Cricket is not just a sport in South Asia – it’s a passion, an emotion, and in many cases, a matter of national pride. Among many exciting rivalries, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka has become one of the most watched and talked-about matchups in recent years. With both teams improving steadily and often clashing in high-pressure games like the Asia Cup or ICC tournaments, the competition has grown fierce and emotionally charged. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history, stats, key players, and memorable moments of the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka cricket rivalry, and what fans can expect in the near future.
A Brief History of the Rivalry
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh first faced each other in international cricket in the late 1980s, but it wasn’t until the 2000s that Bangladesh started making serious strides as a competitive cricketing nation. While Sri Lanka has a more decorated cricket history, including a World Cup victory in 1996, Bangladesh has gained attention for upsetting top teams and producing world-class players.
Initially, Sri Lanka dominated Bangladesh across all formats. However, over the past decade, Bangladesh has grown into a formidable side, especially on home soil. With fiery performances in ODIs, T20Is, and even Test cricket, the rivalry is now considered one of the most balanced and unpredictable in the region.
Head-to-Head Records (As of 2025)
Here’s a snapshot of the head-to-head record in all three formats:
Test Matches:
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Matches Played: 25
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Sri Lanka Wins: 18
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Bangladesh Wins: 3
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Draws: 4
One Day Internationals (ODIs):
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Matches Played: 55
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Sri Lanka Wins: 41
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Bangladesh Wins: 13
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No Results: 1
T20 Internationals:
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Matches Played: 17
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Sri Lanka Wins: 11
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Bangladesh Wins: 6
Although Sri Lanka leads in all formats, the recent matches show that Bangladesh is closing the gap, especially in ODIs and T20Is.
Key Moments in the Rivalry
1. Asia Cup 2018 – The Emotional Opener
In the 2018 Asia Cup, Bangladesh stunned Sri Lanka in the opening match, posting 261 after a disastrous start. Thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim’s brilliant 144 and Mustafizur Rahman’s late bowling, Bangladesh won convincingly. It marked a turning point in the rivalry and proved Bangladesh’s ability to deliver under pressure.
2. Nidahas Trophy 2018 – The Last-Ball Thriller
One of the most iconic T20 matches ever played between the two was in the Nidahas Trophy. With a dramatic last over, emotional send-offs, and intense confrontations, Bangladesh won with a last-ball boundary by Mahmudullah. The match created viral moments and showcased the raw intensity of the rivalry.
3. 2023 ODI Series – Bangladesh's Clean Sweep
In 2023, Bangladesh hosted Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI series and whitewashed them 3-0. This was Bangladesh’s first-ever clean sweep against Sri Lanka in any bilateral series and solidified their position as an ODI force.
Star Players Who Define the Rivalry
Bangladesh:
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Shakib Al Hasan – One of the best all-rounders of the modern era, his performances with both bat and ball have been match-winning.
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Mushfiqur Rahim – A consistent performer and emotional leader on the field.
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Mustafizur Rahman – Known for his cutters and death bowling skills, Mustafizur has troubled Lankan batters repeatedly.
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz – A rising star with brilliant bowling and handy batting contributions.
Sri Lanka:
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Angelo Mathews – A seasoned player who has rescued Sri Lanka in many tough games.
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Wanindu Hasaranga – A T20 superstar, known for his leg-spin and aggressive lower-order batting.
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Kusal Mendis – A top-order batter with the ability to dominate attacks.
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Dushmantha Chameera – A fast bowler with express pace who can swing momentum quickly.
BAN vs SL in ICC & Asia Cup Tournaments
In multi-nation tournaments like the Asia Cup and World Cups, the pressure is higher, and both teams often give their best performances. These matches usually have larger viewership and emotional stakes.
In the Asia Cup 2022 and 2023, both teams knocked each other out at various stages, with no clear dominance from either side. Fans love these matchups for their unpredictability, and the games are known to swing till the last over.
Recent Encounters & Performance Outlook
In 2024 and early 2025, the two teams have clashed multiple times, especially in bilateral series and qualifier rounds for global tournaments. Sri Lanka continues to rely on young talent and experienced all-rounders, while Bangladesh boasts a mature core with a mix of youth.
The next big encounter is set for late 2025, during the ICC Champions Trophy, where both teams are expected to fight for a semi-final spot.
Why This Rivalry is Special
Unlike the classic rivalries like India vs Pakistan, which are filled with political tension, Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka is more about cricketing respect and growing competitiveness. It’s a reflection of the changing dynamics in international cricket, where emerging teams are no longer underdogs but serious contenders.
With every passing year, the matches are becoming more thrilling, packed with drama, controversies, and moments that fans remember forever.
What to Expect in the Future?
As we look toward future fixtures, this rivalry is expected to grow even more intense. With both boards investing in youth development, coaching, and domestic leagues, the standard of cricket will only rise.
Fans can expect:
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More high-voltage Asia Cup and ICC matchups
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Possible Test series wins for Bangladesh in Sri Lanka
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Rise of new star players who will shape the rivalry
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More frequent bilateral series
Final Thoughts
The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka rivalry may not be the oldest, but it’s fast becoming one of the most exciting in modern cricket. With passionate fanbases, fiery matchups, and improving talent on both sides, every game between BAN and SL is a must-watch.
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