Cricket is more than just a sport in South Asia—it’s a passion that unites millions, sparking joy, pride, and sometimes heartbreak. When Sri Lanka and Bangladesh face off on the cricket field, it’s not just a game; it’s a battle of grit, skill, and national pride. Known as the “Naagin Derby” for its fiery moments and playful rivalries, the clashes between these two teams have produced some unforgettable matches. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of their rivalry, break down a key match scorecard from their 2025 encounters, and explore what makes this competition so special. Whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan or just curious about the sport, this story is for you.
A Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Rivalry Rooted in Passion
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard have been locking horns in international cricket since 1986, when Bangladesh played their first One Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup. Back then, Sri Lanka was a rising force in world cricket, while Bangladesh was an emerging team, still finding its feet. Over the years, the rivalry has grown fiercer as Bangladesh has transformed from underdogs to a competitive side capable of challenging the best.
The numbers tell part of the story. As of July 2025, the two teams have faced off in 104 matches across all formats—Test matches, ODIs, and T20 Internationals (T20Is). Sri Lanka has won 76 of these, while Bangladesh has claimed 20 victories, with some matches ending in draws or no results. But stats alone don’t capture the drama. From Bangladesh’s stunning upsets to Sri Lanka’s dominant performances, this rivalry is packed with moments that keep fans on the edge of their seats. The “Naagin Dance” celebrations—where players mimic a snake’s slither to taunt their opponents—have added a cheeky, theatrical flair to the contests, making them even more memorable.
The 2025 Series: A Snapshot
In 2025, Bangladesh toured Sri Lanka for a multi-format series that included two Test matches, three ODIs, and three T20Is. This tour was a highlight of the cricketing calendar, showcasing both teams’ strengths in different conditions. The Test series saw intense battles, with the first match ending in a draw and Sri Lanka clinching the second by an innings and 78 runs. The ODI series was equally gripping, with Sri Lanka winning the first match, Bangladesh bouncing back in the second, and Sri Lanka sealing the series in the third. The T20I series, ongoing as of July 10, 2025, promised more fireworks.
For this article, let’s zoom in on the second ODI, played on July 5, 2025, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This match was a classic, with Bangladesh pulling off a thrilling 16-run victory to level the series 1-1. It’s a perfect example of how these two teams bring out the best—and sometimes the most unpredictable—in each other. Below, we’ll break down the scorecard and walk through the key moments that made this game a standout.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard, 2nd ODI, July 5, 2025
Setting the Scene
The R. Premadasa Stadium was buzzing with energy. The pitch looked good for batting, with a smooth surface and a bit of grass rolled in, promising a fair contest between bat and ball. Bangladesh, led by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, won the toss and chose to bat first, banking on their batters to set a competitive total. Sri Lanka, captained by Charith Asalanka, was ready to chase, confident after their 77-run win in the first ODI.
The weather was hot and humid, testing the players’ stamina. The pitch was expected to favor batters early on but slow down later, giving spinners a chance to shine. With both teams fielding strong line-ups, fans knew they were in for a treat.
Bangladesh’s Batting: Building a Fighting Total
Bangladesh’s innings got off to a steady start, with opener Tanzid Hasan looking solid. The top order, however, struggled to convert starts into big scores, a recurring issue for the team. By the 20th over, Bangladesh was in a spot of bother, losing wickets at regular intervals. Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, kept the pressure on, but Bangladesh’s middle order fought back.
Parvez Hossain Emon played a crucial knock of 67 runs, anchoring the innings with a mix of caution and aggression. Towhid Hridoy chipped in with a well-crafted 51, keeping the scoreboard ticking. The real surprise came from Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who smashed 33 runs off just 21 balls down the order, boosting Bangladesh to a total of 248 all out in 45.5 overs. It wasn’t a massive score, but on a tricky pitch, it felt defendable. Mehidy Hasan Miraz later said he believed 248 was enough, given how tough it was to chase 240 in the first ODI.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers did a decent job, with Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis picking up key wickets. But Bangladesh’s late flourish ensured they had something to bowl at.
Sri Lanka’s Chase: A Tale of Hope and Heartbreak
Chasing 249, Sri Lanka got off to a blazing start, thanks to Kusal Mendis. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed a 20-ball fifty, one of the fastest of the series, putting Bangladesh on the back foot. Alongside opener Pathum Nissanka, Mendis looked set to take the game away early. But Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Tanvir Islam, had other plans.
Tanvir weaved a web around Sri Lanka’s middle order, picking up a sensational five-wicket haul (5/39). His accuracy and variations outfoxed the Lankan batters, triggering a collapse. By the 30th over, Sri Lanka was struggling at 156/7, with the game slipping away. Enter Janith Liyanage, who played a lone hand with a gritty 78 off 85 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. Supported by Dushmantha Chameera, Liyanage kept Sri Lanka’s hopes alive, taking the chase deep.
