It’s an Asian rivalry that simmers with tension every time they meet. Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh is no friendly neighbourly contest. It’s a clash of pride, grit, and a fair bit of needle. Over the years, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have built a heated rivalry, with on-field sledges, fiery send-offs, and fiercely fought battles across formats.
Now, in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, the two sides, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto and Dhananjaya de Silva, are set for their first campaign assignment. Both teams had forgettable runs in the previous WTC cycles and will be hungry to hit the ground running.
Historically, Sri Lanka have dominated, especially in red ball cricket. But Bangladesh aren’t the easy beats they once were. They’ve developed into a side that bites back.
The Bangladesh tour of Sri Lanka kicks off on June 17, 2025, featuring 2 Tests, 3 ODIs, and 3 T20Is. Buckle up!
How Many Times Have Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Played Each Other?
When it comes to raw numbers, Sri Lanka have clearly held the upper hand in this intense Asian rivalry. Across formats, the Lions have consistently outplayed the Tigers, though Bangladesh have made their mark in recent years, especially in white-ball cricket.
Test Matches
Total Matches Played: 26
Sri Lanka Wins: 20 (11 at home, 9 away)
Bangladesh Wins: 1 (away)
Drawn: 5
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
Total Matches Played: 57
Sri Lanka Wins: 43 (20 home, 15 away, 8 neutral)
Bangladesh Wins: 12 (8 home, 2 away, 2 neutral)
No Result: 2
ODIs have been slightly more competitive, with Bangladesh improving in home conditions.
T20 Internationals
Total Matches Played: 17
Sri Lanka Wins: 11 (6 away, 2 home, 3 neutral)
Bangladesh Wins: 6 (2 home, 2 away, 2 neutral)
The rivalry resumes with a Test series starting June 17, 2025, marking both teams’ first assignment in the new 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
First Meeting – July 2002
The Test rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh began in July 2002 in Colombo, and it was a brutal welcome for the visitors. Sri Lanka won by an innings and 196 runs, completely outclassing Bangladesh in every department. The hosts posted a mammoth 541, powered by Aravinda de Silva’s 206 and Sanath Jayasuriya’s 145. Bangladesh were dismissed for 161 and 184 in their two innings, with Muttiah Muralitharan taking a 10-wicket haul, 5 in each innings. It was a dominant statement from Sri Lanka and set the tone for the early years of this one-sided rivalry.
Last Meeting – March 2024
The most recent encounter came during Bangladesh’s tour of Sri Lanka in March 2024, and it was another commanding performance by the hosts. Sri Lanka won by 192 runs, clinching the series in style. Kamindu Mendis was the star of the show, scoring a vital 92 runs in the first innings and following it up with three wickets in the second. Bangladesh faltered under pressure and never looked in control during the chase. The match again highlighted Sri Lanka’s dominance in the longer format, though Bangladesh showed glimpses of resistance in patches throughout the series.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Last 5 Matches Summary
1) 2nd Test, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium – 2024
Sri Lanka sealed the series with a 192-run win in Chattogram. Batting first, they piled up a strong total, with Kamindu Mendis scoring 92. In reply, Bangladesh crumbled under pressure. In the second innings, Kamindu returned to take 3 crucial wickets, earning Player of the Match honors. Bangladesh never recovered and were bowled out without challenging the target. Kamindu’s all-around brilliance and consistent bowling ensured a comprehensive win, helping Sri Lanka wrap up the Test series 2-0 in style.
2) 1st Test, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium – 2024
Sri Lanka dominated the series opener in Sylhet, winning by a mammoth 328 runs. They first posted 282 with twin tons from Dhananjaya de Silva (102) and Kamindu Mendis (102). Bangladesh replied with 188, as Vishwa Fernando’s 4 fer rocked them. In the second innings, Sri Lanka added 418, with DDS and Kamindu scoring centuries again. Chasing a steep target of 511, Bangladesh were blown away for 182, thanks to a 5-wicket haul from Kasun Rajitha. It was a complete performance, setting the tone for the one-sided series.
3) 2nd Test, Sher-e Bangla National Cricket Stadium – 2022
Sri Lanka clinched the match by 10 wickets after a dominant all-round performance. Bangladesh posted 365, with centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das, but Kasun Rajitha’s 5 wicket haul stood out. Sri Lanka replied with a massive 506, thanks to tons from Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews. Shakib Al Hasan picked a 5 fer for the hosts. Bangladesh collapsed to 169 in the second innings, with Asitha Fernando bagging six wickets. Chasing just 29, Sri Lanka wrapped up the win without losing a wicket and secured the series 1-0.
4) 1st Test, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium – 2022
The match ended in a high-scoring draw, but it had some spectacular individual performances. Sri Lanka batted first, scoring 397 led by Angelo Mathews’ heroic 199, despite Nayeem Hasan’s 6 fer. Bangladesh replied strongly with 465, thanks to centuries from Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim, gaining a slender lead. On the final day, Sri Lanka played it safe and reached 260/6, settling for a draw. The match saw a great contest between bat and ball, but the flat pitch offered little for bowlers in the final innings.
5) 2nd Test, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium – 2021
Sri Lanka thrashed Bangladesh by 209 runs in a dominant display at home. The hosts posted 493, with centuries from both openers, Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne. Bangladesh were dismissed for 251, with Praveen Jayawickrama taking 6 wickets on debut. Sri Lanka enforced the follow on, and Bangladesh collapsed again for 227, as Jayawickrama claimed another 5 fer, finishing with a match haul of 11 wickets. Though Taijul Islam took 5 wickets to delay the inevitable, it wasn’t enough as Sri Lanka wrapped up a convincing win.
Who Has the Better Record – Sri Lanka or Bangladesh?
