The cricket matches between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are always exciting, filled with drama and passion. This rivalry, often called the “Naagin Derby,” has given fans thrilling moments, from heated celebrations to nail-biting finishes. What makes these games special is the mix of players—young talents full of energy and experienced veterans who bring wisdom to the field. For Indian fans, who love cricket rivalries, this battle between Bangladesh’s rising stars and Sri Lanka’s seasoned players is a treat. This article looks at the key players—young guns and veterans—who shine in this fiery contest.
The Rivalry in Brief
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have been playing each other since 1986, with Sri Lanka winning most matches, including 41 of 51 ODIs. But since 2017, Bangladesh has stepped up, making the rivalry more even. Moments like the 2023 World Cup “timed-out” dismissal of Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews by Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan and cheeky celebrations, like Sri Lanka’s watch taunt, have added spice. The clash of young players and veterans fuels this excitement, as both teams rely on a mix of new talent and old hands.
Young Guns: The Future of the Rivalry
Young players bring speed, boldness, and new ideas to the game. Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have exciting youngsters who are making their mark.
Bangladesh’s Young Stars
- Najmul Hossain Shanto (Age: 27)
As Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul is a calm and talented batsman. He has led his team in tough series, like the 2024 tour of Sri Lanka, and scored two half-centuries in his last ten Tests. Though his form has been up and down, his leadership and ability to anchor the innings make him a key player. In the 2023 ODI series win against Sri Lanka (2-1), Najmul’s cool-headed batting stood out. Indian fans might compare him to a young KL Rahul, balancing aggression with responsibility. - Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Age: 28)
Mehidy is a star all-rounder, shining with both bat and ball. In the 2024 Zimbabwe series, he scored a century and took ten wickets, proving his value. In spin-friendly Galle, where Bangladesh played Sri Lanka in 2025, Mehidy’s off-spin and gritty batting are crucial. He’s taken over from Shakib Al Hasan as the team’s go-to all-rounder. Think of him as Bangladesh’s answer to Ravindra Jadeja—versatile and fearless. - Shadman Islam (Age: 29)
A young opener, Shadman showed promise with a century stand against Zimbabwe in 2024. His steady batting at the top gives Bangladesh stability, though he’s still finding consistency. In matches against Sri Lanka, his role is to face the new ball and set the tone, much like India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal in pressure situations.
Sri Lanka’s Young Talents
- Kamindu Mendis (Age: 26)
Kamindu is a versatile batsman who can play anywhere in the order. In 2024, he was one of Sri Lanka’s top Test batsmen, though his form dipped in 2025 with just one fifty since January. His ability to adapt makes him a threat, especially in home conditions like Galle. Indian fans might see shades of Shubman Gill in his stylish strokeplay. - Traveen Mathew (Age: 20)
This young off-spinner made waves in the 2024 Lanka T10 Super League, taking 12 wickets. In the 2025 Test series against Bangladesh, he’s a new face in Sri Lanka’s spin attack. His fearless bowling could trouble Bangladesh’s batsmen, similar to how Axar Patel surprises opponents with his spin. - Lahiru Udara (Age: 27)
A promising batsman with 16 first-class centuries, Lahiru is yet to debut in Tests but was named in the 2025 squad against Bangladesh. His domestic form makes him a player to watch, like India’s Devdutt Padikkal waiting for his big break.
Veterans: The Backbone of the Teams
Veterans bring experience, calmness, and big-match temperament. They’ve seen it all and know how to handle pressure in this heated rivalry.
Sri Lanka’s Seasoned Players
- Angelo Mathews (Age: 38)
A legend with over 8,000 Test runs, Mathews is retiring after the 2025 Test series against Bangladesh. His 16 centuries and cool-headed batting, like his 2023 World Cup performance despite the timed-out drama, make him a giant. His farewell Test in Galle is a chance to shine one last time, much like Virat Kohli carrying India in clutch moments. Mathews’ wrist-pointing “Time Out” celebration in 2023 showed his fire still burns. - Dinesh Chandimal (Age: 35)
Chandimal, batting at No. 3, is a rock for Sri Lanka. He averages 67.06 against Bangladesh in Tests, with five centuries. In 2024, he smashed two fifties against Australia, and his form in domestic cricket and the PSL makes him a danger. Think of him as Sri Lanka’s Cheteshwar Pujara—reliable and tough. - Prabath Jayasuriya (Age: 33)
This left-arm spinner has been Sri Lanka’s spin leader, carrying the attack in 2024. In Galle, where spinners take wickets every ten overs, Jayasuriya is a game-changer. His role is like Ravichandran Ashwin’s for India—dominating with spin on home turf.
Bangladesh’s Experienced Heroes
- Shakib Al Hasan (Age: 38)
Shakib is Bangladesh’s biggest star, known for his all-round brilliance. His bold decision to enforce the timed-out rule on Mathews in 2023 sparked debate, but his skill is undeniable. Though less active in Tests recently, his experience in T20s and ODIs against Sri Lanka makes him a leader. Indian fans might compare him to a seasoned Yuvraj Singh, mixing flair with grit. - Mushfiqur Rahim (Age: 37)
A dependable batsman and former captain, Mushfiqur has struggled lately, with no fifty in his last 13 Test innings. But his 2024 ODI series helmet gesture after beating Sri Lanka 2-1 showed his fighting spirit. He’s like MS Dhoni for Bangladesh—small in stature but huge in impact. - Mominul Haque (Age: 33)
Mominul, a compact left-hander, is a Test specialist but has struggled to convert starts. His experience in tough situations, like Bangladesh’s 2024 Zimbabwe series, makes him vital. He’s similar to India’s Ajinkya Rahane, quietly holding the middle order together.
Young Guns vs Veterans: What Makes the Rivalry Special
The Bangladesh-Sri Lanka rivalry thrives because of this mix of youth and experience. Young players like Najmul and Kamindu bring fearless energy, trying new shots or bold tactics, like Mehidy’s aggressive spin. Veterans like Mathews and Shakib, meanwhile, use their know-how to outsmart opponents, whether it’s Mathews’ steady batting or Shakib’s clever bowling changes.
In recent matches, like the 2023 World Cup or the 2024 ODI series, this clash has shone through. Youngsters like Traveen Mathew aim to prove themselves, while veterans like Chandimal anchor the team. For Indian fans, it’s like watching India’s young stars (Gill, Jaiswal) take on veterans (Kohli, Ashwin) in a high-stakes rivalry—everyone brings something unique.
Why This Matters to Indian Fans
Indian cricket lovers understand rivalries, whether it’s India vs Pakistan or Chennai Super Kings vs Mumbai Indians. The Bangladesh-Sri Lanka clash is similar—full of emotion, close contests
, and memorable moments. The young guns add excitement with their daring play, while veterans keep the game steady with their experience. This mix makes every match a must-watch, whether it’s a Test in Galle or a T20 in Dhaka.
The Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka rivalry is lit up by its stars—young players like Najmul Hossain Shanto and Kamindu Mendis, who dream big, and veterans like Angelo Mathews and Shakib Al Hasan, who know how to win. As these teams face off, like in the 2025 Test series in Galle, the battle between youth and experience keeps fans glued to their screens. For Indian audiences, this rivalry is a reminder of why we love cricket—a game where new talent and old wisdom create magic together.
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Last Updated on: Tuesday, June 17, 2025 5:57 pm by Deepak Goud Kondakal | Published by: Deepak Goud Kondakal on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 5:56 pm | News Categories: Sports
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