With 21 runs needed off the last 17 balls, the tension was palpable. But Mustafizur Rahman, Bangladesh’s death-bowling specialist, struck a crucial blow, dismissing Liyanage with a soft return catch. Tanzim Hasan Sakib sealed the deal by bowling out Chameera, and Bangladesh won by 16 runs, finishing Sri Lanka off at 232 in 48.5 overs. It was a heart-stopping finish, showcasing the never-say-die spirit of both teams.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: A Closer Look
Here’s the detailed scorecard for the 2nd ODI, capturing the key performances:
|
Team |
Player |
Runs |
Balls |
4s |
6s |
Dismissal |
Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bangladesh Batting |
Tanzid Hasan |
29 | 35 | 3 | 0 |
Caught |
Asitha Fernando |
|
Parvez Hossain Emon |
67 | 82 | 6 | 1 |
Caught |
Wanindu Hasaranga |
|
|
Towhid Hridoy |
51 | 64 | 4 | 0 |
Bowled |
Kamindu Mendis |
|
|
Tanzim Hasan Sakib |
33 | 21 | 2 | 2 |
Caught |
Dushmantha Chameera |
|
|
Mehidy Hasan Miraz (c) |
25 | 30 | 2 | 0 |
Caught |
Wanindu Hasaranga |
|
|
Others |
– | – | – | – | – | – | |
|
Total |
248 all out (45.5 overs) |
||||||
|
Sri Lanka Bowling |
Wanindu Hasaranga |
3/45 |
10 overs |
||||
|
Kamindu Mendis |
2/30 |
8 overs |
|||||
|
Asitha Fernando |
2/50 |
9 overs |
|||||
|
Dushmantha Chameera |
1/55 |
9.5 overs |
|||||
|
Sri Lanka Batting |
Kusal Mendis (wk) |
56 | 20 | 8 | 2 |
Caught |
Tanvir Islam |
|
Pathum Nissanka |
25 | 30 | 3 | 0 |
Bowled |
Tanzim Hasan Sakib |
|
|
Janith Liyanage |
78 | 85 | 7 | 2 |
Caught & Bowled |
Mustafizur Rahman |
|
|
Charith Asalanka (c) |
15 | 22 | 1 | 0 |
Caught |
Tanvir Islam |
|
|
Dushmantha Chameera |
20 | 25 | 2 | 0 |
Bowled |
Tanzim Hasan Sakib |
|
|
Others |
– | – | – | – | – | – | |
|
Total |
232 all out (48.5 overs) |
||||||
|
Bangladesh Bowling |
Tanvir Islam |
5/39 |
10 overs |
||||
|
Tanzim Hasan Sakib |
2/45 |
9 overs |
|||||
|
Mustafizur Rahman |
2/50 |
10 overs |
|||||
|
Mehidy Hasan Miraz |
1/35 |
8 overs |
Result: Bangladesh won by 16 runs.
Player of the Match: Tanvir Islam (5/39).
Key Moments That Defined the Match
-
Kusal Mendis’ Explosive Start: Mendis’ 56 off 20 balls set the tone for Sri Lanka’s chase. His aggressive approach put Bangladesh under pressure, but his dismissal by Tanvir Islam swung the momentum back.
-
Tanvir Islam’s Five-Wicket Haul: The young spinner was the hero for Bangladesh, breaking the back of Sri Lanka’s batting with his clever variations. His spell turned the game on its head.
-
Janith Liyanage’s Brave Fight: Liyanage’s 78 was a masterclass in resilience. He kept Sri Lanka in the hunt, but his dismissal in the 47th over was the final nail in their coffin.
-
Bangladesh’s Lower-Order Boost: Tanzim Hasan Sakib’s quickfire 33 was crucial in pushing Bangladesh’s total to 248, a score that proved just enough on a slowing pitch.
-
Mustafizur’s Death Bowling: Known as the “Fizz,” Mustafizur Rahman’s cool-headed bowling in the final overs ensured Bangladesh held their nerve when it mattered most.
Why This Match Matters
This game wasn’t just about the runs and wickets—it was a testament to the growing competitiveness of the Sri Lanka-Bangladesh rivalry. For Bangladesh, the win was historic, marking their first-ever ODI victory in Colombo. It ended a seven-match losing streak in ODIs and showed their ability to bounce back after a heavy defeat in the first game. For Sri Lanka, it was a reminder of the fine margins in cricket—despite a strong start, they couldn’t capitalize, and Bangladesh’s bowlers outsmarted them.
The match also highlighted the emergence of young talents like Tanvir Islam, who stepped up when it mattered, and the continued brilliance of players like Kusal Mendis and Janith Liyanage. It was a game that had everything—big hits, clever bowling, and a nail-biting finish.
The Bigger Picture: What Makes This Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Rivalry Special
The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard rivalry is more than just cricket. It’s about two nations with rich cricketing cultures pushing each other to improve. Sri Lanka, with their history of global triumphs (including the 1996 Cricket World Cup and 2014 T20 World Cup), have long been the dominant side. But Bangladesh’s rise, especially since 2015, has made this contest more balanced. Their wins in major ICC events and close encounters in T20Is show they’re no longer just challengers—they’re contenders.
Off the field, the rivalry has its spicy moments. The “Naagin Dance” saga, which started in 2018 when Bangladesh’s Nazmul Islam celebrated with the dance and Sri Lanka’s Danushka Gunathilaka responded in kind, has become a symbol of the playful yet intense competition. Comments from players, like Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka calling Bangladesh an “easier opponent” in 2022, have added fuel to the fire, with Bangladesh proving him wrong on several occasions.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 series continues, with the T20Is underway, both teams are eager to assert their dominance. The second T20I, set for July 10, 2025, at Pallekele, promises another thrilling chapter. Sri Lanka’s spin-heavy attack, led by Prabath Jayasuriya and Wanindu Hasaranga, will test Bangladesh’s batters, while Bangladesh’s pace duo of Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman will look to exploit any weaknesses.
