheless demonstrated that they can defeat Sri Lanka in high-pressure situations and win bilateral limited-overs series.
Note: The table covers men’s senior internationals in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. It excludes domestic matches, youth cricket, and other formats.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Match Timeline
Several encounters have shaped the history of this rivalry. The timeline below highlights important moments rather than listing every international match played between the teams.
| Year | Match or milestone | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | T20I meetings began | Sri Lanka won the first T20I encounter |
| 2012 | Asia Cup | Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets |
| 2013 | Test cricket | Mushfiqur Rahim scored Bangladesh’s first Test double century |
| 2016 | T20I cricket | Bangladesh recorded an important T20I victory over Sri Lanka |
| 2017 | Test cricket | Bangladesh earned their first Test victory over Sri Lanka |
| 2018 | Nidahas Trophy | Bangladesh chased 215 against Sri Lanka |
| 2021 | ODI series | Bangladesh recorded their first ODI series win against Sri Lanka |
| 2023 | ODI World Cup | Bangladesh won a controversial match featuring the timed-out dismissal of Angelo Mathews |
| 2024 | ODI series | Bangladesh won the three-match series 2–1 |
| 2025 | T20I series | Bangladesh won their first bilateral T20I series against Sri Lanka |
| 2025 | Asia Cup Super Four | Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets |
| 2026 | Asian Games bronze-medal match | Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 63 runs |
These milestones demonstrate how the rivalry has evolved. Sri Lanka established themselves as the stronger side during the early years, while Bangladesh gradually developed the confidence and experience to challenge them consistently.
Recent Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Match Results
Recent matches have included victories for both sides in all three formats. The results below cover notable encounters from 2024 to 2026.
| Date | Format | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 4 March 2024 | T20I | Sri Lanka won by 3 runs |
| 6 March 2024 | T20I | Bangladesh won by 8 wickets |
| 9 March 2024 | T20I | Sri Lanka won by 28 runs |
| 13 March 2024 | ODI | Bangladesh won by 6 wickets |
| 15 March 2024 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets |
| 18 March 2024 | ODI | Bangladesh won by 4 wickets |
| 22–25 March 2024 | Test | Sri Lanka won by 328 runs |
| 30 March–3 April 2024 | Test | Sri Lanka won by 192 runs |
| 2 July 2025 | ODI | Bangladesh won by 77 runs |
| 5 July 2025 | ODI | Bangladesh won by 16 runs |
| 8 July 2025 | ODI | Sri Lanka won by 99 runs |
| 13 July 2025 | T20I | Bangladesh won by 83 runs |
| 16 July 2025 | T20I | Bangladesh won by 8 wickets |
| 20 September 2025 | T20I, Asia Cup Super Four | Bangladesh won by 4 wickets |
| 3 October 2026 | T20I, Asian Games bronze-medal match | Sri Lanka won by 63 runs |
The 2024 and 2025 results illustrate the competitive nature of the rivalry. Bangladesh won several limited-overs matches, while Sri Lanka continued to perform strongly in Tests and secured important wins in ODIs and T20Is.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ODI Matches
Sri Lanka have historically dominated the ODI head-to-head record, but Bangladesh have made significant progress over the years. Their victories in major tournaments and bilateral series have demonstrated their ability to compete against stronger opposition.
The 2024 ODI Series
Bangladesh hosted Sri Lanka for a three-match ODI series in March 2024. Bangladesh won the series 2–1 after an exciting sequence of matches.
| ODI | Sri Lanka score | Bangladesh score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st ODI, 13 March | 255 all out | 257/4 | Bangladesh won by 6 wickets |
| 2nd ODI, 15 March | 287/7 | 286/7 | Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets |
| 3rd ODI, 18 March | 235 all out | 237/6 | Bangladesh won by 4 wickets |
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s unbeaten 122 in the first ODI was a major contribution to Bangladesh’s successful chase. The second match was much closer, with Sri Lanka edging home by three wickets. Bangladesh responded in the deciding game, chasing 236 with more than nine overs remaining.
The series win was an important achievement for Bangladesh and highlighted their growing confidence in ODI cricket.
The 2025 ODI Series in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka hosted Bangladesh for another three-match ODI series in July 2025. Sri Lanka won the series 2–1.
Bangladesh won the second match by 16 runs after scoring 248, but Sri Lanka took the first match by 77 runs and the third by 99 runs. The results showed Sri Lanka’s ability to recover after a defeat and maintain their advantage at home.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka T20I Matches
T20Is have produced some of the most entertaining encounters in the rivalry. Bangladesh have become increasingly dangerous in the shortest format, particularly when their batters successfully chase large targets.
The Nidahas Trophy Thriller in 2018
One of the most memorable matches between the teams took place during the Nidahas Trophy in Colombo in March 2018. Sri Lanka scored 214/6, setting Bangladesh a challenging target of 215.
