Jayawardene prefers to chase against Bangladesh

Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lanka captain, has said that despite losing to Pakistan, chasing 190, his side would prefer to bat second against Bangladesh.

On winning the toss against Pakistan, Jayawardene chose to field thinking the dew factor would favour the side chasing. "We thought it would be quite easy to chase because it would be hard for the spinners to grip the ball [later in the day]," Jayawardene said at the post-match press conference.

"Even though we lost those early wickets we managed to get up to the required run-rate quite quickly but Shahid Afridi bowled very well and he took wickets in the middle." Afridi took 3 for 18, including Jayawardene's wicket for 28.

Jayawardene said Bangladesh would not pose as much of a challenge as Pakistan.

"Pakistan is always a good side, it has some brilliant individuals. But the Pakistan bowling is altogether different to Bangladesh's, it is very skilled," he said.

Sri Lanka made a positive start to the game when they reduced Pakistan to 33 for 3 in the first six overs. But then they were unable to break a 101-run partnership between Younis Khan and Shoaib Malik which got Pakistan to a competitive total.

The two Group F matches will be played at the Wanderers today. Pakistan will face Australia, after which Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh.