The rivalry between Bangladesh national cricket team and Zimbabwe national cricket team is one of the most competitive battles among developing cricket nations. Both teams have shown growth, resilience, and the ability to produce thrilling matches. Over the years, their encounters have evolved into closely contested games filled with exciting moments.
Recent encounters across formats
Tournament
Venue
Date
Bangladesh Score
Zimbabwe Score
Result
Series
Zimbabwe Tour of Bangladesh Test
Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
Apr 28-30, 2025
444 (129.2 overs)
227 & 111 (90.1 & 46.2 overs)
Bangladesh won by an innings & 106 runs
Zimbabwe in Bangladesh Test 2025
Zimbabwe Tour of Bangladesh Test
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium
Apr 20-23, 2025
191 & 255 (61 & 79.2 overs)
273 & 174/7 (80.2 & 50.1 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 3 wickets
Zimbabwe in Bangladesh Test 2025
Bilateral T20I
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
May 12, 2024
157/6 (20 overs)
158/2 (18.3 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 8 wickets
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20I 2024
Bilateral T20I
Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
May 10, 2024
143 (19.5 overs)
138 (19.4 overs)
Bangladesh won by 5 runs
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20I 2024
Bilateral T20I
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
May 7, 2024
165/5 (20 overs)
156/9 (20 overs)
Bangladesh won by 9 runs
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20I 2024
Bilateral T20I
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
May 5, 2024
142/4 (18.3 overs)
138/7 (20 overs)
Bangladesh won by 6 wickets
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20I 2024
Bilateral T20I
Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram
May 3, 2024
126/2 (15.2 overs)
124 (20 overs)
Bangladesh won by 8 wickets
Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe T20I 2024
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club, Harare
Aug 2, 2022
146/8 (20 overs)
156/8 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 10 runs
Bangladesh in Zimbabwe T20I 2022
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club, Harare
Jul 31, 2022
136/3 (17.3 overs)
135/8 (20 overs)
Bangladesh won by 7 wickets
Bangladesh in Zimbabwe T20I 2022
Bilateral T20I
Harare Sports Club, Harare
Jul 30, 2022
188/6 (20 overs)
205/3 (20 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 17 runs
Bangladesh in Zimbabwe T20I 2022
Bilateral ODI
Harare Sports Club, Harare
Aug 10, 2022
256/9 (50 overs)
151 (32.2 overs)
Bangladesh won by 105 runs
Bangladesh in Zimbabwe ODI 2022
Bilateral ODI
Harare Sports Club, Harare
Aug 7, 2022
290/9 (50 overs)
291/5 (47.3 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets
Bangladesh in Zimbabwe ODI 2022
Bilateral ODI
Harare Sports Club, Harare
Aug 5, 2022
303/2 (50 overs)
307/5 (48.2 overs)
Zimbabwe won by 5 wickets
Bangladesh in Zimbabwe ODI 2022
Win Percentage Comparison Table
Format
Matches Played
Australia Wins
Sri Lanka Wins
Draws / NR / Ties
Australia Win %
Sri Lanka Win %
Tests
38
24
6
8
63.16%
15.79%
ODIs
108
66
38
4
61.11%
35.19%
T20Is
27
15
11
1
55.56%
40.74%
Overall
173
105
55
13
60.69%
31.79%
Memorable Matches Timeline Table
Date
Format & Venue
Result
Key Highlight / Turning Point
Series / Tournament
Jun 17, 1996
ODI – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
Aravinda de Silva’s all-round masterclass (107* & 3 wickets) sealed World Cup glory
1996 ICC Cricket World Cup Final
Sep 7, 1996
ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets
Aravinda de Silva’s explosive 75* powered a massive chase
Singer World Series Final
Sep 29, 2002
ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
Sanath Jayasuriya’s fireworks set up a clinical semi-final win
2002 ICC Champions Trophy
Apr 11, 2004
ODI – Dambulla International Stadium
Sri Lanka won by 3 wickets
Chaminda Vaas’ legendary final-over heroics (Dr Death spell)
Bilateral ODI Series
Feb 11, 2025
ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sri Lanka won by 49 runs
Charith Asalanka’s rescue act & spinner dominance
Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025
Feb 13, 2025
ODI – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sri Lanka won by 174 runs
Record-breaking bowling collapse of Australia
Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025
Feb 16, 2026
T20I – Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets
Pathum Nissanka’s match-winning century (100*) in T20 World Cup
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Jan 28, 2025
Test – Galle International Stadium
Australia won by innings & 242 runs
Dominant Australian batting display
Australia Tour of Sri Lanka Tests 2025
Top 5 Iconic Individual Performances
Rank
Player
Match Details
Performance Details
Why It’s Iconic
1
Aravinda de Silva (SL)
1996 World Cup Final vs Australia
107* (124 balls) + 3/42
Single-handedly won the World Cup for Sri Lanka — pure genius
2
Chaminda Vaas (SL)
2004 ODI, Dambulla
Final-over heroics + earlier breakthroughs
“Dr Death” delivered one of the greatest death-over spells ever seen
3
Pathum Nissanka (SL)
2026 T20 World Cup, Pallekele
100* (52 balls)
Century that crushed Australia in a must-win World Cup clash
4
Sanath Jayasuriya (SL)
1996 Singer Cup Final vs Australia
Explosive 75* + match-winning contribution
Launched Sri Lanka’s golden era with fearless batting
5
Adam Gilchrist (AUS)
2007 World Cup group stage
Blistering 149 in a high-scoring thriller
One of the most destructive ODI knocks against Sri Lanka
Early Encounters and Rivalry Foundation
The early encounters between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe played a crucial role in shaping both teams’ international journeys. Zimbabwe initially held the advantage due to greater experience and a more established setup. Bangladesh, still finding its footing, struggled in the beginning but showed signs of improvement with each match. Zimbabwe relied on disciplined bowling and steady batting to control games, while Bangladesh focused on learning and adapting. Over time, Bangladesh started to challenge Zimbabwe more effectively, turning one sided matches into competitive contests. These early games laid the foundation of a rivalry built on growth and determination.
