Introduction to Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline
The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh cricket rivalry has evolved into a competitive and intense affair over the years. From being one-sided in the early 2000s to becoming a closely fought contest in recent years, the journey between these two South Asian teams is rich with cricketing drama, rising talents, and unforgettable moments. While Sri Lanka entered the international cricket arena in 1981, Bangladesh received Test status in 2000, and their head-to-head clashes began shortly after. What was once seen as a contest between a veteran side and a developing team is now viewed as a genuine rivalry with high stakes, especially in ICC tournaments and Asia Cups.
This timeline aims to provide a comprehensive, year-wise breakdown of every series and major game played between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh across all formats – Test, ODI, and T20I. It includes important victories, top player performances, and pivotal turning points that defined the course of this rivalry. Whether you’re a passionate cricket follower or a stats enthusiast, this SL vs BAN cricket timeline offers a deep dive into the exciting journey of two proud cricketing nations.
Table of Contents
Year-Wise Timeline: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Matches
| Year | Match Type | Matches Played | SL Wins | BAN Wins | Draws/No Result | Notable Player Performances |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Test | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Sanath Jayasuriya scored 319 in one Test |
| 2002 | ODI | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Muralitharan picked 5 wickets in a game |
| 2005 | ODI | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Dilshan scored back-to-back fifties |
| 2007 | World Cup (ODI) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Malinga took 4 wickets |
| 2008 | Test & ODI | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | Sangakkara averaged 100+ |
| 2010 | ODI & T20I | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Tharanga scored 80+ in ODIs |
| 2013 | Test, ODI, T20I | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | Mushfiqur Rahim scored maiden double century |
| 2015 | World Cup (ODI) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Dilshan scored a century |
| 2017 | All Formats | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Mehedi Hasan took 10 wickets in the series |
| 2018 | Nidahas Trophy (T20I) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Liton Das’s quickfire 70 |
| 2019 | ODI | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Mendis scored 110 in one match |
| 2021 | Test & ODI | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | Tamim Iqbal scored a ton |
| 2022 | Asia Cup & Test | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Shakib Al Hasan led both with bat & ball |
| 2023 | ODI & Test | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Angelo Mathews scored twin fifties |
| 2024 | T20I | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Towhid Hridoy was Player of the Series |
Era-Wise Breakdown of the Rivalry
2000–2005: The Foundation Years of a Lopsided Rivalry
In the early 2000s, Sri Lanka dominated Bangladesh in all departments. These matches were often seen as practice games for Sri Lanka, given Bangladesh’s recent entry into Test cricket. Players like Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Mahela Jayawardene consistently outplayed the young and inexperienced Bangladesh side. Notably, in the 2001 Test series, Jayasuriya’s mammoth 319 remains one of the highest scores in Sri Lanka’s history.
During this phase:
- All matches were one-sided in favor of Sri Lanka.
- Bangladesh failed to register a win across formats.
- Valuable learning phase for Bangladesh cricket.
2006–2010: Bangladesh Gains Confidence, But SL Still Rules
While Bangladesh was still under development, this era saw their improvement in batting and spin bowling. However, Sri Lanka remained superior, especially in ODIs. Players like Dilshan and Muralitharan routinely dismantled the Bangladeshi lineup.
Key highlights:
- Bangladesh began posting 250+ ODI totals.
- Sri Lanka swept most bilateral series.
- Malinga and Tharanga were standout performers.
2011–2015: First Sparks of a Rivalry
The rivalry started heating up with more competitive matches and individual brilliance from Bangladesh. In 2013, Bangladesh managed to draw a Test match and win an ODI, with Mushfiqur Rahim scoring their first double century in Tests.
Turning points:
- Bangladesh’s first win against Sri Lanka in 2013 (ODI).
- Rising stars like Shakib and Tamim came into the spotlight.
- Sri Lanka still led the head-to-head numbers dominantly.
2016–2020: Rivalry Turns Balanced
By this phase, Bangladesh had matured. Their win percentage started increasing, especially in home conditions. The 2017 and 2018 series saw Bangladesh fighting neck-to-neck. In the Nidahas Trophy 2018, Bangladesh pulled off a thrilling win against Sri Lanka, solidifying the rivalry’s intensity.
