Cricket in Asia is more than just a game—it’s an emotion. And when it comes to the India vs Bangladesh cricket rivalry, that emotion turns into pure drama. What started as one-sided contests in the early 90s has now grown into one of the most unpredictable rivalries in world cricket.
From India’s dominance in the early years to Bangladesh’s iconic upsets, this rivalry has given us everything—thrillers, heartbreaks, and moments etched in cricketing history. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the India vs Bangladesh timeline, decade by decade, to see how this rivalry evolved into one of Asia’s most fascinating cricketing stories.
1990–2010: The Era of Tough Beginnings
When Bangladesh first met India on the field, it was obvious they were still finding their feet in international cricket. India, with its world-class players, often outclassed the Tigers. But even in those early games, sparks of a future rivalry were visible.
Early Encounters That Set the Tone
-
1990 Asia Cup (Chandigarh): The first official ODI between the two sides saw India chase down Bangladesh’s modest total with ease, thanks to Navjot Singh Sidhu’s brilliant 104*.
-
1995 Pepsi Asia Cup (Sharjah): Another comfortable win for India, who chased 163 in under 28 overs.
-
1998 Independence Cup (Dhaka): For the first time, Bangladesh showed fight at home, pushing India before losing by just 4 wickets.
-
1998 Coca-Cola Tri-Series (Mumbai): Anil Kumble’s magical spell dismissed Bangladesh cheaply, reaffirming India’s dominance.
Bangladesh’s First Test – A Historic Start
-
2000 Dhaka Test: Bangladesh’s debut Test was against India. Aminul Islam’s 145 was heroic, but Sourav Ganguly’s side took control to win by 9 wickets.
Signs of Progress
-
2003 TVS Cup: Yuvraj Singh smashed 102 as India thrashed Bangladesh by 200 runs.
-
2004 Dhaka Test: Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 248 was a masterclass, sealing a massive innings win for India.
-
2004 Dhaka ODI (Turning Point): Bangladesh stunned India with a 15-run victory. Mashrafe Mortaza’s fiery bowling inspired belief that Bangladesh could take down cricket giants.
The Match That Shook Indian Cricket
-
2007 World Cup (Trinidad): This is the game every fan remembers. Bangladesh shocked India by 5 wickets, eliminating the Men in Blue from the tournament. Mortaza’s lethal spell and a fearless chase turned this rivalry into something real.
From here, Bangladesh was no longer just “participating”—they were competing.
2011–2019: The Rise of Rivalry
By the 2010s, Bangladesh had matured. Players like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur Rahim were household names. Suddenly, matches against India weren’t routine wins—they were battles.
Key Clashes in the 2010s
-
2014 Dhaka ODI: Stuart Binny shocked everyone with 6/4 as India bowled out Bangladesh for just 58.
-
2017 Hyderabad Test: Virat Kohli’s 204 and India’s all-round performance secured a 208-run win, but Bangladesh showed resilience.
-
2017 ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Final (Birmingham): Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 123 powered India to a dominant win, but Bangladesh making the semi-final proved their growth.
-
2019 Indore Test: Mayank Agarwal’s 243 sealed another innings victory for India, showing the gulf in Test cricket.
-
2019 World Cup (Birmingham): Rohit Sharma smashed another ton, but Bangladesh fought bravely before losing by just 28 runs.
-
2019 Delhi T20I: One of Bangladesh’s sweetest moments—they finally beat India in T20Is. Mushfiqur Rahim’s unbeaten 60 led the way to a historic 7-wicket win.
This era transformed the rivalry into one of respect and competitiveness, especially in white-ball cricket.
Also Read : Jasprit Bumrah Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
2020–Present: A Fierce and Unpredictable Rivalry
The last few years have seen some of the most thrilling contests between India and Bangladesh. No game feels predictable anymore, especially when Bangladesh is playing at home.
Recent Highlights
-
2022 Dhaka ODI: A nail-biting thriller decided by just 1 wicket. Mehidy Hasan Miraz held his nerve to snatch victory for Bangladesh.
-
2024 T20I Series: India’s batting firepower shone. Sanju Samson smashed 111, Suryakumar Yadav added 75, and Nitish Reddy’s all-round brilliance helped India seal the series. But Bangladesh’s fighting spirit, especially in Dhaka, keeps fans hooked.
Beyond the Scorecards: Why This Rivalry Matters
So why does India vs Bangladesh mean so much more than just wins and losses?
-
For Bangladesh: Every victory against India feels like a national festival, proof that they can challenge the giants of world cricket.
-
For India: While they are still the dominant side, the rivalry keeps them on their toes. Bangladesh’s passion ensures no game is taken lightly.
-
For Fans: The electric atmosphere in Dhaka, the drama of close finishes, and the emotions on both sides make this rivalry unforgettable.
It’s not just cricket—it’s pride, identity, and emotion wrapped into one.
Conclusion: The Rivalry Is Just Getting Started
What started in the 90s as one-sided affairs has transformed into a thrilling rivalry that commands respect across the cricketing world. India may still be the stronger side overall, but Bangladesh has shown time and again that they can cause upsets and push India to the limit.
With ICC tournaments and bilateral series lined up, the India vs Bangladesh rivalry is set to produce many more iconic moments. One thing’s for sure—when these two teams clash, the cricketing world always pays attention.