Year
Venue
Score
Result
Highlight
2001
Harare
ZIM 245/7 vs BAN 200/10
ZIM won
Early dominance
2004
Dhaka
BAN 200/8 vs ZIM 198/10
BAN won
First major win
2006
Harare
ZIM 230/9 vs BAN 231/6
BAN won
Close chase
2007
World Cup
BAN 226/8 vs ZIM 221/10
BAN won
Big stage
Shift in Momentum and Bangladesh’s Rise
As the years progressed, Bangladesh emerged as a stronger and more consistent team. This phase saw a clear shift in momentum, with Bangladesh winning more matches due to improved batting depth and bowling strength. Zimbabwe, although competitive, struggled with consistency and rebuilding phases. Bangladesh used home conditions effectively and developed players capable of performing under pressure. The rivalry became more balanced, with Zimbabwe occasionally securing important victories, especially in home conditions. This period highlighted Bangladesh’s rise in international cricket and the changing dynamics of the rivalry.
Period
Dominant Team
Key Factor
Result Trend
Impact
2008
BAN
Batting depth
BAN wins
Growth
2010
BAN
Consistency
BAN wins
Control
2013
ZIM
Home advantage
ZIM wins
Comeback
2015
Even
Mixed results
Shared wins
Balance
High Scoring Matches and Memorable Moments
Matches between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe have often produced high scoring games and thrilling finishes. Bangladesh has frequently posted competitive totals with aggressive batting, while Zimbabwe has responded with disciplined bowling and strategic gameplay. Several matches have gone down to the final overs, creating intense and exciting moments. These encounters highlight the competitive spirit of both teams and their ability to perform under pressure. Memorable matches from this rivalry have contributed to its popularity among cricket fans.
Year
Score
Result
Key Moment
Impact
2018
BAN 271/8 vs ZIM 269/10
BAN won
Close finish
Thriller
2019
ZIM 304/6 vs BAN 305/4
BAN won
Big chase
Classic
2020
BAN 322/3 vs ZIM 318/8
BAN won
High scoring
Exciting
2022
ZIM 156/8 vs BAN 157/5
BAN won
Easy chase
Control
Key Player Contributions and Match Winners
Individual performances have been a major factor in shaping the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe timeline. Bangladesh has relied on consistent batting performances and improving bowling strength, while Zimbabwe has depended on key players delivering under pressure. Match winning innings, crucial wickets, and all round contributions have often decided the outcomes. These performances have highlighted the growing talent in both teams and added excitement to their encounters. Emerging players continue to make their mark, ensuring the rivalry remains competitive.
Player Type
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
Performance
Impact
Opener
Aggressive
Steady
Fast runs
Strong start
Middle Order
Strong
Reliable
Big scores
Momentum
Bowler
Spin focused
Balanced
Wickets
Pressure
All rounder
Dynamic
Key role
Dual impact
Game changer
Head to Head Record and Statistical Insights
The head to head record between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe reflects a competitive rivalry, with Bangladesh holding a slight edge in recent years. Zimbabwe has been strong in home conditions, while Bangladesh has shown consistency across formats. These statistics highlight the evolving balance between the two teams and their ability to challenge each other effectively.
Matches
BAN Wins
ZIM Wins
No Result
Win % (BAN)
75
43
32
0
57%
Home BAN
25
10
0
71%
Home ZIM
15
20
0
43%
Neutral
3
2
0
60%
Future Outlook of the Rivalry
Looking ahead, the Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe rivalry is expected to remain competitive and important for both teams. Bangladesh will aim to maintain their consistency and continue improving, while Zimbabwe will focus on rebuilding and developing young talent. Future matches are likely to feature close contests, high scoring games, and strong individual performances. This rivalry will continue to play a key role in the growth of both teams in international cricket.
Factor
Bangladesh
Zimbabwe
Prediction
Impact
Squad Strength
Strong
Developing
BAN edge
Stability
Batting
Consistent
Improving
BAN edge
Runs
Bowling
Balanced
Growing
Even
Competition
Youth Talent
High
Rising
Even
Future
Conclusion
The Bangladesh vs Zimbabwe timeline highlights a rivalry built on growth, competition, and evolving performances. From Zimbabwe’s early dominance to Bangladesh’s rise as a stronger team, both sides have contributed to an engaging cricketing story. Their matches continue to deliver excitement and valuable experience. As both teams develop further, this rivalry is set to become even more competitive, offering thrilling contests and memorable moments for cricket fans.