"Compared to our previous matches against Sri Lanka, we have definitely made significant improvements in the first Test. I must say this time we were more competitive than the past. It is untrue that we have not learned from our mistakes. But I agree that we need a lot more to do in the long run," said Bashar after their eight-wicket loss on Friday.

He, however, said that their main challenge ahead of the second Test in Bogra is to come out of the bad showing in the second innings.

"I am confident that we will show better performance in the second Test and will be more competitive. It is not impossible for us. We want to carry on with our first-match positives into the second. We have proved some points in this series already and our main challenge in the second Test would be to play better in the second innings," said the 33-year old Bashar.

"I think it is not easy to bat in the second innings for other Test nations as well. We showed little improvement this time and I believe we have the potential to do better.

"Our bowlers were on top in the second innings and the Sri Lankan batsmen struggled against them. Had we set them a 250-run target, it would have not been an easy task for our opponents. It was little bit difficult for us to bat in the second innings although I must say that the wicket was not unplayable."

Some players including Bashar got off to good starts but failed to carry on and many thought it was a crime for the batsmen, especially in the longer-version cricket.

"You can take it both positively and negatively. Yes, it is a crime to get out after scoring 25 to 30 runs but I want to take it positively. We scored some runs, which means we are in good touch and just need to convert the good starts into big innings. This is one of the reasons I am hopeful about the second Test."

Bashar highly praised his bowlers, particularly his new ball bowlers Shahadat Hossain and Syed Rasel.

"Shahadat has the aggression and pace which is key for a good fast bowler. He just needs more experience. Rasel gave a lot of trouble to the opponents and he can swing the ball," added Bashar.

His Sri Lanka counterpart Mahela Jayawardene predicted that the second Test would not be easy against an improving Bangladesh.

"They put lot a of pressure on us on the first two days. Our young guys like Farveez Maharoof showed character to give us lead in the first innings. The match was even after the first innings but our bowlers did an excellent job to make it easy in the end. So, we have to prepare hard for another victory," said Jayawardene.

"Murali was excellent on a very difficult track but I must say it was a team effort," he said adding that the toss did not play much of a role in the match.

Jayawardene, yet to be favoured by the coin in the series, also said that Mohammad Ashraful deserved the man-of-the-match award for his brilliant hundred.

"One might have considered Murali for the prize but I must say Ashraful batted very well and played positive cricket. He deserved this," said Jayawardene, who was excited at the support of Sri Lankan expatriates in the country and hoped they would travel to Bogra.