The Asian rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh continues to heat up. These are not just neighbours, they are fierce competitors, and every clash between them is packed with pride, tension, and history. The rivalry now takes a new turn in the ongoing 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship as the teams meet for the second and final Test at the Sinhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground.
The build up to this match comes with major changes. Angelo Mathews, one of Sri Lanka’s all-time greats, recently announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing an end to a glorious career. His place in the squad has been taken by promising all-rounder Dunith Wellalage.
The series remains level at 0-0 after a high-scoring draw in the first Test. With just one more red ball match left, this Test is now a winner-takes-all contest before the focus shifts to the 3-match ODI and 3-match T20I series. Dhananjaya de Silva leads the Sri Lankan side, while Najmul Hossain Shanto continues to captain Bangladesh with growing authority.
How Many Times Have Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Played Each Other?
Sri Lanka have traditionally dominated this Asian rivalry, particularly in Test cricket. While Bangladesh have improved over the years and have become far more competitive, the head-to-head numbers continue to favour the Lions, especially in the longest format.
Test Matches
Total Matches Played: 28
Sri Lanka Wins: 20 (11 at home, 9 away)
Bangladesh Wins: 1 (away)
Drawn: 7
Bangladesh’s only win came back in 2017, while Sri Lanka have often bulldozed their way to victory. However, the first Test of the current series showed Bangladesh’s growth and fight, as they pushed Sri Lanka into a hard-fought draw.
First Meeting: July 2002
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh began their Test rivalry in Colombo in 2002. The debut clash was completely one-sided as Sri Lanka crushed the visitors by an innings and 196 runs. Muttiah Muralitharan led the charge with a 10-wicket match haul, while Aravinda de Silva’s 206 and Sanath Jayasuriya’s 145 powered the hosts to a massive 541. Bangladesh failed to cross even 200 in either innings.
Last Meeting – 1st Test, June 2025
The first Test of the ongoing series ended in a high-scoring draw in Galle. Bangladesh batted first and posted 495, riding on captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s 148 and Mushfiqur Rahim’s 163. In response, Sri Lanka came close with 485, with Pathum Nissanka leading the reply with 187 and Kamindu Mendis scoring 87. In the second innings, Shanto scored another century, ending with 104 as Bangladesh set up a decent lead. Sri Lanka were reduced to 72 for 4 when stumps were drawn. Despite the draw, the match saw standout individual performances and has perfectly set up the decider in Colombo.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh: Last 5 Matches Summary
1st Test, Galle International Stadium: June 2025
The opening Test ended in a stalemate, but not without drama. Bangladesh batted first and piled on 495, with Najmul Shanto’s 148 and Mushfiqur Rahim’s 163 dominating the scorecard. Sri Lanka responded strongly, with Pathum Nissanka anchoring the innings with 187 and Kamindu Mendis contributing 87. Bangladesh came back with another strong effort in the second innings, as Shanto hit his second century of the match. Set a tricky target, Sri Lanka ended on 72 for 4 before the match was declared a draw.
2nd Test, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium: March 2024
Sri Lanka wrapped up the series with a 192-run win. Kamindu Mendis shone with 92 runs and 3 wickets, earning Player of the Match. Bangladesh crumbled in both innings as Sri Lanka maintained dominance throughout the Test.
1st Test, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium: March 2024
A one-sided affair as Sri Lanka won by 328 runs. Centuries from Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis set up a huge target. Bangladesh were bowled out cheaply in both innings, with Kasun Rajitha taking five wickets in the second innings to seal the win.
2nd Test, Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium: May 2022
Sri Lanka clinched the match by 10 wickets. Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das scored centuries for Bangladesh, but Sri Lanka hit back with 506 on the board. Asitha Fernando’s six-wicket haul dismantled Bangladesh in the second innings, and Sri Lanka chased down 29 with ease.
1st Test, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium: May 2022
A draw that witnessed outstanding individual efforts. Angelo Mathews missed a double century by one run, scoring 199, while Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim both scored hundreds for Bangladesh. A flat surface ensured the game ended without a result.
Who Has the Better Record: Sri Lanka or Bangladesh?
Sri Lanka lead the rivalry across formats. In Test cricket, they have won 20 of the 28 matches played. In One Day Internationals, the story is similar, with Sri Lanka winning 43 out of 57. Even in the T20I format, Sri Lanka are ahead with 11 wins compared to Bangladesh’s 6.
