The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team timeline represents one of the most fascinating journeys in Asian cricket. What began as a largely one-sided affair in the early 2000s has gradually transformed into a fiercely competitive rivalry across all three formats—Test, One Day International (ODI), and Twenty20 International (T20I).
Sri Lanka, which became a Full Member of the ICC in 1981, entered international cricket with a solid foundation and rapidly rose to prominence, culminating in their 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup triumph. Bangladesh, on the other hand, received Test status in 2000, making them the youngest Test-playing nation at the time. When the two teams first clashed, Sri Lanka’s experience, technical superiority, and depth clearly outmatched a developing Bangladeshi side.
However, cricket is a game of evolution. Over the years, Bangladesh invested heavily in grassroots development, domestic cricket structures, and player fitness. As a result, the balance of power slowly began to shift. By the mid-2010s, Bangladesh had become a formidable opponent—especially on home soil—and matches against Sri Lanka were no longer predictable.
This comprehensive SL vs BAN timeline provides a year-wise breakdown of major encounters, series outcomes, iconic performances, and defining moments that shaped this rivalry. From Sanath Jayasuriya’s historic triple century to Towhid Hridoy’s modern-day T20 heroics, this timeline captures the full evolution of two proud cricketing nations.
Table of Contents
Year-Wise Timeline: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Matches
Below is a structured timeline table summarizing key years, formats, results, and standout performances in the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh cricket rivalry.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Timeline Table
| 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 |
| 2002 | ODI | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Muralitharan took 5-wicket haul |
| 2005 | ODI | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Dilshan hit back-to-back fifties |
| 2007 | World Cup (ODI) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Malinga’s 4-wicket spell |
| 2008 | Test & ODI | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | Sangakkara averaged over 100 |
| 2010 | ODI & T20I | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Tharanga’s consistent 80+ scores |
| 2013 | All Formats | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | Mushfiqur Rahim’s double century |
| 2015 | World Cup (ODI) | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Dilshan century |
| 2017 | All Formats | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | Mehedi Hasan’s 10 wickets |
| 2018 | Nidahas Trophy (T20I) | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Liton Das quick 70 |
| 2019 | ODI | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | Kusal Mendis scored 110 |
| 2021 | Test & ODI | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | Tamim Iqbal century |
| 2022 | Asia Cup & Test | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Shakib’s all-round brilliance |
| 2023 | ODI & Test | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Angelo Mathews twin fifties |
| 2024 | T20I | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | Towhid Hridoy Player of Series |
Era-Wise Breakdown of the Rivalry
2000–2005: Foundation Years of a Lopsided Rivalry
The early phase of the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh cricket timeline was heavily dominated by Sri Lanka. Bangladesh, fresh into Test cricket, lacked exposure, technical refinement, and consistency at the international level.
Sri Lanka’s seasoned stars made these contests appear one-sided. The most iconic moment of this era came in 2001, when Sanath Jayasuriya smashed 319 runs against Bangladesh—a knock that remains etched in cricket history.
Characteristics of This Era:
- Sri Lanka won nearly every match
- Bangladesh struggled in both batting and bowling
- Heavy defeats but valuable learning experiences for Bangladesh
- SL legends ruled every format
2006–2010: Bangladesh Improves, Sri Lanka Maintains Control
This period saw visible improvement in Bangladesh’s performances, especially in ODIs. They began posting competitive totals and showed better discipline with the ball. Despite this, Sri Lanka continued to dominate due to superior execution and depth.
Players like Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, and Muttiah Muralitharan regularly dictated terms. Bangladesh’s batting collapses remained a concern, but their intent and fight had improved significantly.
Key Highlights:
- Bangladesh crossed 250+ scores in ODIs
- Sri Lanka swept multiple series
- Malinga and Dilshan dominated white-ball cricket
- Bangladesh slowly built confidence
2011–2015: The First Real Sparks of Rivalry
This era marked a turning point in the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh rivalry. Bangladesh finally started challenging Sri Lanka, especially at home. The landmark moment came in 2013, when Bangladesh registered their first ODI win against Sri Lanka and drew a Test match.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s historic double century became a symbol of Bangladesh’s growing maturity. Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal emerged as genuine match-winners.
