The rivalry between the Bangladesh national cricket team and the Sri Lanka national cricket team has grown across three major formats: Tests, One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty-20 internationals (T20Is).
This article tracks the major milestones between them and shows how the head-to-head record has shifted as of October 27, 2025.
Key takeaways:
- Sri Lanka ruled the early years of the rivalry in all formats
- Bangladesh improved over time, especially in white-ball cricket, and started recording key wins.
- The 2025 matches show Bangladesh achieving breakthroughs and changing the balance of the contest.
Early Encounters and Test Format Beginnings
The first Test matches between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka took place soon after Bangladesh gained Test status. The Lankan lions dominated the early years of the format. They won 20 of the 26 Tests played, while Bangladesh won one and five ended in draws.
Some major moments stand out. In February and March 2006, Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh. The hosts played at Chittagong Divisional Stadium and Bogra, but Sri Lanka won both matches comfortably.
In June and July 2007, Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka for a three-Test series. The visitors lost all three by big margins. In 2016-17, Bangladesh finally won a Test in Sri Lanka for the first time. Even then, Sri Lanka remained stronger overall.
The Test timeline shows that Sri Lanka ruled the early contests, but Bangladesh slowly found their footing. Their first win away from home gave them the belief that they could challenge stronger teams. Since then, Bangladesh have focused on improving their bowling depth and consistency.
The rise of players like Shakib-Al-Hasan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul Islam gave them a balanced attack. On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s experienced batters, led by Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, continued to make the difference in key moments.
Although Sri Lanka still hold the upper hand in red-ball cricket, Bangladesh’s persistence has turned many matches into genuine contests. They are no longer easy opponents, particularly at home, where the pitches favour spin and slower bowlers.
ODI Timeline and Shifts in White-Ball Cricket
In ODIs, the rivalry started in the same way, with Sri Lanka winning most matches. They have won 43 of the 57 ODIs played, while Bangladesh have won 12 and 2 ended with no result.
As Bangladesh played more international cricket, they learned quickly and started using home conditions well. They picked up some impressive wins during this phase. In the 2010s, the improvement became clear as Bangladesh began competing strongly in ODIs.
Players like Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudulah became consistent performers, helping Bangladesh move past their early struggles.
By 2025, their meetings with Sri Lanka had become genuine contests. The Bangladesh Tour of Sri Lanka in June and July included Tests and ODIs, and the series carried real competitive energy. Both teams fielded younger line-ups mixed with experienced heads, showing a natural transition for the next generation.
Sri Lanka’s captain Kusal Mendis led with aggression, while Najmul Hossain Shanto guided Bangladesh’s chase-oriented approach. Another important shift came in Bangladesh’s attitude.
Earlier, they often lost composure under pressure. Now, they play with a calm mindset, trusting their lower-order batters to finish the job. Their improved fitness and fielding have added another layer of competitiveness. The ODI timeline highlights Bangladesh’s steady growth and how they turned one-sided defeats into competitive performances that can go either way.
T20I Timeline and Recent Developments:
T20Is between the two sides have always carried more uncertainty. The shorter format has given Bangladesh a better chance to push Sri Lanka hard. Head-to-head records show Sri Lanka with 11 wins to Bangladesh’s 6.
Recent matches tell a different story. In July 2025, Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in their first-ever T20I series win against them. That victory marked a symbolic turning point, proving Bangladesh could win away from home against a team that used to dominate them in this format. Tanzid Hasan and Mehed Hasan played crucial roles, supported by the tight bowling from Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam.
Later, in the Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 stage on September 20, 2025, Bangladesh chased down 169 to win by four wickets. Their run-chase was built around a solid middle-order partnership that showed patience and control. The match summed up their evolution, from hopeful challengers to a team capable of holding its nerve in key moments.
These results prove that Bangladesh are now more confident in T20Is. They no longer fear Sri Lanka and are learning to finish games under pressure. The rivalry now feels more balanced, with Bangladesh focusing on match awareness and Sri Lanka relying on their historical edge.
Timeline Highlights by Year
Here is a condensed look at how this rivalry evolved:
- 2006: Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh for Tests, and won both matches.
- 2007: Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka and lost all three Tests.
- 2008/09: Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh again, and won the series quite easily.
- 2012-13/2013/14: Bangladesh managed to draw some Tests, showing progress.
- 2016-17: Bangladesh record their first Test win against Sri Lanka.
- 2017/18: Sri Lanka tour of Bangladesh; the visitors still won more matches, but the gap narrows.
- 2021/22: Test series ended in a draw, showing Bangladesh’s growing consistency.
- 2025: June-July: Bangladesh Tour Sri Lanka for a full series of 3 T20Is, 2 Tests, and 3 ODIs. July: Bangladesh win their first T20I series against Sri Lanka. September: Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup Super 4 match.
This timeline clearly shows the rivalry changing shape from total Sri Lankan control to a closer battle. Both teams now see each other as serious competition, and every meeting feels meaningful, particularly in limited-overs formats.
Statistical Overview as of October 27, 2025
- Tests: 26 played; Sri Lanka 20 wins, Bangladesh 1, and 5 draws.
- ODIs: 57 played; Sri Lanka 43 wins, Bangladesh 12, and 2 with no result.
- T20Is: Bangladesh are improving fast, with a 2025 series win highlighting their progress.
Sri Lanka still lead overall, but Bangladesh have closed the gap, especially in the shorter formats. Their players now carry the self-belief that they can match Sri Lanka in skill and strategy. The once-clear line between favourite and underdog has blurred.
In the next few years, both sides are expected to face off frequently due to their regional ties and similar ICC rankings. The growth of Bangladesh’s domestic cricket and the arrival of young talents such as Towhid Hridoy and Tanzim Hasan Shakib promise more exciting contests. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka continue to rely on their steady cricketing structure and disciplined approach.
Key Themes from the Timeline:
Changing balance of power:
Sri Lanka used to control every format, but Bangladesh have fought their way into contention. Their steady improvement shows clearly in this timeline. They now enter every series with intent rather than hope, knowing they have the players to win key sessions.
Conditions and experience:
Bangladesh perform better at home, while Sri Lanka used their experience to dominate early on. The results show how both teams rely on conditions to their advantage.
Breakthrough wins:
Landmark victories such as Bangladesh’s first T20I series win in 2025 mark a shift in mindset. These moments prove that confidence often matters as much as skill. A single win can transform the way a team sees itself, and Bangladesh’s players now walk onto the field with belief rather than hesitation.
Different formats, different stories:
The contrast across formats is striking. Sri Lanka remain stronger in Tests, but Bangladesh have turned limited-overs cricket into a real contest. This contrast gives the rivalry its unique shape, making it one of South Asia’s most unpredictable matchups.
Final Take:
The Bangladesh national cricket team vs Sri Lanka national cricket team timeline tells a clear story. Sri Lanka’s early dominance has given way to Bangladesh’s steady rise, especially in ODIs and T20Is. As of October 27, 2025, the rivalry feels alive and unpredictable. Both teams know each other’s strengths too well, and every series now carries extra emotional weight for their fans.
Bangladesh’s rise has added spice to a fixture that once seemed predictable. Their resilience, improved planning, and youthful energy have made them serious contenders. Sri Lanka, while still the more experienced unit, now face a rival capable of matching their intensity and tactical sharpness.
If you enjoyed this timeline, share your thoughts below. The rivalry’s next chapter is still unfolding, and it promises to be even more fascinating in the coming season.