However, the gap is narrowing, especially in white ball formats. Bangladesh’s rise in home ODIs and their occasional flashes of brilliance in Tests, like the draw in Galle, show their progress. Still, the overall numbers reflect Sri Lanka’s control over this head-to-head rivalry.
Memorable Matches Between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Mathews Bids Farewell in Galle Draw (2025)
In the first Test of the 2025 series, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh played out a thrilling draw. Najmul Shanto scored twin centuries while Pathum Nissanka responded with 187. The match also marked Angelo Mathews’ final appearance in Test cricket, ending a decorated career on home soil.
Dilruwan Perera’s Five for and Jayawardene’s Double Ton (2014)
In Dhaka 2014, Mahela Jayawardene showcased vintage class with a sublime 203, guiding Sri Lanka to 703/6 DEC. Dilruwan Perera followed it up with a five-wicket haul as Bangladesh folded twice, handing Sri Lanka a commanding win by an innings and 248 runs.
Muralitharan’s 12-Wicket Masterclass in Kandy (2007)
Muttiah Muralitharan spun a web around the Bangladesh batters at Kandy, taking 6 wickets in each innings to finish with a match haul of 12 for 82. Sri Lanka won by an innings and 193 runs, with Murali once again proving unplayable on home turf.
First-ever Test in 2002
The first ever Test between the two saw Muttiah Muralitharan taking ten wickets. His dominance defined the early phase of this rivalry, while de Silva and Jayasuriya provided the runs.
Bangladesh’s First Win in Colombo (2017)
A moment of pride for Bangladesh cricket. Chasing 191, they won by 4 wickets in the second Test at Colombo, marking their first and only Test win over Sri Lanka.
Top Performers in Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Clashes
Top Run Scorers
Kumar Sangakkara
Runs: 1,033
Innings: 11
50s/100s: 3 / 5
Highest Score: 222*
Average: 114.7
Sangakkara was ruthless against Bangladesh, scoring five centuries in 11 innings with an average that touched 115.
Dimuth Karunaratne
Runs: 700
Innings: 11
50s/100s: 1 / 3
Highest Score: 244
Average: 64.0
A reliable presence at the top, Karunaratne’s double centuries and composure made him a consistent threat.
Tillakaratne Dilshan
Runs: 587
Innings: 9
50s/100s: 4 / 2
Highest Score: 168
Average: 73.37
Known for his explosive style, Dilshan gave Sri Lanka aggressive starts and put Bangladesh on the back foot.
Top Wicket Takers
Muttiah Muralidharan
Matches: 11
Wickets: 89
Average: 13.0
5 Wicket Hauls: 11
Muralidharan’s legacy in this rivalry is unmatched. His ability to run through batting orders made him the ultimate nemesis for Bangladesh.
Rangana Herath
Matches: 10
Wickets: 50
Average: 24.76
5 Wicket Hauls: 3
Herath took over from Murali and continued tormenting Bangladesh with spin and precision.
Shakib Al Hasan
Matches: 10
Wickets: 42
Average: 37.23
5 Wicket Hauls: 2
Shakib has been Bangladesh’s best bowler in this rivalry, especially effective on turning tracks.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Rivalry Facts You Should Know
1. Angelo Mathews retired just ahead of the second Test in June 2025. He also holds the unwanted record of being the first player to be timed out in international cricket, and it happened against Bangladesh during the 2023 World Cup.
2. Bangladesh’s only Test win over Sri Lanka came in Colombo in March 2017. They chased 191 and won by four wickets, marking a milestone victory.
3. Sri Lanka have won 8 Tests against Bangladesh by an innings margin, highlighting their historical control.
4. Chattogram has been a high-scoring ground, with knocks like Angelo Mathews’ 199 and Kamindu Mendis’ all round brilliance lighting up recent contests.
5. Muttiah Muralitharan’s 89 wickets in just 11 matches remain the highest in this rivalry. He picked 11 five-wicket hauls, dominating every single series he played.
FAQs – Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head Insights
Q1: Who has won more matches – Sri Lanka or Bangladesh?
Ans: Sri Lanka lead comfortably. They have 20 Test wins compared to Bangladesh’s 1. In ODIs, Sri Lanka lead 43–12, and in T20Is, the score is 11–6 in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Q2: When did Sri Lanka and Bangladesh last play each other?
Ans: Their most recent Test was the first match of the current 2025 series in Galle, which ended in a draw.
Q3: Who scored the most runs in Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh matches?
Ans: Kumar Sangakkara is the leading run scorer in this rivalry, with 1,033 runs in just 11 innings, including five centuries and an average of 114.7.