The rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in international cricket has evolved significantly over the years. While Sri Lanka has historically been one of the more dominant teams in Asia, Bangladesh has grown immensely in competitiveness since gaining Test status in 2000. Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Matches between these two nations have often been exciting encounters across all formats, including Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), and major global tournaments like the ICC Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup. This article explores the detailed history, notable performances, and head-to-head records of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in all game formats. We’ll also look at match scorecards and highlight key moments in this historic cricketing rivalry.
Timeline of Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Matches (All Formats)
Year | Format | Match | Venue | Winner | Key Performances |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1986 | ODI | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Moratuwa | Sri Lanka | Ashantha de Mel’s bowling (4/17) |
2000 | Test | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Colombo | Sri Lanka | Sanath Jayasuriya’s double century (213) |
2002 | ODI | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Dhaka | Sri Lanka | Chaminda Vaas’ 5-wicket haul (5/25) |
2006 | Test | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Chattogram | Sri Lanka | Muttiah Muralitharan’s 6 wickets |
2007 | ODI World Cup | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Port of Spain | Sri Lanka | Mahela Jayawardene’s 109 |
2012 | T20 World Cup | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Pallekele | Sri Lanka | Ajantha Mendis’ 4 wickets |
2017 | Test | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Colombo | Bangladesh | Shakib Al Hasan’s 116 |
2018 | T20I | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Dhaka | Sri Lanka | Kusal Perera’s 74* |
2021 | ODI | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Dhaka | Bangladesh | Mushfiqur Rahim’s 125 |
2023 | Asia Cup | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Colombo | Sri Lanka | Matheesha Pathirana’s 4/32 |
Head-to-Head Records Between Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Format | Matches Played | Sri Lanka Wins | Bangladesh Wins | Drawn/No Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 25 | 18 | 2 | 5 |
ODI | 52 | 41 | 9 | 2 |
T20I | 14 | 11 | 3 | 0 |
ODI World Cup | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
T20 World Cup | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
History and Rivalry Between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Early Encounters (1980s – 2000s)
The first meeting between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh took place in 1986, during the Asia Cup. At that time, Bangladesh was still an emerging team, and Sri Lanka, fresh off winning the 1984 Asia Cup, was a stronger side. Sri Lanka dominated the early years of the rivalry, winning comfortably in both ODI and Test formats. Bangladesh gained Test status in 2000, and their inaugural Test series against Sri Lanka highlighted the gap between the two sides. Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya scored a brilliant double century in that series, and their experienced bowlers made quick work of the Bangladeshi batsmen.
Bangladesh’s Growth (2000s – 2010s)
As the years went by, Bangladesh improved significantly, especially in limited-overs cricket. While Sri Lanka remained dominant in the Test format, Bangladesh began to register occasional victories in ODIs. Their improvement was most evident during the 2012 Asia Cup when Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka in the group stage and reached the final, only to lose narrowly to Pakistan.
By 2017, Bangladesh had not only defeated Sri Lanka in ODIs but also claimed their first-ever Test match victory over them in Colombo. Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round brilliance and Tamim Iqbal’s consistent performances became instrumental in Bangladesh’s rise.
Recent Encounters (2018 – Present)
In recent years, the rivalry has become more competitive. Bangladesh, under the leadership of players like Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, and Shakib Al Hasan, has secured notable victories against Sri Lanka, especially in home conditions. In the 2021 ODI series, Bangladesh beat Sri Lanka 2-1, marking their first series win against the island nation.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, continues to excel in T20Is and major ICC tournaments. Their young talent, combined with experienced campaigners like Angelo Mathews, has kept them strong in the rivalry. The 2023 Asia Cup match between the two sides was a nail-biting contest where Sri Lanka managed to defend a low score thanks to their bowlers, especially Matheesha Pathirana.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Test Matches Overview
The Test match rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has been largely one-sided, with Sri Lanka winning most encounters. However, Bangladesh’s historic Test victory in Colombo in 2017 marked a significant moment for the Tigers.
