The cricket rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has evolved from one-sided contests to highly competitive matches, showcasing growth in both teams. Starting with their first encounter in the 1986 Asia Cup, the rivalry has seen historic moments like Bangladesh’s first Test win in 2017. This timeline covers key matches, significant milestones, and standout performances, highlighting the journey of both teams through ODI, Test, and T20 formats. Their contests are now a testament to the rising competitive spirit and sportsmanship in South Asian cricket. Also, Read – Ireland Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team and Bangladesh National Cricket Team Timeline
Cricket, often referred to as a religion in South Asia, has seen numerous rivalries, but one of the growing and intriguing ones is between the Sri Lanka national cricket team and the Bangladesh national cricket team. Over the years, these two teams have faced off in many memorable matches across formats, showcasing a blend of competitive spirit, sportsmanship, and regional pride. This article delves into the timeline of encounters between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, highlighting key matches, significant milestones, and the evolution of their cricketing relationship.
Early Encounters: The Beginning of a Rivalry
1986-1999: The Formative Years
1986 Asia Cup: First Encounter
The first official match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh took place during the 1986 Asia Cup. Sri Lanka, a rising force in world cricket, easily won the match, marking the beginning of what would become a regular contest.
| Date | Tournament | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|
| 31 March 1986 | Asia Cup | Colombo | Sri Lanka | 7 wickets |
1997 ICC Trophy: A Historic Win for Bangladesh
One of the most significant early encounters was during the 1997 ICC Trophy, where Bangladesh defeated Sri Lanka, marking their arrival on the international scene. This victory was crucial for Bangladesh as it helped them gain ODI status.
| Date | Tournament | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|
| 6 April 1997 | ICC Trophy | Kuala Lumpur | Bangladesh | 1 wicket |
2000-2010: Establishing Competitive Spirit
2003 ICC Cricket World Cup
The 2003 World Cup saw Sri Lanka and Bangladesh face off in the group stage. Sri Lanka dominated the match, winning comfortably.
| Date | Tournament | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|
| 14 February 2003 | ICC World Cup | Pietermaritzburg | Sri Lanka | 10 wickets |
2006 Test Series: Bangladesh’s Test Debut Against Sri Lanka
In 2006, Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka for a Test series, marking the first Test encounter between the two teams. Sri Lanka, with its experienced side, won the series convincingly.
| Date | Match | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|
| 28 June 2006 | 1st Test | Colombo | Sri Lanka | Innings & 69 runs |
| 3 July 2006 | 2nd Test | Bogra | Sri Lanka | 10 wickets |
| 11 July 2006 | 3rd Test | Kandy | Sri Lanka | Innings & 137 runs |
The Evolution of Rivalry: 2011-2020
2011 ICC Cricket World Cup: A Significant Encounter
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh was significant as it was part of the group stages held in Bangladesh. Sri Lanka’s victory was a setback for the hosts but demonstrated the competitive nature of the contest.
| Date | Tournament | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|
| 18 March 2011 | ICC World Cup | Dhaka | Sri Lanka | 112 runs |
2014 Asia Cup: Bangladesh’s Fightback
During the 2014 Asia Cup, Bangladesh showed significant improvement in their game, giving Sri Lanka tough competition, though Sri Lanka eventually won the match.
| Date | Tournament | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|
| 6 March 2014 | Asia Cup | Dhaka | Sri Lanka | 3 wickets |
2017: Bangladesh’s Historic Win
One of the most memorable moments in the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh rivalry came in 2017 when Bangladesh secured their first-ever Test win against Sri Lanka in Colombo, marking a significant achievement in their cricket history.
| Date | Match | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|
| 15 March 2017 | 2nd Test | Colombo | Bangladesh | 4 wickets |
Modern Era: 2021-Present
2021 ODI Series: A Competitive Edge
The ODI series in 2021 saw both teams showcasing their strengths, with Sri Lanka emerging victorious, but not without significant resistance from Bangladesh.
| Date | Match | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|
| 23 May 2021 | 1st ODI | Dhaka | Bangladesh | 33 runs |
| 25 May 2021 | 2nd ODI | Dhaka | Bangladesh | 103 runs |
| 28 May 2021 | 3rd ODI | Dhaka | Sri Lanka | 97 runs |
2022 Test Series: Competitive Battles
The 2022 Test series was a testament to the growing competitiveness between the two teams, with both matches ending in draws.
| Date | Match | Venue | Result | Highlights |
|---|
| 15 May 2022 | 1st Test | Chattogram | Draw | High-scoring draws |
| 23 May 2022 | 2nd Test | Dhaka | Draw | Both teams competitive |
Key Players in Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Encounters
Sri Lanka’s Legends
- Sanath Jayasuriya: Known for his explosive batting, Jayasuriya played pivotal roles in many victories against Bangladesh.
