Bangladesh easier opponent than Afghanistan, says Sri Lanka captain

After suffering a crushing eight-wicket defeat against Afghanistan in the opening match of the Asia Cup on Saturday, Sri Lanka's chances of making it through to the Super 4 stage is hanging by a thread. They have one game left, against Bangladesh on September 1. With a poor run rate after one match, Sri Lanka must hope they beat Bangladesh and beat them handsomely to stand a chance to progress.

The team's captain Dasun Shanaka seems to be thinking in that direction as he feels Bangladesh are a much easier opponent compared to Afghanistan.

"Afghanistan has a world-class bowling attack. We know Fizz [Mustafizur Rahman] is a good bowler. Shakib [al Hasan] is a world-class bowler. But apart from them, there is no world-class bowler in the side. So if we compare with Afghanistan, Bangladesh is an easier opponent," Shanaka said in the post-match press conference.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka met 12 times in the format, with the Lankans winning on eight occasions. Shanaka feels the big number of meetings between the teams make the opposition familiar and makes it easier to work out plans.

"We have been playing a lot of cricket with Bangladesh team, so we know the exact plans of them. So it will play a major role in the next game. So it will be a lot easier knowing their plans and knowing their players," the Sri Lanka skipper said.

Bangladesh will face Afghanistan on August 30 at Sharjah before the clash against Sri Lanka two days later in Dubai.