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The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Stats showcase one of Asia’s most competitive cricket rivalries. While Sri Lanka enjoyed decades of dominance after Bangladesh entered international cricket, the contest has become much more balanced over the last decade. From thrilling World Cup clashes and Asia Cup battles to memorable Test matches and dramatic T20 internationals, both teams have produced unforgettable moments. This article explores their complete head-to-head record, batting and bowling achievements, highest and lowest totals, standout individual performances, recent meetings, major milestones, and fascinating statistical trends that explain how this rivalry has evolved across all three formats.
Head-to-Head Stats
Across international cricket, Sri Lanka has maintained the upper hand overall, although Bangladesh has significantly improved its record in recent years.
| Format | Matches | Sri Lanka Wins | Bangladesh Wins | No Result/Draw |
| Tests | 28 | 20 | 1 | 7 Draws |
| ODIs | 57 | 43 | 12 | 2 No Result |
| T20Is | 19 | 13 | 6 | 0 |
| Overall | 104 | 76 | 19 | 9 |
These numbers highlight Sri Lanka’s historical dominance, particularly in Test cricket. However, Bangladesh’s growing success in limited-overs formats demonstrates how much the gap has narrowed.
Batting Statistics
Leading run-scorers in the rivalry
Several world-class batters have defined contests between these two nations. Sri Lanka’s experienced lineup has traditionally controlled the run charts, while Bangladesh’s modern stars have steadily climbed the rankings.
| Player | Team | Runs | Average | Strike Rate* |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 1,700+ | 58+ | 90+ |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 1,500+ | 50+ | 83+ |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 1,300+ | 43+ | 82+ |
| Tamim Iqbal | Bangladesh | 1,250+ | 38+ | 79+ |
| Angelo Mathews | Sri Lanka | 1,000+ | 42+ | 84+ |
*Strike rate primarily reflects limited-overs matches.
Sangakkara and Jayawardene dominated Bangladesh during their careers with remarkable consistency. Mushfiqur Rahim eventually became Bangladesh’s most dependable batter against Sri Lanka, producing match-winning innings in all three formats.
Bowling Statistics
Most successful bowlers
Spin has played a major role whenever these teams have met, especially on subcontinental pitches.
| Player | Team | Wickets | Economy | Best Figures |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 90+ | 2.90 | 7/30 |
| Rangana Herath | Sri Lanka | 60+ | 2.70 | 6/43 |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 70+ | 3.90 | 5/36 |
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 45+ | 4.60 | 5/34 |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | Bangladesh | 40+ | 4.40 | 4/25 |
Muralitharan’s record stands among the greatest ever against a single opponent. Bangladesh has relied heavily on Shakib Al Hasan, whose left-arm spin has troubled Sri Lankan batters for years.
Highest Team Totals
Biggest innings recorded in the rivalry
| Team | Score | Format | Venue |
| Sri Lanka | 730/6 declared | Test | Colombo |
| Sri Lanka | 580 declared | Test | Chattogram |
| Bangladesh | 541 declared | Test | Chattogram |
| Sri Lanka | 385/9 | ODI | Dhaka |
| Bangladesh | 320/7 | ODI | Colombo |
Large first-innings totals have often been recorded in Test cricket because both countries regularly play on batting-friendly pitches before spin becomes a decisive factor later in the match.
Lowest Team Totals
Smallest completed totals
| Team | Score | Format | Venue |
| Bangladesh | 62 | ODI | Colombo |
| Bangladesh | 83 | ODI | Colombo |
| Sri Lanka | 124 | ODI | Mirpur |
| Bangladesh | 110 | Test innings | Colombo |
| Sri Lanka | 94 | T20I | Colombo |
Bangladesh struggled during the early years of the rivalry, especially overseas. Their batting has become considerably stronger in the last decade.
Top Individual Scores
Highest individual innings
| Player | Team | Runs | Format | Venue |
| Kumar Sangakkara | Sri Lanka | 319 | Test | Chattogram |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 203* | Test | Colombo |
| Mushfiqur Rahim | Bangladesh | 200 | Test | Galle |
| Tamim Iqbal | Bangladesh | 154 | ODI | Dambulla |
| Pathum Nissanka | Sri Lanka | 114 | ODI | Colombo |
Double centuries have played an important role in several drawn Test matches between the two teams, with Sangakkara setting the benchmark through his legendary triple century.
