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The rivalry between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has produced a large collection of memorable matches across Test cricket, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Internationals. Bangladesh National Cricket Team Vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Stats show a long-standing advantage for Sri Lanka in the overall head to head record, although Bangladesh has produced several important victories, particularly in limited overs cricket. The two sides have played regularly in bilateral series, Asia Cup matches, World Cup fixtures and other international competitions. Their encounters have become increasingly competitive as Bangladesh have developed into a stronger international side.
Overall Head To Head Record
The two teams have met 28 times in Test cricket, 60 times in ODIs and 22 times in T20Is. Sri Lanka has the stronger overall record in all three formats, but the gap is considerably smaller in T20I cricket than it is in Tests.
| Format | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Bangladesh Wins | Draws | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 28 | 21 | 1 | 6 | 0 |
| ODIs | 60 | 45 | 13 | 0 | 2 |
| T20Is | 22 | 13 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 110 | 79 | 23 | 6 | 2 |
The Test record demonstrates Sri Lanka’s long-term superiority in the longest format. Bangladesh have won only once in 28 meetings, while six matches have ended in draws. The 2025 Test series added another win for Sri Lanka after the opening match ended in a draw.
The ODI record is much more competitive. Sri Lanka have won 45 of the 60 matches, while Bangladesh have won 13. Two matches ended without a result. Bangladesh have recorded several significant ODI victories against Sri Lanka, especially during the 2020s.
In T20Is, the difference is even narrower. Sri Lanka have won 13 of the 22 meetings, while Bangladesh have won nine. This format has produced some of the most dramatic matches between the two teams, including the famous Nidahas Trophy encounter in 2018.
Test Cricket Statistics
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh first met in Test cricket in 2001. Over the years, Sri Lanka established a strong record against Bangladesh, winning many of the early encounters by significant margins. Bangladesh’s first and only Test victory against Sri Lanka came in March 2017 at the P Sara Oval in Colombo.
That victory was particularly significant because it was Bangladesh’s 100th Test match. Bangladesh successfully chased down a target of 191 and won by four wickets. The match featured important contributions from several experienced Bangladesh players, including Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim.
| Test Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Tests | 28 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 21 |
| Bangladesh wins | 1 |
| Draws | 6 |
| Bangladesh highest innings | 638 |
| Sri Lanka highest innings | 730 for 6 declared |
| Bangladesh’s only win | 2017, Colombo |
Sri Lanka’s highest score against Bangladesh in Tests is 730 for 6 declared, made in Mirpur in 2014. Bangladesh’s highest total against Sri Lanka is 638, scored in Galle in 2013. These figures illustrate the batting depth that both sides have displayed in favourable Test conditions.
The 2025 Test series was another important chapter in the rivalry. The first Test in Galle ended in a draw after Bangladesh made 495 in their first innings and Sri Lanka replied with 485. Bangladesh then declared at 285 for 6, leaving Sri Lanka a challenging target, but the hosts finished safely at 72 for 4.
The second Test in Colombo was a very different contest. Sri Lanka scored 458 after Bangladesh made 247 in the first innings. Bangladesh were then dismissed for 133 in their second innings, giving Sri Lanka an innings and 78 run victory. Sri Lanka therefore won the two match Test series 1 to 0.
ODI Head To Head Statistics
One Day International cricket has produced considerably more matches between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka than Test cricket. The teams have faced each other in bilateral series as well as major tournaments.
| ODI Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total ODIs | 60 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 45 |
| Bangladesh wins | 13 |
| No results | 2 |
| Ties | 0 |
| Bangladesh highest total | 333 for 8 |
| Sri Lanka highest total | 357 for 9 |
The ODI rivalry has become more competitive during the recent period. Bangladesh have managed a number of important victories over Sri Lanka, particularly in matches played during the 2020s. The overall record, however, remains in Sri Lanka’s favour.
The 2025 ODI series in Sri Lanka provides a useful example of the current competitive nature of the rivalry. Sri Lanka won the first ODI in Colombo by 77 runs after scoring 244. Bangladesh responded by winning the second match by 16 runs after making 248. Sri Lanka then secured the series by winning the third ODI in Kandy by 99 runs.
The series therefore ended with Sri Lanka winning two matches and Bangladesh winning one. The results also showed how strongly conditions and individual performances can influence matches between these teams.
