ONE CRACK FOR SRI LANKA, TWO CRACKS FOR BANGLADESH

Sri Lanka will open its Super Four campaign of the Asia Cup against Bangladesh in Dubai today with a quiet sense of belief as three wins from three in the first round have given Charith Asalanka’s men valuable momentum for a rematch against the Tigers that they tamed in the first round.

- By CHAMPIKA FERNANDO IN DUBAI

The six-wicket victory in Abu Dhabi last week against the same opposition, may offer a psychological edge, but the Sri Lankans insist that past results count for little.

“We expect the wicket in Dubai to be on the slower side, though conditions will vary from pitch to pitch,” said Kusal Mendis, who produced a fluent 74 against Afghanistan on Thursday night to seal Sri Lanka’s progression.

“Right now, Nuwan Thushara and Dushmantha Chameera are bowling really well and with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana providing the spin support, our attack looks balanced. We’re going into the next stage with plenty of confidence.”

Mendis believes the biggest factor behind Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run has been the collective effort. “Everyone has played a part in these victories. It hasn’t been about the brilliance of just one or two players, it’s been a team effort.