Sri Lanka have already made their mark in the T20 World Cup with a commanding win in the preliminary round and will go a little further in their Super 12 match against Bangladesh, team captain Dasun Shanaka said on Saturday.
The Islands, who won the 2014 edition of the tournament, have impressed their dominance over the Minos playing in the UAE through their versatile bowling attacks and have registered big wins in all three matches.
Sri Lanka have lost all their matches - Namibia by 96 runs, Ireland by 101 runs and the Netherlands by 44 runs - to advance to Group One of the Super 12.
"T20 is a very short game, and in our day everyone has seen how good we are," Shanaka told reporters ahead of Sunday's match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
"The boys have done well, and they've shown their skills, and they've shown what they can actually do in this tournament. They've already made their mark in this tournament."
The path to the Super 12 was even more difficult for Bangladesh.
Mahmudullah's men lost their opening match against Scotland and will have to step up their game against Oman and Papua New Guinea to move on.
"After winning this qualifier, they have the momentum. It's good for them, but even then, we've got a good direction, I think. We have a little better chance," Shanaka said.
There were doubts about the availability of Sri Lankan off-spinner Mahesh Thekshan, who took eight wickets in three matches but left the field with a side strain against the Dutch after taking two wickets in one over.
Bangladesh is known to be very passionate about sports and after the defeat against Scotland, the players returned to the country and faced widespread criticism.
Team coach Russell Domingo said they had spoken "long and hard" about it and that the players were paying close attention to their cricket, not criticism.
"I think we have a balanced team. We have some seriously skilled bowlers and some dangerous batsmen," Domingo said. "It simply came to our notice then.
"I think Sharjah is a bit more similar to the Dhaka wicket. Hopefully it will help us in tomorrow's game."


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