Dasun Shanaka terms Bangladesh an easier opponent than Afghanistan

Dasun Shanaka in action [PC: Twitter]

Sri Lanka's limited overs captain Dasun Shanaka reckons that Bangladesh will be an easier opponent for them than Afghanistan. 

In the opening encounter of the Asia Cup 2022, Afghanistan annihilated Sri Lanka, stunning the hosts and registering their first win of the tournament.

After such a disastrous start to their campaign, Shanaka was asked about his team's preparations for the next match against Bangladesh, to which he replied,

"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,"

The experienced all-rounder reasoned that having played a lot of cricket with the Tigers in the past gives Sri Lanka an advantage in this must-win game scheduled on September 1.

"We have been playing a lot of cricket with the 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." 

A significant number of Lankan cricketers have featured in Bangladesh's domestic leagues over the years. Shanaka believes that the experience of playing in various competitions in Bangladesh will help the team prepare well for the next clash.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have met 12 times in this format, with the Lankans winning on eight occasions. The five-time champions will have to win this game at any cost to keep their super-four hopes alive. 

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