Regarding overall records, Sri Lanka lead the rivalry across all formats. In Tests, they’ve won 20 out of 26, a staggering 76.9% win rate, compared to Bangladesh’s single victory. Even in ODIs, Sri Lanka dominate with 43 wins in 57 games, while in T20Is, they lead 11-6. Historically, Sri Lanka owned the early years, especially at home. But recent years have seen Bangladesh improve, particularly in ODIs at home. However, Sri Lanka’s recent Test series win in 2024 (2-0) reasserts their dominance, showing they still hold the upper hand in red ball cricket.
Memorable Matches Between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
1) Angelo’s 199 and a Thrilling Draw in Chattogram (2022)
A classic Test where Angelo Mathews fell agonisingly short on 199, while Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim struck tons to power Bangladesh. Despite a six-wicket haul by Nayeem Hasan, the match ended in a well-fought draw.
2) Asitha Fernando’s Six for Seals 10 Wicket Win (2022)
Sri Lanka chased down 29 runs without losing a wicket after a dominant show. Asitha Fernando’s 6-wicket haul crushed Bangladesh in the second innings, capping off a match where Chandimal and Mathews earlier scored commanding centuries.
3) Kamindu Mendis Shines in 192 Run Rout (2024)
Kamindu Mendis stood out in this dominant win, scoring 92 runs and picking up three wickets. Bangladesh faltered across both innings as Sri Lanka claimed a convincing 2-0 series victory in the 2024 WTC cycle.
4) Muralitharan’s 10-Wicket Masterclass on Debut Test Clash (2002)
In their first-ever Test meeting, Sri Lanka crushed Bangladesh by an innings and 196 runs. Muttiah Muralitharan ran riot with a 10-wicket match haul, while Aravinda de Silva (206) and Jayasuriya (145) lit up Colombo.
5) Bangladesh’s Historic Test Win in Colombo (2017)
A watershed moment for Bangladesh cricket as they secured their first-ever Test win over Sri Lanka. Riding on contributions from Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal, they chased down 191 to win by four wickets and level the series.
Top Performers in Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Clashes
Top Run Scorers
1) Kumar Sangakkara
Runs: 1,033
Innings: 11
50s/100s: 3 / 5
Highest Score: 222*
Average: 114.7
Sangakkara was simply unstoppable against Bangladesh, averaging over 100 and notching five centuries in just 11 innings. This was a masterclass in consistency and dominance.
2) Dimuth Karunaratne
Runs: 700
Innings: 11
50s/100s: 1 / 3
Highest Score: 244
Average: 64.0
A modern-day Test anchor, Karunaratne has piled on the runs with calmness and control, including a career-best double hundred.
3) Tillakaratne Dilshan
Runs: 587
Innings: 9
50s/100s: 4 / 2
Highest Score: 168
Average: 73.37
An aggressive top-order batter, Dilshan often gave Sri Lanka fiery starts, with a brilliant average of over 70 in just 9 innings.
Top Wicket Takers
1) Muttiah Muralidharan
Matches: 11
Wickets: 89
Average: 13.0
5-Wicket Hauls: 11
The undisputed king in this rivalry, Muralidharan’s 89 wickets at an average of 13, including 11 5-fers, made him Bangladesh’s ultimate tormentor.
2) Rangana Herath
Matches: 10
Wickets: 50
Average: 24.76
5 Wicket Hauls: 3
Herath kept the spin tradition alive post Murali, often breaking partnerships and winning matches with his subtle variations.
3) Shakib Al Hasan
Matches: 10
Wickets: 42
Average: 37.23
5 Wicket Hauls: 2
Bangladesh’s top performer in this clash, Shakib’s left-arm spin, has been a consistent threat, especially in home conditions.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh – Rivalry Facts You Should Know
1) Angelo Mathews – First Ever “Timed Out” in International Cricket
In a bizarre and historic moment during the 2023 ICC World Cup, Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews became the first player ever to be timed out in international cricket, and it happened against Bangladesh, intensifying the bad blood between the two teams.
2) Bangladesh’s One and Only Test Win Came in 2017
Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka by 4 wickets in Colombo during the 2nd Test of March 2017. It remains their only Test victory against the island nation, making it a landmark moment in their red ball history.
3) Sri Lanka Have Won 8 Tests by an Innings Margin
Out of 20 Test wins against Bangladesh, 8 have come by an innings, a clear display of dominance, particularly in home conditions, where Sri Lanka’s spinners have run riot.
4) Chattogram – A Fortress for Big Scores
The Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram has been a regular venue in this rivalry, witnessing massive individual knocks like Angelo Mathews’ 199 in 2022 and Kamindu Mendis’ all-round heroics in 2024.
5) Muralidharan’s Brutality – 89 Wickets in 11 Matches
Legendary spinner Muttiah Muralidharan took 89 wickets in just 11 Tests against Bangladesh, including 11 five-wicket hauls. No bowler has dominated this matchup quite like him.
FAQs – Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head Insights
Q1: Who has won more matches – Sri Lanka or Bangladesh?
Ans: Sri Lanka dominated the rivalry, winning 20 out of 26 Tests, compared to Bangladesh’s lone victory 12. In ODIs, Sri Lanka lead 43–12, and in T20Is they’re ahead 11–6, clearly the more successful side across formats.
Q2: When did Sri Lanka and Bangladesh last play each other?
Ans: Their most recent Test encounter occurred in March 2024 during Sri Lanka’s tour of Bangladesh. Sri Lanka won both Tests, first by 328 runs in Sylhet and then by 192 runs in Chattogram.
Q3: Who scored the most runs in Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh matches?
Ans: The top run scorer in this Test rivalry is Kumar Sangakkara, who amassed 1,033 runs in 11 innings, including five centuries and an average of 114.7.