Cricket is more than just a game in South Asia—it’s a passion, a cultural phenomenon, and a matter of national pride. Among the many intense cricket rivalries in the subcontinent, the Bangladesh national cricket team vs India national cricket team stands out due to its evolution over the decades. This rivalry, though relatively young compared to India vs Pakistan, has grown in intensity and significance.
This comprehensive timeline article will explore the historical development, key matches, turning points, and future prospects of the Bangladesh vs India cricket rivalry.
Timeline Overview: India vs Bangladesh Cricket Rivalry
Let’s dive deep into how the rivalry unfolded over the years:
1. The Beginning: 1988 Asia Cup (India’s Dominance Begins)
- Date: October 27, 1988
- Venue: Dhaka
- Format: ODI
- Result: India won by 9 wickets
India and Bangladesh first faced each other in the 1988 Asia Cup in Dhaka. At the time, Bangladesh was not a Test-playing nation and was considered a minnow in international cricket. India, on the other hand, was already a strong team.
India easily won the match, marking the beginning of a one-sided rivalry.
2. Bangladesh Achieves Test Status (2000)
- Event: ICC grants Bangladesh Test status
- Significance: Opens doors for regular bilateral series against top teams like India
Though India and Bangladesh didn’t meet frequently in Test matches early on, this marked a major milestone for Bangladesh cricket and laid the groundwork for more competitive future clashes.
3. ICC World Cup 2007: The Biggest Upset
- Date: March 17, 2007
- Venue: Port of Spain, Trinidad
- Format: ODI (World Cup)
- Result: Bangladesh won by 5 wickets
This match changed everything. Bangladesh stunned the cricketing world by defeating India in the 2007 ICC World Cup. This shocking loss led to India’s early exit from the tournament and sparked outrage among Indian fans.
It was a turning point in their cricket rivalry and boosted Bangladesh’s confidence immensely.
4. Asia Cup 2012: Heartbreak for India
- Date: March 16, 2012
- Venue: Dhaka
- Format: ODI
- Result: Bangladesh won by 5 wickets
Chasing 290, Bangladesh stunned India again in the 2012 Asia Cup. This victory was significant as it proved Bangladesh’s growth in limited-overs cricket and their ability to defeat major teams on big stages.
5. ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Semi-Final Clash
- Date: June 15, 2017
- Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Format: ODI
- Result: India won by 9 wickets
In this high-stakes semi-final, India dominated Bangladesh thanks to strong performances from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Despite Bangladesh’s recent rise, India still held the upper hand in major tournaments.
6. Nidahas Trophy 2018: Bangladesh, India, and the Final Thriller
- Date: March 18, 2018
- Venue: Colombo
- Format: T20I
- Result: India won by 4 wickets (last-ball six by Dinesh Karthik)
This tri-nation tournament final is remembered for Dinesh Karthik’s heroics. Needing 5 runs off the last ball, Karthik hit a six to seal the match. Despite Bangladesh’s strong performance throughout the tournament, India once again managed to snatch victory.
7. Historic Test Victory for India (2019)
- Event: Day-Night Test Match
- Date: November 22–24, 2019
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Result: India won by an innings and 46 runs
This match marked India’s first-ever day-night Test match, and they dominated Bangladesh throughout. It showed the gap in quality between the two sides in red-ball cricket.
8. Bangladesh Beats India in ODI Series (2022)
- Dates: December 4–10, 2022
- Venue: Bangladesh
- Series Result: Bangladesh won 2-1
In a surprising turn, Bangladesh defeated India in a bilateral ODI series at home. Mehidy Hasan Miraz emerged as the series hero. This was a landmark achievement for Bangladesh cricket, underlining their growing strength.
9. Asia Cup 2023: Bangladesh Upsets India Again
- Date: September 15, 2023
- Venue: Colombo
- Format: ODI (Asia Cup Super 4)
- Result: Bangladesh won by 6 runs
Even though this match had no bearing on the final, Bangladesh’s victory over India was a morale booster and proved they are no longer underdogs.
Head-to-Head Statistics (As of May 2025)
| Format | Matches Played | India Wins | Bangladesh Wins | No Result/Draw |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 13 | 11 | 0 | 2 |
| ODIs | 40 | 31 | 8 | 1 |
| T20Is | 13 | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 66 | 54 | 9 | 3 |
India still holds a significant advantage, but Bangladesh has improved remarkably, especially in ODIs.
Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
For India
- Virat Kohli: Consistently scored big runs against Bangladesh.
- Rohit Sharma: Has multiple centuries, including in knockout games.
- MS Dhoni: Captain during key wins, known for his calm under pressure.
- Dinesh Karthik: His 2018 final knock is iconic.
For Bangladesh
- Shakib Al Hasan: All-round brilliance in every format.
- Tamim Iqbal: Often led from the front with aggressive starts.
- Mushfiqur Rahim: Match-winning innings and vital contributions.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Emerging as a game-changer in recent years.
Rivalry Analysis: What Makes It Unique?
1. Emotional Engagement
Bangladesh fans are highly passionate. Wins against India are celebrated nationwide as symbols of national pride.
2. Underdog Mentality
Bangladesh’s wins carry more emotional weight due to their underdog status. These victories are seen as proof of their rise in world cricket.
3. Regional Politics and Culture
Though India and Bangladesh share cultural similarities, cricket brings out deep-rooted nationalistic pride that adds fuel to the rivalry.
Future Prospects
The rivalry is expected to become even more balanced in the coming years. Bangladesh’s youth development programs and increasing experience at international levels suggest that their cricketing strength will only grow.
Here’s what we can expect in the future:
- More bilateral series between the two nations
- Close contests, especially in white-ball formats
- Greater involvement of younger stars like Shubman Gill (India) and Towhid Hridoy (Bangladesh)
- Increased competition in global ICC events
Conclusion About Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team
The Bangladesh vs India cricket rivalry has grown from a one-sided affair into a competitive, passionate sporting contest. While India still dominates in most formats, Bangladesh has proven they are capable of upsetting the giants on their day.
This evolution reflects not just the rise of Bangladesh as a cricketing nation but also the dynamic nature of international cricket, where hard work, youth development, and national pride can shift the balance of power. As the two teams continue to clash, fans can expect thrilling matches, emotional rollercoasters, and moments that will be etched in cricketing history.
FAQs: Bangladesh vs India Cricket Rivalry
1. When did Bangladesh first defeat India in cricket?
Bangladesh first defeated India in the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup on March 17.
2. How many times has Bangladesh beaten India in ODIs?
As of May 2025, Bangladesh has beaten India 8 times in ODIs.
3. Has Bangladesh ever beaten India in a Test match?
No, Bangladesh has not yet defeated India in a Test match.
4. What is the most famous match between India and Bangladesh?
Arguably, the 2007 World Cup match and the 2018 Nidahas Trophy final are two of the most memorable.
5. Who has scored the most runs in India vs Bangladesh matches?
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are among the top run-scorers from India, while Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan lead from Bangladesh.
