Cricket holds a deep emotional and cultural significance in South Asia. The rivalry between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team has grown substantially over the past few decades—from one-sided contests to thrilling, closely-fought encounters. This timeline traces the key moments that have shaped the cricketing relationship between these two nations.
1. First Meeting – Asia Cup 1988
India and Bangladesh faced each other for the first time during the 1988 Asia Cup held in Dhaka. India secured a comfortable victory, but for Bangladesh, this match marked the beginning of their journey against elite international teams.
2. First Official ODI – 1998
On May 26, 1998, Bangladesh and India played their first official One Day International (ODI) during the Silver Jubilee Independence Cup in Dhaka. Although India won, Bangladesh showed early glimpses of their potential.
3. Bangladesh Granted Test Status – 2000
A significant milestone occurred in 2000 when Bangladesh became a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), gaining Test status. This paved the way for regular bilateral series across all formats.
4. 2007 World Cup Upset
One of the most defining moments in this rivalry came in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, when Bangladesh defeated India in the group stage. The victory eliminated India from the tournament, signaling Bangladesh’s arrival on the global stage.
5. A Decade of Competitive Growth – 2010s
The 2010s marked a phase of rapid growth for Bangladesh cricket, thanks to key players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, and Mashrafe Mortaza. Matches against India became increasingly competitive.
Notable Matches During This Era:
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2012 Asia Cup: Bangladesh defeated India in a thrilling finish and reached the final.
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2015 ICC World Cup Quarter-Final: India won amid controversial umpiring decisions, sparking debates.
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2016 Asia Cup Final: India won in a rain-affected final, but Bangladesh showcased remarkable improvement.
6. 2016 ICC World T20 – A Narrow Defeat
In one of the most intense matches in T20 history, India narrowly defeated Bangladesh by just 1 run during the 2016 ICC World T20. Bangladesh needed two runs from three balls but faltered under pressure.
7. First Test on Indian Soil – 2017
In February 2017, Bangladesh played their first-ever Test match in India at Hyderabad. Although India emerged victorious, the match was symbolically significant in the progression of bilateral cricketing ties.
8. First Day/Night Test Match – Eden Gardens 2019
The two teams met again in November 2019 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, for their first-ever Day/Night Test with the pink ball. India won the match decisively, but the occasion marked a historic first for both nations.
Head-to-Head Record (As of May 2025)
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | Bangladesh Wins | No Result/Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ODIs | 40+ | 30+ | 7+ | Few |
| Tests | 12+ | 11 | 0 | 1 |
| T20Is | 15+ | 12 | 3 | 0 |
Note: Figures are approximate and may vary with future fixtures.
What Sets This Rivalry Apart?
The India vs Bangladesh cricket rivalry stands out due to its foundation in regional pride, mutual respect, and sporting evolution—rather than political hostility. India has historically supported Bangladesh’s cricketing development, yet the on-field competition has grown fiercely intense.
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation
With emerging stars like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal for India and Towhid Hridoy, Tanzid Hasan, and Shoriful Islam for Bangladesh, the rivalry is set to become even more unpredictable and exciting in the years ahead.
Conclusion
From their first meeting in 1988 to headline-making showdowns in ICC events and Asia Cups, the Bangladesh vs India cricket rivalry continues to evolve. As both nations build stronger squads and deepen their cricketing legacies, this matchup promises even more electrifying contests for fans around the world.
