Bangladesh will be looking to end their Asia Cup campaign on a high note after some morale-shattering defeats when they face Sri Lanka in their last round robin league match in Dhaka today.
The Tigers suffered an embarrassing 32-run defeat against Afghanistan before they were unable to defend a record 326-3 against Pakistan, going down by three wickets in their last match.
The two defeats, which came after a six-wicket bashing against India in the opening match, dealt a serious blow to their confidence ahead of ICC World Twenty20 and put them in danger of facing further embarrassment in the coming days.
The Sri Lanka game provides them with the perfect opportunity to clear the negative air that has surrounded them since the beginning of the competition and gain some confidence before their Twenty20 venture.
They had plenty to take from the Pakistan game despite the loss, as Bangladesh’s batsmen made merry against one of the best attacks in the world and the spinners put on a decent performance under serious pressure.
Shahid Afridi snatched the win with a buccaneering 59 off 25 balls, something he is well capable of doing against any side in any situation.
Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim missed a few tricks against Afridi with his bowling changes, which cost them dearly as Pakistan completed their highest-ever successful run chase and silenced thousands of roaring fans.
The Tigers have, however, decided to move on and set their plan against Sri Lanka, a familiar opponent whom they had encountered in two Twenty20 matches and three one-day international in their recent bilateral series.
Though Bangladesh ended up losing all of the limited-overs matches in the series, they were very close on few occasions – a fact that gives them some confidence.
‘We played two T20s and three ODIs against them recently,’ opening batsman Anamul Haque said on Wednesday, ‘So we know what [Lasith] Malinga can do and what [Kumar] Sangakkara can do.’
‘They are ahead of us in all aspects. We have discussed what mistakes we made against them in recent matches and how they can be avoided.
‘If we can do everything right like we did with the bat in the Pakistan game, I think a good result is possible,’ said Anamul, who made 100 of 132 balls against Pakistan.
Sri Lanka are, however, unlikely to give the hosts any concessions, despite having already reached the final and having some room to experiment.
‘We actually want the momentum to be carried on,’ batsman Lahiru Thirimanne said on Wednesday. ‘We want to win all three matches. Tomorrow we have Bangladesh, not taking them lightly.
‘They have played good cricket [on Tuesday against Pakistan]. They made 300-plus, which is really good against Pakistan’s bowling attack.
‘We are looking forward to the game tomorrow. Our batsmen and bowlers are really confident about it. We don’t want to relax out there, give hundred percent,’ he said.
-With New Age input
