Sri Lanka confident, Bangladesh hopeful

Mohali, Oct 6 (UNI) Former World champion Sri Lanka today exuded confidence of doing well in the ICC Champions Trophy starting here tomorrow but acknowledged Bangladesh as a ''serious opponent''.

Talking to newspersons on the eve of their qualifying match against minnows Bangladesh, Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody said, ''We never underestimate our rivals, We consider Bangladesh as a serious rival. They are capable of creating upsets, they have done so in the past.'' Moody was not disappointed that his team was playing in the qualifying round to make it to the main tournament despite being the former World Champion and joint winner of this trophy in 2002.

''I look at it positively. It is to our advantage as we will get more matches to play. We will be able to adjust ourselves to the day/night matches and on the whole will be better prepared for the main tournament.'' ''For me tomorrow's game is very important, a good winning start in any tournament helps the team's morale,'' he added.

Sri Lanka skipper Mahela Jayawardene was hopeful of a winning start but hasten to add that it will be fool hardy for his side to underestimate Bangladesh.

''They (Bangladesh) had beaten us early this year. We took a lesson,'' the skipper said.

He admitted that last year's tour of India was an ''experience and lesson'' and added, ''we had lot of inexperienced players in the side, but now the side is a one year old.'' ''We have now been playing well. It is now a good balanced side comprising youth and experienced players,'' he said.

Mahela said he has not decided about the final eleven.

''We will decide after having a look at the pitch but in any case we have to pick up from 14 players so there is not going to be any big problem in picking up.'' On his batting, position he said he will bat at number three.

''I feel comfortable at this slot,'' he said adding, ''batting order will be flexible. We have the luxury of playing four fast bowlers because two of them are allrounder.'' Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore was more cautious in his views when asked about match against Sri Lanka saying, ''We have to be as realistic as we possibly can. We will play every game to win but for that there has to be individual improvement.'' The coach however was optimist that ''Bangladesh will without a doubt be a force in World Cricket some day.'' Skipper Habibul Bashar was candid enough to admit that his team's record against Sri Lanka has not been good.

''But the fact is that we have beaten them once, why not again.

We have to believe that we can do it,'' the skipper said.

Bashar said his team was well prepared for the tournament.

''We had adequate practice before coming here. Boys are ready for the match. We are hopeful of doing well in the tournament. All the players are focused and know the task lying ahead of them.'' UNI HSB DH AB HS1753