T20I Head To Head Statistics
The shortest international format has produced some of the closest contests between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The teams have played 22 T20Is, with Sri Lanka winning 13 and Bangladesh winning nine. Neither side has recorded a tied match or no result in this head to head record.
| T20I Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total T20Is | 22 |
| Sri Lanka wins | 13 |
| Bangladesh wins | 9 |
| Ties | 0 |
| No results | 0 |
| Bangladesh highest total | 215 |
| Sri Lanka highest total | 214 |
One of the most memorable matches came during the Nidahas Trophy in March 2018. Sri Lanka scored 214 for 6, setting Bangladesh a demanding target. Bangladesh successfully chased the total, with Mahmudullah hitting the winning six from the final ball. Bangladesh finished on 215 and won by two wickets.
The 2025 T20I series also demonstrated how quickly momentum can change between these teams. Sri Lanka won the opening match by seven wickets, but Bangladesh responded with victories in the second and third matches. Bangladesh won the second T20I by 83 runs and the third by eight wickets, taking the series 2 to 1.
Bangladesh And Sri Lanka In Recent Cricket
The recent meetings between the two teams have shown that Bangladesh are capable of challenging Sri Lanka across formats, even though Sri Lanka retain the stronger historical record.
During the 2025 tour, the teams played two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is. Sri Lanka won the Test series 1 to 0 after one draw and one victory. Sri Lanka also won the ODI series 2 to 1. Bangladesh, however, won the T20I series 2 to 1 after losing the opening match.
| 2025 Series | Result |
|---|---|
| Test series | Sri Lanka won 1 to 0 |
| ODI series | Sri Lanka won 2 to 1 |
| T20I series | Bangladesh won 2 to 1 |
These results highlight the different competitive patterns across formats. Sri Lanka maintained its historical advantage in Tests and ODIs, while Bangladesh finished the T20I series strongly.
Important Players In The Rivalry
Several players have played major roles in matches between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka over the years. For Sri Lanka, players such as Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan, Angelo Mathews, Lasith Malinga and more recent players have contributed memorable performances.
Bangladesh have also produced several outstanding performers in this fixture. Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah and Mustafizur Rahman have all been important figures in Bangladesh’s matches against Sri Lanka.
In Test cricket, Mushfiqur Rahim has been particularly significant for Bangladesh. He has produced major innings against Sri Lanka, including the 200 that he scored in Galle in 2013. Bangladesh’s Test batting record against Sri Lanka has also included major contributions from Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan.
For Sri Lanka, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene were particularly influential during the earlier period of the rivalry. Their combination of technical skill and experience made them important figures in Test and ODI matches against Bangladesh.
Why The Statistics Matter
Head to head statistics provide a useful way to understand the history of an international cricket rivalry. They show the difference between long-term performance and more recent results. In this case, Sri Lanka’s overall record is clearly stronger, especially in Test cricket.
At the same time, the limited overs figures show that Bangladesh have become increasingly competitive. Winning nine of 22 T20Is and 13 of 60 ODIs demonstrates that Bangladesh have regularly been able to challenge Sri Lanka in shorter formats.
The statistics also show why individual matches should not be judged solely by historical records. A team with a stronger overall record can still face a difficult contest because conditions, player form, pitch characteristics and match situations can change from one game to another.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Tests have Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played against each other?
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have played 28 Test matches. Sri Lanka have won 21, Bangladesh have won one, and six matches have ended in draws.
How many ODIs have Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played?
The two teams have played 60 ODIs. Sri Lanka have won 45 matches, Bangladesh have won 13, and two matches have ended without a result.
How many T20Is have Bangladesh and Sri Lanka played?
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have played 22 T20I matches. Sri Lanka have won 13, while Bangladesh have won nine.
What was the result of the Bangladesh and Sri Lanka series in 2025?
Sri Lanka won the Test series 1 to 0 and the ODI series 2 to 1. Bangladesh won the T20I series 2 to 1 after winning the final two matches.
What is Bangladesh’s only Test win against Sri Lanka?
Bangladesh’s only Test victory against Sri Lanka came in March 2017 at the P Sara Oval in Colombo. Bangladesh chased 191 and won the match by four wickets. The victory came in Bangladesh’s 100th Test match.