- Muttiah Muralitharan: The legendary spinner often tormented Bangladeshi batsmen with his wizardry.
- Kumar Sangakkara: His consistent performances with the bat were crucial in numerous matches.
Bangladesh’s Heroes
- Shakib Al Hasan: One of the world’s best all-rounders, Shakib has been instrumental in Bangladesh’s successes.
- Tamim Iqbal: Known for his aggressive opening batting, Tamim has provided solid starts in many matches.
- Mushfiqur Rahim: The experienced wicketkeeper-batsman has been a backbone for Bangladesh in many crucial encounters.
Statistical Highlights
Head-to-Head Records
| Format | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Bangladesh Wins | Draw/Tie/No Result |
|---|
| Tests | 22 | 17 | 1 | 4 |
| ODIs | 50 | 40 | 9 | 1 |
| T20Is | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
Highest Individual Scores
| Player | Score | Format | Venue | Year |
|---|
| Sanath Jayasuriya | 189 | ODI | Sharjah | 2000 |
| Tamim Iqbal | 153 | ODI | Dhaka | 2014 |
Best Bowling Figures
| Player | Figures | Format | Venue | Year |
|---|
| Muttiah Muralitharan | 6/25 | ODI | Sharjah | 2000 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | 5/68 | Test | Colombo | 2017 |
Memorable Matches
2018 Nidahas Trophy: A T20 Classic
The Nidahas Trophy in 2018 saw one of the most thrilling T20 matches between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Bangladesh chased down a steep target of 215, showcasing their prowess in the shortest format.
| Date | Match | Venue | Winner | Margin |
|---|
| 16 March 2018 | Nidahas Trophy | Colombo | Bangladesh | 2 wickets |
2021 Test Series: A Drawn Battle
The 2021 Test series highlighted the competitive edge between the two teams, with both matches ending in high-scoring draws, reflecting the balanced nature of their rivalry.
| Date | Match | Venue | Result | Highlights |
|---|
| 21 April 2021 | 1st Test | Pallekele | Draw | Double centuries |
| 29 April 2021 | 2nd Test | Pallekele | Draw | Competitive spirit |
Head-to-Head Summary
| Format | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Bangladesh Wins | Draw/Tie/No Result |
|---|
| Tests | 22 | 17 | 1 | 4 |
| ODIs | 50 | 40 | 9 | 1 |
| T20Is | 12 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
Notable Matches and Series
| Year | Format | Series/Match | Winner | Highlights |
|---|
| 1986 | ODI | Asia Cup | Sri Lanka | First official encounter |
| 1997 | ODI | ICC Trophy | Bangladesh | Historic win |
| 2017 | Test | Test Series | Bangladesh | First Test win against SL |
| 2018 | T20I | Nidahas Trophy | Bangladesh | Memorable chase |
| 2021 | ODI | ODI Series | Sri Lanka | Competitive edge |
Milestone Matches
| Date | Format | Match | Venue | Result | Highlights |
|---|
| 31 March 1986 | ODI | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Colombo | Sri Lanka | First official match |
| 6 April 1997 | ODI | Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka | Kuala Lumpur | Bangladesh | First win for Bangladesh |
| 15 March 2017 | Test | Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh | Colombo | Bangladesh | First Test win for Bangladesh |
Statistical Leaders
| Category | Player | Statistic | Format |
|---|
| Highest Score | Sanath Jayasuriya | 189 | ODI |
| Best Bowling | Muttiah Muralitharan | 6/25 | ODI |
| Most Runs | Kumar Sangakkara | 1500+ | Tests |
| Most Wickets | Shakib Al Hasan | 50+ | Tests |
This timeline offers a detailed look at the cricketing journey of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, capturing the essence of their rivalry and the milestones achieved over the years. The evolving dynamics between the two teams promise to keep fans engaged and excited for future contests. Also, Read – India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline
Conclusion
The cricketing rivalry between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh has grown significantly over the years. From early encounters where Sri Lanka dominated to more recent matches where Bangladesh has emerged victorious, this rivalry has added a new dimension to South Asian cricket. Both teams have shown remarkable growth, resilience, and competitive spirit, making their encounters a treat for cricket enthusiasts.
As cricket continues to evolve, the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh rivalry promises to deliver more thrilling moments, unforgettable performances, and a showcase of the true spirit of the game. Whether it’s the experienced campaigners of Sri Lanka or the rising stars of Bangladesh, each match between these two nations adds a new chapter to their rich cricketing history.
