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BANGLADESH are a point above Sri Lanka and although the World Cup is still at a very early stage, it is hard to imagine both sides envisioning themselves in their respective positions after their first two matches.

Sri Lanka didn’t look convincing for most of their match against Afghanistan, though they won by four wickets on the back of Mahela Jayawardene’s century.

They looked slow in the match against New Zealand in the tournament opener, and have also been hit by Jeevan Mendis’ hamstring injury which has taken him out of the World Cup.

But Sri Lanka have a 37-4 record against Bangladesh in ODIs, and have nearly always dominated them.

Last year they won close encounters in the three-match ODI series in Bangladesh, as well as their Asia Cup encounter. Though a couple of matches were close and Bangladesh had their moments, Sri Lanka prevailed.

The last time they lost to Bangladesh was in 2013, but have never lost to them in a World Cup.

Bangladesh’s preparations were nearly rocked by Mushfiqur Rahim getting knocked on his hand but it is only a bruise so the team’s best batsman will be available. Al-Amin Hossain’s exit has come as a shock to the squad as well, but captain Mashrafe Mortaza has said the episode is behind them.

Bangladesh’s 105-run win over Afghanistan helped them establish their credentials early in the tournament, and the one point from the abandoned game against Australia was the luck they have been seeking since the start of last year. Now they have an opportunity to push their cause and look for a place in the tournament that is beyond only safety and respectability. – Cricinfo