Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have developed an interesting cricket rivalry in One Day International (ODI) cricket. The two Asian teams have met regularly since the 1980s in bilateral series as well as major international tournaments. Sri Lanka enjoyed a strong advantage for much of the rivalry, although Bangladesh have become increasingly competitive in recent years. Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head in ODI
As of the latest men’s ODI meeting on 8 July 2025, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh had played 60 ODI matches. Sri Lanka had won 45, while Bangladesh had won 13, with two matches ending without a result. There have been no tied matches between the teams.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh ODI Head-to-Head Record
| Category | Sri Lanka | Bangladesh |
|---|---|---|
| Matches | 60 | 60 |
| Wins | 45 | 13 |
| Losses | 13 | 45 |
| No Result | 2 | 2 |
| Ties | 0 | 0 |
| Win percentage* | 75.00% | 21.67% |
*Win percentage calculated from total matches played, excluding no-results. Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Head-to-Head in ODI
The overall record clearly shows Sri Lanka’s historical advantage. However, the recent results demonstrate that Bangladesh have closed some of the gap and have produced several important victories.
First ODI Meeting Between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh first met in ODI cricket in 1986. Their rivalry has therefore stretched across several generations of players.
During the early years, Sri Lanka were already an established force in international cricket, while Bangladesh were still developing their ODI team. This difference was reflected in the results, with Sri Lanka winning most of their early encounters.
The rivalry became more competitive as Bangladesh developed into a stronger ODI side. Bangladesh’s improvement became particularly visible during the 2010s and 2020s, when they began defeating Sri Lanka in bilateral series and major tournaments.
Overall ODI Rivalry
The 60-match head-to-head record gives Sri Lanka a substantial advantage. Sri Lanka’s 45 victories represent three-quarters of the matches in which a result was recorded, while Bangladesh have won 13.
According to historical records, Sri Lanka won 19 of the 21 ODI meetings during the 2000s. In the 2010s, the results became more competitive, with Sri Lanka winning 15 and Bangladesh winning five, alongside two no-results. During the 2020s through the 2025 series, Bangladesh have improved further, with both teams winning multiple matches.
This change is important because the rivalry is no longer simply a one-sided contest. Bangladesh have developed a stronger ODI structure and have regularly challenged Sri Lanka with competitive batting, spin bowling and disciplined pace attacks.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh Recent ODI Results
The most recent ODI series between the teams was played in Sri Lanka in July 2025.
1st ODI – 2 July 2025
Sri Lanka scored 244 all out and Bangladesh were dismissed for 167. Sri Lanka won by 77 runs.
2nd ODI – 5 July 2025
Bangladesh responded strongly in the second match. They scored 248, while Sri Lanka were dismissed for 232. Bangladesh won by 16 runs, bringing the series level at 1–1. Tanvir Islam played an important role with the ball.
3rd ODI – 8 July 2025
Sri Lanka produced the decisive performance in the final match. They scored 285/7, with Kusal Mendis making a major contribution, before bowling Bangladesh out for 186. Sri Lanka won by 99 runs and took the series 2–1.
Kusal Mendis was named Player of the Series after scoring 225 runs across the three matches. His century in the final ODI was a key part of Sri Lanka’s series victory.
Bangladesh’s Recent Improvement
Although Sri Lanka have the stronger overall ODI record, Bangladesh have shown considerable improvement in their recent meetings.
In the 2024 ODI series in Bangladesh, the Tigers won the opening match by six wickets, Sri Lanka won the second by three wickets, and Bangladesh won the third by four wickets. Bangladesh therefore claimed the series 2–1.
Bangladesh also defeated Sri Lanka in the 2023 ODI World Cup, winning their Delhi encounter by three wickets. That match remains one of the notable recent results in the rivalry.
These victories show that Bangladesh can compete successfully against Sri Lanka when their batting unit provides a strong platform and their bowlers maintain pressure through the middle and final overs.
Highest ODI Team Scores
Both teams have produced large totals against each other.
Sri Lanka’s highest ODI total against Bangladesh is 357/9, scored in Lahore in 2008. Bangladesh’s highest total against Sri Lanka is 324/5, made at Dambulla in 2017.
These figures demonstrate that the rivalry has also produced several high-scoring ODI contests.
Bangladesh’s lowest total against Sri Lanka is 76 all out, recorded at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo in 2002. Sri Lanka’s lowest total against Bangladesh is listed as 124 in Dubai in 2018.
Biggest ODI Victories
Sri Lanka have recorded several sizeable victories over Bangladesh, particularly during the earlier period of the rivalry. One historical record lists Sri Lanka’s largest ODI victory over Bangladesh as a 198-run win in Port of Spain in 2007. Bangladesh’s largest victory in the rivalry was a 163-run win in Mirpur in 2018.