Memorable Test Matches
- 2000, Colombo: Sri Lanka won by an innings and 137 runs. This was Bangladesh’s first-ever Test match against Sri Lanka, and the gap in quality was evident. Sanath Jayasuriya’s brilliant double century and Muttiah Muralitharan’s devastating spin bowling set the tone for the series.
- 2017, Colombo: Bangladesh won by 4 wickets. Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round performance (116 in the first innings) led Bangladesh to their first-ever Test victory over Sri Lanka, marking a historic moment for the Tigers.
- 2021, Pallekele: The match ended in a draw, with both teams piling up huge totals. Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne scored a brilliant double century, while Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque both scored centuries.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: ODI Matches Overview
ODIs have been the most frequent format in which Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have faced each other. Sri Lanka holds the upper hand in terms of overall victories, but Bangladesh has pulled off some crucial wins, especially in Asia Cup tournaments and bilateral series in recent years.
Memorable ODI Matches
- 2007 ICC World Cup, Port of Spain: Sri Lanka won by 198 runs. Mahela Jayawardene’s century and Lasith Malinga’s reverse swing were too much for Bangladesh as Sri Lanka dominated the match.
- 2018 Asia Cup, Dubai: Bangladesh won by 137 runs. This was one of Bangladesh’s most dominant wins against Sri Lanka. Mushfiqur Rahim scored a stunning 144, and Bangladesh’s bowlers bundled Sri Lanka out for just 124.
- 2021 ODI Series, Dhaka: Bangladesh won the series 2-1. This was Bangladesh’s first-ever series win against Sri Lanka. Mushfiqur Rahim was once again the hero with a century, while Mehidy Hasan’s all-round performance shone through.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: T20I Matches Overview
In the T20 format, Sri Lanka has largely maintained dominance over Bangladesh, although the Tigers have registered a few memorable victories. Both teams have played key matches in the T20 World Cup and the Asia Cup.
Memorable T20I Matches
- 2012 T20 World Cup, Pallekele: Sri Lanka won by 9 wickets. Ajantha Mendis’ mystery spin proved too much for Bangladesh as they were bowled out for just 129, with Mendis taking 4 wickets.
- 2018 Nidahas Trophy, Colombo: Bangladesh won by 2 wickets. In a thrilling finish, Mahmudullah hit a last-ball six to take Bangladesh to victory. This match was part of a tri-series that also featured India.
- 2022 Asia Cup, Dubai: Sri Lanka won by 2 wickets. This high-scoring encounter saw both teams trading blows, but Sri Lanka managed to chase down 184 with just a few balls to spare, courtesy of Kusal Mendis’ explosive batting.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: ODI World Cup Encounters
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have met in the ODI World Cup on several occasions, with Sri Lanka winning all their encounters. The matches have usually been one-sided, but Bangladesh’s growth as a team in recent years makes future encounters in ICC tournaments highly anticipated.
- 2007 World Cup, Port of Spain: Sri Lanka won by 198 runs.
- 2015 World Cup, Melbourne: Sri Lanka won by 92 runs.
- 2019 World Cup, Bristol: The match was abandoned due to rain.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: T20 World Cup Encounters
The two teams have faced off in the T20 World Cup on three occasions, with Sri Lanka holding a 2-1 edge. Bangladesh’s sole victory came in the 2021 edition, where they managed to chase down Sri Lanka’s target with ease.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh rivalry has grown more intense and competitive over the years. While Sri Lanka has been the more dominant side historically, Bangladesh’s improvements in recent years have led to some thrilling contests across all formats. Whether it’s a bilateral series or an ICC tournament, matches between these two Asian cricketing nations are always eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide.
With the cricketing landscape constantly evolving, the future promises even more exciting encounters between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Both teams are on the path of building strong cricketing legacies, and their rivalry will undoubtedly produce many more memorable moments in the years to come.
Also, Read About, India vs Australia: A Historic Cricket Rivalry.