The Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team timeline showcases one of the most consistently competitive rivalries in South Asian cricket. While it may not carry the centuries-old legacy of other duels, the intensity, drama, and steady evolution of this contest since the late 1990s have made it a fan-favorite in the subcontinent.
From early mismatches to thrilling close finishes and ICC tournament clashes, this timeline represents the rise of Bangladesh as a cricketing force and Sri Lanka’s journey post their golden era. Whether it’s in Test, ODI, or T20I formats, every series brings new narratives, rising stars, and passionate cricket.
Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Timeline: Upcoming Fixtures
As of 2025, the two sides are scheduled to meet in a full bilateral series along with potential ICC tournament matchups. The rivalry will once again take center stage with high-stakes games on the calendar.
| Date | Format | Host Nation | Venue |
| 10 July 2025 | T20I 1 | Sri Lanka | Pallekele International Stadium, Kandy |
| 13 July 2025 | T20I 2 | Sri Lanka | Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla |
| 16 July 2025 | T20I 3 | Sri Lanka | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
Squads for the Upcoming Series
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Squad
- Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain)
- Kusal Mendis (Vice-Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Charith Asalanka
- Angelo Mathews
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Lahiru Kumara
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Dasun Shanaka
- Dunith Wellalage
- Kamindu Mendis
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
Bangladesh National Cricket Team Squad
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain)
- Mushfiqur Rahim (Wicketkeeper)
- Litton Das (Vice-Captain)
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Shakib Al Hasan
- Towhid Hridoy
- Tanzid Hasan
- Taskin Ahmed
- Shoriful Islam
- Mustafizur Rahman
- Taijul Islam
- Mahedi Hasan
- Hasan Mahmud
- Zakir Hasan
Both squads feature a healthy mix of experienced leaders and dynamic youth. The upcoming matches promise to elevate this growing timeline with new milestones and memorable performances.
June–July 2025: A Fierce New Chapter in Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Rivalry
The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka rivalry hit new highs in June–July 2025 with intense performances across formats.
Test Series Recap
1st Test (Galle): Ended in a draw, highlighted by Shanto’s twin centuries.
2nd Test (Colombo): Saw Sri Lanka crush Bangladesh by an innings, thanks to Nissanka’s 158 and Jayasuriya’s 5-wicket haul. The result led to Najmul Hossain Shanto stepping down as Test captain.
ODI Series Drama
1st ODI: Sri Lanka won by 77 runs with a solid all-round performance.
2nd ODI: Bangladesh leveled the series with a 16-run win, led by Tanvir Islam.
3rd ODI: Kusal Mendis smashed 124, and Bangladesh suffered a shocking collapse — 7 wickets for 5 runs, handing Sri Lanka a 2–1 series win.
Notable Encounters in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Timeline
The Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team timeline has featured many memorable clashes that shaped their growing rivalry. From dramatic T20I finishes to tense Test series, each encounter has left a lasting mark.
2023 Asia Cup Group Stage Match
In September 2023, the two teams faced off in a crucial group stage match of the Asia Cup in Pallekele. Sri Lanka defended a modest total of 257, thanks to a late-order revival and accurate bowling from Theekshana and Hasaranga. Bangladesh’s middle-order collapse, despite a valiant 73 from Mushfiqur Rahim, handed Sri Lanka a 28-run win and boosted their qualification chances.
2022 Test Series in Bangladesh
This two-match Test series was defined by dramatic batting collapses and gritty centuries. The first Test in Chattogram ended in a hard-fought draw, but the second Test in Dhaka saw Sri Lanka dominate with centuries from Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, defeating Bangladesh by 10 wickets and taking the series 1–0.
2018 Nidahas Trophy T20I (Group Stage Thriller)
One of the most iconic T20I matches between the two sides happened during the Nidahas Trophy in Colombo. With a semi-final spot at stake, Bangladesh chased down 160 in a last-over drama that ended with wild celebrations and temporary on-field tensions. Mahmudullah’s six off the penultimate ball sealed the win, marking one of Bangladesh’s most dramatic T20I moments.
Wrapping Up
The Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka National Cricket Team timeline has developed into a powerful subcontinental cricket story filled with determination, upsets, and moments of national pride. While Sri Lanka holds the upper hand historically, Bangladesh has proven time and again that they are no longer the underdogs. With each passing year and every new match, this rivalry gains more weight, fueled by passionate fans and talented cricketers.
As the teams get ready for their 2025 fixtures and future ICC events, the timeline promises even more drama, milestones, and a legacy of competitive cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When did Bangladesh and Sri Lanka first play a cricket match?
Their first official ODI encounter was in 1986 during the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka.
Q2. Has Bangladesh ever defeated Sri Lanka in a Test match?
Yes, Bangladesh registered their first-ever Test win over Sri Lanka in March 2017 in Colombo.
Q3. Who are the top run-scorers in this rivalry?
For Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews and Kumar Sangakkara lead the charts. For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim and Tamim Iqbal have been consistent contributors.
Q4. Is there a specific trophy for the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka series?
While not as iconic as The Ashes, some bilateral series have featured custom trophies, but there’s no permanent named trophy.
Q5. What’s next in the Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka cricket timeline?
A full tour in Sri Lanka in October–November 2025 including Tests, ODIs, and a T20I, followed by potential ICC tournament matchups in 2026 and 2027.