These matches illustrate the contrasting nature of the rivalry. At times, one team has dominated completely, while other contests have gone down to the final stages.
Mushfiqur Rahim’s Important Record
Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim has been one of the most significant performers in the ODI rivalry.
He holds the record for the highest individual ODI score in Sri Lanka-Bangladesh matches, with 144 runs. The innings came in Dubai in 2018.
Mushfiqur has also accumulated the most ODI runs in the rivalry according to available historical head-to-head records, with 1,123 runs against Sri Lanka.
His performances have made him one of Bangladesh’s most important batters in matches against Sri Lanka.
Key Sri Lankan Players
Sri Lanka have also produced numerous influential players in this rivalry. Former stars such as Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya and Lasith Malinga played important roles in different periods.
Among modern players, Kusal Mendis has become particularly important. His performance in the 2025 ODI series showed his ability to influence matches against Bangladesh. He scored 124 in the deciding ODI and finished the series as Player of the Series.
Lasith Malinga also produced one of the outstanding bowling performances in the rivalry, recording figures of 6/38 against Bangladesh.
Head-to-Head at Different Venues
The two teams have played across several countries because their rivalry has included bilateral series, Asia Cup matches, World Cup games and other international tournaments.
Sri Lanka have historically enjoyed a strong home advantage. Bangladesh have nevertheless recorded important wins in Sri Lanka, including their famous 90-run victory in Dambulla in 2017.
Matches in Bangladesh have also produced memorable contests. The conditions often provide opportunities for spinners, while the home side has benefited from strong support and familiarity with local pitches.
Neutral venues have also played an important role. Major tournaments such as the World Cup and Asia Cup have created opportunities for the teams to meet outside their traditional home environments.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh in Major Tournaments
The rivalry is not limited to bilateral cricket. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have faced one another in major international tournaments, including the Asia Cup and ICC Cricket World Cup.
Their World Cup meetings have attracted particular attention because every match carries additional importance in a tournament environment. The 2023 World Cup meeting in Delhi was won by Bangladesh by three wickets.
The Asia Cup has also produced several memorable encounters, giving the rivalry an additional regional dimension.
Recent Balance Between the Teams
The overall record remains heavily in Sri Lanka’s favour, but the recent head-to-head results provide a more balanced picture.
Bangladesh won the ODI series in 2024 by 2–1. Sri Lanka then won the 2025 series by the same margin. In the 2025 series, Sri Lanka won the first and third matches, while Bangladesh won the second.
This pattern suggests that recent Sri Lanka-Bangladesh ODI contests have become more competitive than the historical overall record might indicate.
Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh ODI Rivalry: What to Expect
Future matches between these teams are likely to remain closely followed across South Asia. Sri Lanka have a long history of ODI success, while Bangladesh have continued to build a stronger 50-over side.
For Sri Lanka, experienced batters and a varied bowling attack remain important assets. Bangladesh’s competitiveness depends heavily on their top-order batting, middle-order contributions and the ability of their bowlers to control the middle overs.
The rivalry therefore combines a strong historical record with an increasingly competitive recent era.
Conclusion
The Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh ODI head-to-head record is dominated by Sri Lanka. As of the latest men’s ODI meeting on 8 July 2025, the teams had played 60 matches, with Sri Lanka winning 45, Bangladesh winning 13, and two ending without a result.
However, Bangladesh’s recent performances show that the gap has narrowed in important contests. Their 2–1 ODI series victory in 2024 and several recent tournament wins demonstrate their ability to challenge Sri Lanka.
The 2025 series once again went Sri Lanka’s way, with a 2–1 victory. With experienced players, emerging talent and competitive conditions, future Sri Lanka-Bangladesh ODI matches should continue to add new chapters to this long-running Asian cricket rivalry.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many ODIs have Sri Lanka and Bangladesh played?
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have played 60 men’s ODI matches as of 8 July 2025.
2. Who has won more ODIs between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh?
Sri Lanka have won more matches, with 45 victories, compared with Bangladesh’s 13 wins.
3. How many Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh ODIs ended without a result?
Two matches between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh ended without a result. There have been no tied matches.
4. Who has the highest individual ODI score in Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh matches?
Bangladesh’s Mushfiqur Rahim holds the highest individual score, with 144 runs against Sri Lanka in Dubai in 2018.
5. Who won the latest Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh ODI series?
Sri Lanka won the latest men’s ODI series 2–1 in July 2025. Sri Lanka won the first and third ODIs, while Bangladesh won the second match.