Highlights:
- Memorable T20 wins for Bangladesh.
- Liton Das, Mehedi Hasan, and Mustafizur Rahman became match-winners.
- Sri Lanka faced tough challenges, especially in away series.
2021–2024: Bangladesh Challenges Sri Lanka on Equal Terms
This era marks a balanced rivalry, with both teams winning alternate series. In 2022, Bangladesh performed well in the Asia Cup, defeating Sri Lanka in group stages. Shakib Al Hasan and Towhid Hridoy were instrumental in 2024’s T20I series win over Sri Lanka.
Recent changes:
- Emergence of new talents like Hridoy, Mathews’ comeback, and Wellalage from Sri Lanka.
- Bangladesh now competes as an equal, especially in T20Is.
- Sri Lanka continues to dominate Tests, but ODIs and T20Is remain closely contested.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head Stats
Overall Record
| Format | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Bangladesh Wins | Draw/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 24 | 18 | 2 | 4 |
| ODI | 38 | 30 | 8 | 0 |
| T20I | 15 | 9 | 6 | 0 |
Notable Head-to-Head Performers
Top Sri Lankan Players
- Kumar Sangakkara – 1500+ runs across formats vs Bangladesh
- Muttiah Muralitharan – 75+ wickets
- Tillakaratne Dilshan – consistent ODI performer
- Lasith Malinga – lethal in white-ball formats
Top Bangladeshi Players
- Shakib Al Hasan – All-format hero
- Tamim Iqbal – Century-maker in ODIs
- Mushfiqur Rahim – Solid in the middle order
- Mehedi Hasan Miraz – Match-winner in Tests and ODIs
Memorable Matches in SL vs BAN Rivalry
🏏 2007 World Cup Match
- Sri Lanka thrashed Bangladesh; Malinga’s deadly spell ensured a big win.
🏏 2013 Test Draw
- Bangladesh drew a Test match for the first time against Sri Lanka, with Mushfiqur’s double century making headlines.
🏏 2018 Nidahas Trophy T20
- An intense game with Liton Das scoring 70+, led Bangladesh to a thrilling win under pressure.
🏏 2022 Asia Cup Encounter
- Shakib’s all-round show powered Bangladesh to a rare win over Sri Lanka in a high-voltage match.
Analysis of Recent Years (2020–2024)
Between 2020 and 2024, the rivalry has reached new heights. With Bangladesh winning more frequently, especially at home and in T20 formats, fans have witnessed close contests and last-over finishes. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has kept its dominance alive in Test matches. The rise of young talent on both sides has made the rivalry even more unpredictable.
Key takeaways:
- T20Is are closely fought.
- Bangladesh has improved fast-bowling depth.
- Sri Lanka’s Test side remains strong with Asitha Fernando and Dhananjaya de Silva stepping up.
Upcoming Fixtures: SL vs BAN
According to the Future Tours Programme (FTP), here are upcoming scheduled matches:
| Year | Series Type | Venue | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Test & ODI | Bangladesh | 2 Tests, 3 ODIs |
| 2026 | Asia Cup | Pakistan | Group Stage |
| 2027 | World Cup | South Africa | League Match |
| 2028 | Bilateral T20I Series | Sri Lanka | 3 T20Is |
Expect thrilling games as both teams push to cement dominance over one another.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many times has Bangladesh beaten Sri Lanka in cricket?
A: Bangladesh has defeated Sri Lanka 2 times in Tests, 8 times in ODIs, and 6 times in T20Is as of 2024.
Q2: What is the biggest win for Bangladesh against Sri Lanka?
A: One of Bangladesh’s most memorable victories came in the 2018 Nidahas Trophy T20, where they chased down 160+ in the last over.
Q3: Who is the top run scorer in Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh matches?
A: Kumar Sangakkara leads the charts with over 1500 runs across formats against Bangladesh.
Q4: What is the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 2024 timeline summary?
A: In 2024, Bangladesh won a T20I series 2-1 against Sri Lanka, with Towhid Hridoy earning the Player of the Series.
Q5: Is the SL vs BAN cricket rivalry equal now?
A: While Sri Lanka still leads in historical stats, the rivalry has become more balanced, especially in ODIs and T20Is, over the past 5 years.
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