The rivalry between the Sri Lanka national cricket team and the Bangladesh national cricket team always draws attention because of its patterns and surprises. This article presents those patterns with clear Numbers and stories in one day international Sri Lanka lead the head-to-head by 43 wins to Bangladesh’s 12 from 57 matches, this figure shows the balance of power between the two sides. In short, Sri Lanka have dominated for years, and Bangladesh have gained ground in the shorter format, and recent games look more even.
Historical overview
From the beginning, Sri Lanka held the upper hand. In Test matches, Bangladesh have won once, while Sri Lanka have claimed 20 wins out of 26 games. In ODI, Sri Lanka leads with 45 wins to Bangladesh’s 13 from 60 matches. In the T20 International, the margin is smaller – 13 wins for Sri Lanka and eight for Bangladesh in 21 matches. These records show Sri Lanka’s long-term dominance, yet Bangladesh have improved, especially in the shorter format.
ODI head-to-head: Key figures
Overall, match count and wins:
In ODIs, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have met 57 times. Sri Lanka have won 43, and Bangladesh have taken 12. Two games ended with no result. These gaps show how much Sri Lanka have controlled this match-up over the years.
Margins and recent series:
In July 2025, Sri Lanka won a three-match ODI series 2-1. They clinched the decider by 99 runs at Pallekele. Bangladesh won one match in that series, proving they can challenge Sri Lanka. Their 16-run victory in the second ODI showed that the gap is closing.
Batting average and totals:
Since 2018, the two sides have played 41 games. Sri Lanka average 274.1 runs per match, while Bangladesh average 254.1. When batting first, Sri Lanka have 24 wins, with an average of 248.1 runs. Bangladesh batting first 17 times averaged 215.7 runs. These numbers show Sri Lanka win more often and scores higher when setting a target.
Test match stats:
In test cricket, Sri Lanka’s superiority is clear. They have won 21 of 28 tests against Bangladesh, who have managed only one win, with six draws. In June 2025, Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by an innings and 78 runs in Colombo. Bangladesh scored 247 in the first innings, but Sri Lanka built a massive lead and finished the job quickly. This match once again highlighted Sri Lanka’s strength at home and their control in test cricket.
T20I format:
Sri Lanka still lead the T20 format, but Bangladesh are closing in. Out of 21 meetings, Sri Lanka have 13 wins, and Bangladesh have eight. In the last five encounters, Bangladesh have won three and Sri Lanka have won two matches. This shows that Bangladesh have adapted better to the fast-paced format and have started challenging Sri Lanka more often.
Major records and milestones
Highest and lowest total
In ODIs between these two teams, the highest total recorded is 357/9, and the lowest is 76. In T20Is, the highest total is 215/5, and the lowest is 83. These numbers show the contrast between strong batting days and collapses.
Individual performances:
Kusal Mendis has scored 566 runs in 14 innings for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh in T20Is. For Bangladesh, Mahmudullah has been a key performer with 368 runs. These figures highlight the players who consistently make an important impact in this fixture.
Historic first meetings:
Their first ODI took place on 2 April 1986, and Sri Lanka won by seven wickets. Some fans call this rivalry the “Nagin Derby”.
Trends and insights:
- Sri Lanka play their best cricket against Bangladesh at home, winning tests and ODIs by big margins.
- Bangladesh have improved in T20Is and a narrowing the gap.
- Bangladesh wins when they have the advantage right from the start or when Sri Lanka lose focus. Sri Lanka wins when they control the game with either bat or ball.
- In recent years, ODIs have become a tighter contest. Bangladesh’s 16-run win in July 2025 shows their fight.
- Players such as Mendis for Sri Lanka and young talent from Bangladesh continue to define games.
- Statically, Sri Lanka’s batting first average is 248.1 compared with Bangladesh’s 215.7, giving them an edge.
Contextualising the rivalry:
For Bangladesh, beating Sri Lanka carries special pride because it breaks years of dominance. For Sri Lanka, keeping the dominance reaffirms their place among Asia’s top sides. The rivalry may not attract global headlines, but every match carries emotional weight for both fan bases.
In multi-team tournaments like the Asia Cup or World Cup qualifiers, meetings between these two nations gain extra meaning. In one Asia Cup Super Four match, Bangladesh chased 169 runs to beat Sri Lanka by four wickets; that victory proved Bangladesh can rise to the occasion.
Sri Lanka’s long cricketing Heritage, highlighted by the 1996 World Cup win, shapes their approach to search games. For them, this matches, mix, pride, history, and the pressure to maintain high standards.
Format by format breakdown:
Test matches:
The test data shows clear dominance from Sri Lanka, with 21 wins to Bangladesh’s single victory. Bangladesh’s lone success came after many years of effort. Sri Lanka’s strong spin attack and home advantage keep them ahead.
One-day International:
Bangladesh have improved in this format but still trails overall. Their 12 wins from 57 matches show progress. The 2025 series win in one game shows their growing competitiveness.
T20I Internationals:
T20Is remain the closest contest between the two sides. Bangladesh have eight wins from 21 games and have taken three of the last five. The shorter format suits their aggressive style and creates more opportunities for upset.
Why do the stats matter?
For coaches, players, and fans, these statistics give direction and insight. They show which strategies work, where teams struggle, and how form changes across formats. When a coach studies these numbers, they look for patterns-for example, Bangladesh performs better while chasing in T20 cricket, while Sri Lanka prefer setting targets in ODI cricket. Knowing that Sri Lanka score around 274 runs on average in wins helps teams plan their approach. These figures guide preparation and practical choices for both camps.
Key Takeaways:
- Sri Lanka have dominated Bangladesh for years, especially in test and ODI.
- Bangladesh have improved most in T20 cricket and now win against top opposition.
- The rivalry is moving from one-sided to more competitive in shorter formats.
- Sri Lanka usually win when they bat first and post a big total.
- Players like Kusal Mendis and Mahmudullah often decided outcomes.
- Bangladesh is no longer an underdog; they are an emerging challenger.
Final Take:
The rivalry between the Sri Lanka national cricket team and the Bangladesh national cricket team tells a story of long-term dominance, steady improvement, and growing competitiveness. Sri Lanka still lead overall, yet Bangladesh are closing in, especially in T20 cricket.
As both teams continue to meet across formats, the balance may keep shifting. Keep watching how the numbers evolve and how new players influence results. What do you think defines this rivalry – history, talent, or hunger? Share your thoughts and predictions for the next chapter of the Sri Lanka national cricket team versus the Bangladesh national cricket team clashes.
