The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy promises to add another exiting chapter in this ever-evolving rivalry between India and Bangladesh. The too teams are set to face each other in a group stage match on February 20 in Dubai. India have an unbeaten record against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket , winning both of their previous encounters the venue during the 2018 Asia Cup.
The cricketing relationship between India and Bangladesh has transformed significantly over the past two decades. What began as a friendly association has evolved into a fiercely contested rivalry, marked by many memorable matches.
In 2000, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) played a pivotal role in Bangladesh obtaining Test status, leading to their inaugural Test match against India in Dhaka. During these early years, India often assumed the 'big brother' role, with a noticeable disparity in cricketing ability between the two nations.
A significant shift occurred during the 2007 ICC World Cup when a young Bangladeshi team stunned India in the group stage, leading to India's early exit from the tournament. This victory not only boosted Bangladesh's confidence but also signalled the emergence of a more competitive and at times fierce rivalry between the two teams on the cricket field.
Memorable clashes
The subsequent years witnessed several high-stakes encounters that added fuel to the growing rivalry. In the 2011 World Cup opener, India secured a comfortable win, but on-field tensions hinted at an intensifying contest. The 2015 World Cup quarter-final further escalated matters when a controversial no-ball call favouring Rohit Sharma ignited debates and led to a heated exchange between fans on social media. Just a few months later, Bangladesh secured their first-ever ODI series victory over India at home, with Mustafizur Rahman dismantling a full-strength Indian side. This series win marked a turning point, as Bangladesh demonstrated they could compete with the cricketing powerhouse on a more equal footing.
In recent years, Bangladesh have continued to push India to the limit in several crucial matches. The 2018 Asia Cup final saw India edge out Bangladesh in a last-ball thriller. In 2022, Bangladesh once again proved their mettle by securing another ODI series win at home, reaffirming their ability to challenge their more illustrious neighbours. The rivalry in Test cricket also witnessed a dramatic moment in 2024 when Bangladesh came agonisingly close to their first-ever Test victory against India, only to be denied by a resilient partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Ravichandran Ashwin in Mirpur.
Head-to-head record
As of 2024, India have a significant advantage over Bangladesh in head-to-head records across all formats. In Test cricket, India have remained unbeaten, winning 13 matches out of 15, with two Tests ending in draws. In ODIs, out of 41 matches played, India have emerged victorious 32 times, while Bangladesh have won eight, with one match ending without a result. The T20I record also favours India, with 16 wins from 17 matches, while Bangladesh have managed only one win.
ICC tournament encounters
India have historically dominated Bangladesh in ICC tournaments, though the rivalry has produced some memorable moments. In the ODI World Cup, India have won four of the five encounters, with Bangladesh's only victory coming in the famous 2007 upset. In the T20 World Cup, India hold a perfect record, winning all five matches played between the two teams. The Champions Trophy has seen India maintain its upper hand as well, with the most recent meeting in 2017 ending in a dominant victory for India in the semi-final, thanks to a brilliant century from Rohit Sharma.