A confident Bangladesh will face tournament-favorite Sri Lanka in a crucial group B tie at Queens Park Oval, Trinidad and Tobago today. The match is scheduled to start from 9:30 AM local time (13:30 GMT).
After defeating another pre-tournament favorite India in their cup opener, Bangladesh is looking for their youth brigade to deliver again to overcome experienced Sri Lankan resistance.
Bangladesh will be looking for a win in a bid to seal the second round berth while Sri Lanka is poised to continue their winning streak. Both team enjoyed success in their opening match and are in suitable position compared to group mate India who are in a spot of bother after conceding defeat in the opening match.
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Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardane paid respect to the emerging Tigers and promised a disciplined display on the field to outshine Bangladesh.
"They had a great win against India, but we play our games differently," he said.
"We do want to give a lot of respect whatever the opposition we play," he said. "(But) we knew if we play to our potential ... the brand of cricket that we play, it will be in our favor."
Bangladesh Captain Habibul Bashar is also expecting a tougher resistance from Sri Lanaka and termed them as a very professional side.
"Sri Lanka plays as team in the middle. They have got experienced player and is a much disciplined team compared to India. We know our task will be harder this time but we are ready to face the challenge" said Bashar.
Current Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore who guided Sri Lanka to cup glory in 1996 believes his young boys have the potential to overcome Sri Lankan challenge. He is also keen to seal the second round berth before the final match against Bermuda.
"The young boys have made a lot of difference. They are willing to work a lot harder out in the middle during the difficult periods," he said.
He is also hopeful that the Tigers will continue the good work and keep the momentum going, "We've to show that we can't be taken lightly and if we win against Sri Lanka, we are through," added Whatmore.
Although there were reports of some heavy rain yesterday, weather forecast shows no further rain today. Winning toss might prove vital as the wicket is expected to have juice in the early hours of play.
Squads
Sri Lanka (from): DPMD Jayawardene (captain) RP Arnold, MS Atapattu, CM Bandara, TM Dilshan, CRD Fernando, ST Jayasuriya, KMDN Kulasekara, MF Maharoof, SL Malinga, M Muralitharan, KC Sangakkara (wicketkeeper), LPC Silva, WU Tharanga, WPUJC Vaas
Bangladesh (from): Habibul Bashar (captain), Shahriar Nafees, Tamim Iqbal, Aftab Ahmed, Saqibul Hasan, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim (wicket keeper), Mohammad Rafique, Abdur Razzak, Mashrafe Mortaza, Shahadat Hossain, Tapash Baisya, Syed Rasel, Rajin Saleh, Javed Omar.
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