Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline

Cricket in the subcontinent is more than just a sport—it’s an emotion, a passion, and often, a matter of national pride. While India has long established itself as a cricketing powerhouse, Bangladesh has made significant strides in recent decades. The clash between the Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team has evolved from being one-sided to becoming one of the most exciting contests in modern cricket. Let's take a deep dive into the timeline of this developing rivalry and highlight some of the most memorable moments.

The First Encounter – 1988

The first time India and Bangladesh met on the cricket field was during the 1988 Asia Cup, held in Bangladesh. India won the match comfortably, but it marked Bangladesh’s debut against a cricketing giant. At the time, Bangladesh was an associate member of the ICC and not yet a full Test-playing nation.

Bangladesh's ODI Debut Against India – 1998

Bangladesh and India played their first official ODI (One Day International) match on May 26, 1998, in Dhaka during the Silver Jubilee Independence Cup. India again emerged victorious, but the spirit and potential of the Bangladesh team were evident.

Bangladesh Becomes a Full Member – 2000

A major milestone in the timeline was when Bangladesh was granted Test status in 2000. This opened the door for more frequent, and more competitive, encounters with India in all formats of the game.

2007 ICC World Cup – Bangladesh's Shock Win

One of the most iconic moments in Bangladesh's cricket history—and in this rivalry—came during the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup. In a group-stage match, Bangladesh stunned the world by defeating India, knocking them out of the tournament early. It was a watershed moment that proved Bangladesh could challenge even the strongest teams.

Rising Competitiveness – 2010s

Throughout the 2010s, Bangladesh began to rise in international cricket. Players like Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal, and Mashrafe Mortaza brought consistency and firepower to the squad. Though India often had the upper hand in bilateral series, the matches started becoming tighter and more fiercely contested.

Notable Matches:

2012 Asia Cup: Bangladesh defeated India in a thrilling match and eventually made it to the final.

2015 ICC World Cup (Quarter-Final): India won, but the match stirred controversy over umpiring decisions, leading to intense emotions among fans.

2016 Asia Cup Final: India beat Bangladesh in a rain-shortened match, but it showcased Bangladesh’s continued rise.

2016 World T20 – A Heartbreaker

One of the most dramatic encounters came during the 2016 ICC World T20, where India edged out Bangladesh by just 1 run. Bangladesh, needing 2 runs from 3 balls with 3 wickets in hand, collapsed under pressure. It was a heart-stopping game that left a lasting impact on fans of both nations.

Bangladesh's First Test Match in India – 2017

In February 2017, Bangladesh played their first-ever Test match on Indian soil, at Hyderabad. Although India won, the game was a symbolic moment in the growing cricketing relationship between the two nations.

Day/Night Test – Eden Gardens 2019

Another milestone came in November 2019 when India and Bangladesh played their first-ever Day/Night Test match at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. This was also the first pink-ball Test for both teams. India dominated, but it marked a new chapter in their cricketing journey.

Overall Head-to-Head Record (As of May 2025)

ODIs: India leads the head-to-head with over 30 wins, but Bangladesh has managed a handful of crucial upsets.

Tests: India has a dominant record, having won nearly all encounters.

T20Is: India holds the upper hand, but Bangladesh has shown promise with a few close finishes.

What Makes This Rivalry Unique?

Unlike traditional rivalries fueled by geopolitical tension, the India vs Bangladesh cricket rivalry is rooted in passion, pride, and progress. For Bangladesh, each match against India is an opportunity to prove themselves. For India, it's a test to maintain supremacy against an ever-improving neighbor.

Off the field, cricketing relations have fostered mutual respect. India has supported Bangladesh cricket at various stages, including tours and infrastructure development. On the field, however, the intensity is undeniable.

What Lies Ahead?

With a new generation of cricketers emerging—Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal for India, and Towhid Hridoy, Shoriful Islam, and Tanzid Hasan for Bangladesh—the future promises even more nail-biting encounters.

As Bangladesh continues to grow and mature on the world stage, we can expect the Bangladesh vs India cricket rivalry to become even more electrifying, unpredictable, and meaningful.

Final Thoughts

From humble beginnings to headline-making matches, the timeline of Bangladesh vs India cricket is a testament to how far the game has come in the region. Whether you're cheering from Dhaka or Delhi, one thing’s for sure—the battle between these two nations is only getting better with time.