Bangladesh reached 215/5 in 19.4 overs and won by five wickets. Mahmudullah played a decisive role in the finish, helping Bangladesh complete one of their most famous T20I chases.
The match became a defining moment for Bangladesh’s T20I team and demonstrated their ability to remain composed in a high-scoring contest.
The 2024 T20I Series
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh played three T20Is in March 2024. Sri Lanka won the series 2–1.
| Match | Sri Lanka score | Bangladesh score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st T20I | 206/3 | 203/8 | Sri Lanka won by 3 runs |
| 2nd T20I | 165/5 | 170/2 | Bangladesh won by 8 wickets |
| 3rd T20I | 174/7 | 146 all out | Sri Lanka won by 28 runs |
The opening match was a high-scoring thriller, with Bangladesh falling just three runs short. Bangladesh bounced back strongly in the second T20I, chasing the target with 11 balls remaining. Sri Lanka then won the series decider by restricting Bangladesh to 146.
Bangladesh’s T20I Success in 2025
Bangladesh achieved an important milestone by winning their first bilateral T20I series against Sri Lanka in July 2025. They recovered from a defeat in the opening match to win the next two games.
Bangladesh won the second T20I by 83 runs and the third by eight wickets. The results highlighted the team’s improved batting and bowling balance in the shortest format.
Later in the 2025 Asia Cup Super Four, Bangladesh also defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets, adding another memorable result to their T20I rivalry.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Test Matches
Test cricket has historically been Sri Lanka’s strongest format against Bangladesh. Sri Lanka have won the vast majority of their Test encounters, although Bangladesh have gradually improved their performances over the years.
Bangladesh’s First Test Victory in 2017
Bangladesh recorded their first Test victory over Sri Lanka in March 2017, winning the second Test in Colombo by four wickets. The result was a major milestone for Bangladesh cricket.
The team had previously struggled to defeat Sri Lanka in the longer format, making the victory particularly significant.
The 2024 Test Series
Sri Lanka visited Bangladesh for two Tests in March and April 2024. Sri Lanka won both matches convincingly.
| Test | Result |
|---|---|
| 1st Test, Sylhet | Sri Lanka won by 328 runs |
| 2nd Test, Chattogram | Sri Lanka won by 192 runs |
Dhananjaya de Silva was instrumental in the first Test, scoring centuries in both innings. Kamindu Mendis also produced an influential performance during the series, helping Sri Lanka maintain their dominance in the longer format.
The two victories reinforced Sri Lanka’s strong Test record against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka in ICC Tournaments
The teams have faced each other in major ICC competitions, including the ODI World Cup and T20 World Cup. These encounters often carry additional pressure because a single result can affect a team’s chances of progressing.
2023 ODI World Cup
Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup in a match remembered for Angelo Mathews becoming the first batter in international cricket to be timed out.
Mathews was given out after failing to be ready to face the next delivery within the allotted time following the fall of a wicket. The incident generated widespread debate, but the match result remained a Bangladesh victory.
2024 T20 World Cup
Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by two wickets in the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup group stage. Sri Lanka scored 124/9, and Bangladesh reached 125/8 with an over remaining.
The low-scoring contest demonstrated the importance of disciplined bowling and careful batting under tournament pressure.
Key Players in Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Matches
Several players have made major contributions to this rivalry across different formats.
- Mushfiqur Rahim: One of Bangladesh’s most productive batters against Sri Lanka, particularly in Test and ODI cricket.
- Shakib Al Hasan: A valuable all-rounder who has contributed runs and wickets in many Bangladesh-Sri Lanka encounters.
- Tamim Iqbal: An influential Bangladesh opener who played important innings in ODI cricket.
- Kusal Mendis: A major run-scorer for Sri Lanka in recent years, capable of changing the momentum with aggressive batting.
- Pathum Nissanka: A technically strong batter who has delivered important performances in ODIs and T20Is.
- Wanindu Hasaranga: A significant T20I bowling threat whose leg-spin and variations can trouble Bangladesh’s batters.
- Mustafizur Rahman: A key Bangladesh fast bowler known for cutters and variations in limited-overs cricket.
Player form, pitch conditions, and the ability to handle pressure continue to influence the outcome whenever these teams meet.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which team has won more matches between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka have historically won more men’s international matches against Bangladesh across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
2. What is Bangladesh’s first Test victory against Sri Lanka?
Bangladesh recorded their first Test win against Sri Lanka in March 2017, winning the second Test in Colombo by four wickets.
3. Who won the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka ODI series in March 2024?
Bangladesh won the three-match ODI series 2–1, winning the first and third matches.
4. Did Bangladesh win a T20I series against Sri Lanka in 2025?
Yes. Bangladesh won their first bilateral T20I series against Sri Lanka in July 2025 after losing the opening match and winning the next two.
5. What happened in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Asian Games match in 2026?
Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh by 63 runs in the men’s T20I bronze-medal match on 3 October 2026. Sri Lanka scored 165/9, while Bangladesh were bowled out for 102.
