Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka is a rivalry cricket fans never want to miss. This is one of the most underrated rivalries in world cricket.
Whenever Bangladesh and Sri Lanka clash, there’s always some drama. Take, for instance, the ‘Timed Out’ drama that unfolded between both sides in the 2023 World Cup.
Such moments make for fierce contests between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. And it’s visible in matches played across formats.
While Sri Lanka have dominated in this rivalry, Bangladesh have posed a challenge in recent years. We got a first glimpse of it in the 2016 T20 Asia Cup when Bangladesh comprehensively defeated Sri Lanka.
The rivalry went a level up in 2018. The Bangla Tigers thumped the Lankan Lions twice in the Nidahas Trophy, which they celebrated with dramatic, animated gestures
These moments added extra spice to the future contests between both sides. And we might see the same when these two sides face each other in the Asia Cup 2025.
Update: The Group B match in Abu Dhabi on September 13, 2025 has been played — Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets (SL 140/4 in 14.4 overs; BAN 139/5).
On that note, here’s the head-to-head timeline between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, along with stats, records, and notable highlights.
Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Players (2025)
| Role | Bangladesh | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|---|
| Captain | Litton Das | Charith Asalanka |
| Batters | Jaker Ali, Nurul Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy | Nuwanidu Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, |
| All-Rounders | Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Saif Hassan, Shamim Hossain, Tanzim Hasan Sakib | Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka |
| Wicketkeeper | Litton Das | Kusal Mendis |
| Bowlers | Mustafizur Rahman, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed | Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara, Dunith Wellalage |
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Head-to-Head Timeline
| Format | Matches | BAN Won | SL Won | Tied | Draw | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 28 | 1 | 21 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| ODI | 60 | 13 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| T20I | 21 | 8 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Read more: Asia Cup Winners List (From 1984 to 2025)
Notable Records and Highlights
Test Matches
- Sri Lanka maintain a clear dominance over Bangladesh (21-1).
- First Test in 2001; Sri Lanka won by an innings and 137 runs.
- Massive win: Sri Lanka thrashed Bangladesh by 465 runs in 2009, their largest Test win by runs.
- Big score: Lankans posted 730 for 6 in 2014, their fourth-biggest Test score.
- Bangladesh recorded their first Test victory against Sri Lanka in 2017. They beat Sri Lanka by four wickets.
ODI Matches
- Sri Lanka hold an upper hand (45-13).
- First ODI in 1986; Sri Lanka won the Asia Cup contest comprehensively by seven wickets.
- Twelve years later, Sri Lanka put up their highest score of 357 for 9 against Bangladesh.
- Bangladesh collapsed to the lowest total in 2002, getting all out for 76 vs Sri Lanka.
- Bangladesh claimed their first ODI series win against Sri Lanka in 2021 (beat them 2-1 at home).
T20I Matches
- Sri Lanka race ahead with a clear lead (13-8).
- First encounter in the T20 World Cup in 2007, which Lankans bagged by 64 runs.
- Bangladesh scripted their first victory over Sri Lanka in 2016, beating them by 23 runs.
- Record chase: Bangladesh thrash Sri Lanka’s 214-run target in 2018, their highest run chase in T20Is.
Top Players in BAN vs SL Rivalry
Batting: Kumar Sangakkara, Mushfiqur Rahim, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mominul Haque, Mahela Jayawardene
Bowling: Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga, Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed
Asia Cup 2025 — Group Status & Qualified Teams
- Qualified for Super Four: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh
- Eliminated: United Arab Emirates, Oman, Hong Kong
Match Recap — BAN vs SL (Group B)
Played on 13 Sept and Result: Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh by 6 wickets — BAN 139/5 (20), SL 140/4 (14.4). Key contributions: Pathum Nissanka 50 (34), Kamil Mishara 46* (32) .
Key Takeaways
- Sri Lanka moved ahead in Asia Cup T20I head-to-head (2–1 vs Bangladesh).
- Bangladesh struggled to accelerate despite solid middle-order partnerships.
- Win confirmed Sri Lanka’s qualification into the Super Four stage alongside India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
Upcoming Schedule (Asia Cup 2025)
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – Asia Cup 2025 Match Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 20, 2025 | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, Match1, Super 4 | Dubai | 8:00 P |
Like to know ? Bangladesh Cricket Schedule 2025-26
Where to Watch Asia Cup 2025 – Broadcasting and Live Streaming Info
Telecast: Sony Sports Network
Live Stream: Sony Live and FanCode
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka has grown into one of cricket’s most exciting rivalries, full of drama, big moments, and passionate performances. From Sri Lanka’s early dominance to Bangladesh’s recent fightbacks, every match between these two sides brings something special. With their next phase set in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four, fans can expect another high-intensity battle as both teams chase a place in the final.
