Bangladesh seek upbeat exit

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Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar has challenged his team to bow out of the Asia Cup on a high note when they take on Pakistan on Thursday.

They were the first team to arrive for the tournament in Sri Lanka.

But despite the extra preparation, they have only managed to bear Hong Kong in their four games so far.

"I am not happy with the performances of the team in this tournament. There are no positives to be drawn from the matches we have played," said Bashar.

"All our players are upset with their performances so far. But we have had a break [since the last game] in which to reassess our strengths and weaknesses."

He added: "If we win the toss against Pakistan, we will field first and try to contain them.

"But apart from Inzamam and Yousuf Youhana, Yasir [Hameed) and Shoaib [Malik] are playing very well for the Pakistanis."

Bashar believes the tournament has been another step in the learning process for his team.

Apart from the Hong Kong game, they have only won one limited overs international since the 1999 World Cup.

"This experience shows we will have to work harder, both mentally and physically," said coach Dav Whatmore.

source: BBC