Turning Points:
- First Bangladesh ODI win vs Sri Lanka
- Competitive Test matches
- Bangladesh’s core leadership group emerged
- Sri Lanka still led overall stats
2016–2020: Rivalry Turns Competitive and Intense
From 2016 onwards, the rivalry truly caught fire. Bangladesh had evolved into a confident unit capable of defeating Sri Lanka across formats. The 2017 and 2018 series were closely contested, and emotions ran high on the field.
The 2018 Nidahas Trophy T20I became one of the most dramatic chapters in this rivalry. Bangladesh’s thrilling win, led by Liton Das, intensified fan engagement and rivalry tension.
Highlights of This Phase:
- Bangladesh winning crucial T20Is
- Emergence of Mustafizur Rahman and Mehedi Hasan
- Sri Lanka facing challenges away from home
- Matches decided in final overs
2021–2024: A Balanced Modern Rivalry
The most recent phase of the SL vs BAN timeline reflects a near-balanced rivalry. Bangladesh has proven especially strong in ODIs and T20Is, while Sri Lanka continues to assert dominance in Test cricket.
In 2022, Bangladesh stunned Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup, with Shakib Al Hasan delivering an all-round masterclass. The 2024 T20I series further tilted momentum in Bangladesh’s favor, as Towhid Hridoy emerged as a future star.
Recent Developments:
- Bangladesh winning series consistently
- New talents on both sides
- T20Is highly unpredictable
- Sri Lanka maintaining Test supremacy
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head Stats
Overall Record (As of 2024)
| 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 vs Bangladesh
- Kumar Sangakkara – 1500+ runs across formats
- Muttiah Muralitharan – 75+ wickets
- Tillakaratne Dilshan – Consistent ODI dominance
- Lasith Malinga – Deadly death-overs specialist
Top Bangladeshi Players vs Sri Lanka
- Shakib Al Hasan – All-format match-winner
- Tamim Iqbal – Multiple ODI centuries
- Mushfiqur Rahim – Reliable middle-order anchor
- Mehedi Hasan Miraz – Impactful all-rounder
Memorable Matches in SL vs BAN Timeline
2007 World Cup Clash
Sri Lanka delivered a dominant performance, with Malinga’s lethal bowling dismantling Bangladesh.
2013 Historic Test Draw
Bangladesh drew their first Test against Sri Lanka, powered by Mushfiqur Rahim’s double century.
2018 Nidahas Trophy Thriller
Liton Das’s fearless batting led Bangladesh to a dramatic T20 victory.
2022 Asia Cup Encounter
Shakib Al Hasan’s all-round heroics stunned Sri Lanka on a big stage.
Analysis of Recent Years (2020–2024)
Between 2020 and 2024, the rivalry matured into a high-quality contest. Bangladesh’s bowling depth improved, Sri Lanka rebuilt with youth, and matches became tactical battles rather than one-sided affairs.
Key Takeaways:
- T20Is extremely close
- Bangladesh’s fast-bowling improved
- Sri Lanka’s Test batting remains strong
- Young players shaping the future
Upcoming Fixtures: Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh
| 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 | T20I Series | Sri Lanka | 3 T20Is |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many times has Bangladesh beaten Sri Lanka?
Bangladesh has beaten Sri Lanka 2 times in Tests, 8 times in ODIs, and 6 times in T20Is.
Q2: What is Bangladesh’s biggest win against Sri Lanka?
The 2018 Nidahas Trophy T20 win remains one of Bangladesh’s most iconic victories.
Q3: Who has scored the most runs in SL vs BAN matches?
Kumar Sangakkara leads with over 1500 runs.
Q4: What happened in the SL vs BAN 2024 series?
Bangladesh won the T20I series 2–1, with Towhid Hridoy as Player of the Series.
Q5: Is this rivalry equal now?
Historically Sri Lanka leads, but ODIs and T20Is are now evenly balanced.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team timeline is a powerful story of evolution, resilience, and competitive spirit. From early dominance by Sri Lanka to Bangladesh’s rise as an equal contender, this rivalry mirrors the growth of Asian cricket itself.
With young talent, passionate fans, and high-stakes tournaments ahead, the SL vs BAN rivalry promises even more unforgettable moments in the years to come.
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