Best Bowling Performances
Most impressive bowling figures
| Player | Team | Figures | Format |
| Muttiah Muralitharan | Sri Lanka | 7/30 | Test |
| Rangana Herath | Sri Lanka | 6/43 | Test |
| Lasith Malinga | Sri Lanka | 5/34 | ODI |
| Shakib Al Hasan | Bangladesh | 5/36 | ODI |
| Mustafizur Rahman | Bangladesh | 4/21 | T20I |
These performances often shifted momentum completely. Sri Lanka’s spinners dominated long-format cricket, while Bangladesh’s pace attack has become increasingly dangerous in white-ball matches.
Interesting Statistical Facts
Key numbers that define the rivalry
- Sri Lanka won the overwhelming majority of early encounters after Bangladesh became a Test nation.
- Bangladesh earned its first Test victory over Sri Lanka in 2017.
- Sri Lanka has recorded more centuries and double centuries in the rivalry.
- Bangladesh has become increasingly competitive in Asia Cup and World Cup meetings.
- Spin bowlers account for more than half of all wickets taken in Test matches between these sides.
- Several matches have gone down to the final over, especially in ODI cricket over the past decade.
- Home advantage has played a major role for both teams.
Head-to-Head Record
Performance by format
| Format | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh |
| Test Series Won | 11 | 1 |
| ODI Series Won | 15 | 4 |
| T20I Series Won | 6 | 2 |
| ICC Tournament Wins | More | Fewer |
Sri Lanka’s superior experience has translated into more bilateral series victories. However, Bangladesh has shown remarkable improvement since the mid-2010s, especially when playing at home.
Recent Meetings
Latest international encounters
| Year | Format | Winner | Margin |
| 2024 | ODI | Sri Lanka | Comfortable win |
| 2024 | T20I | Sri Lanka | Series victory |
| 2024 | ODI | Bangladesh | Close finish |
| 2023 | World Cup | Sri Lanka | By wickets |
| 2023 | Asia Cup | Sri Lanka | By wickets |
Recent contests have been far more competitive than the rivalry’s early years. Bangladesh regularly pushes Sri Lanka deep into matches, and several games have been decided in the closing overs.
Major Records
Historic achievements
Sri Lanka holds the record for the highest team total in the rivalry, while Kumar Sangakkara owns the highest individual score with his unforgettable triple century. Muttiah Muralitharan remains the leading wicket-taker, reflecting his unmatched dominance against Bangladesh throughout his career.
Bangladesh’s greatest milestone came with its maiden Test victory over Sri Lanka in 2017, proving the team had matured into a genuine competitor in the longest format. Since then, Bangladesh has consistently challenged Sri Lanka in bilateral series and ICC tournaments.
The rivalry has also produced memorable World Cup encounters, Asia Cup classics, and emotional celebrations that have added intensity beyond the statistics.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team Vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Stats tell the story of a rivalry that has evolved dramatically. Sri Lanka established early control through legendary players such as Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Lasith Malinga. Bangladesh, meanwhile, transformed from an emerging cricket nation into a team capable of defeating Sri Lanka in every format. Today, meetings between these sides are rarely predictable, making every series an exciting contest for cricket fans. While Sri Lanka still leads comfortably in the all-time record books, Bangladesh’s steady improvement ensures this rivalry continues to grow in competitiveness and significance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall head-to-head record between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?
Sri Lanka has won the majority of international matches across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. Bangladesh has improved significantly over the last decade and now competes much more evenly, particularly in limited-overs cricket.
Who has scored the most runs in Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh matches?
Kumar Sangakkara is widely recognized as the leading run-scorer in this rivalry, followed by Mahela Jayawardene, while Mushfiqur Rahim is Bangladesh’s highest run-getter.
Which bowler has taken the most wickets?
Muttiah Muralitharan is the leading wicket-taker in matches between the two teams, thanks to his extraordinary performances in Test cricket.
What is the highest team score recorded in this rivalry?
Sri Lanka’s 730 for 6 declared in a Test match remains the highest team total recorded between the two nations.
When did Bangladesh record its first Test victory against Sri Lanka?
Bangladesh secured its historic first Test win over Sri Lanka in March 2017 at Colombo, marking one of the biggest achievements in the country’s cricket history.
