June 24, 2008	Tuesday	Jamadi-us-Sani 19, 1429

LAHORE, June 23: Sri Lankan captain Jayawardene was upbeat about his team’s chances as the defending champions in the Asia Cup which commences simultaneously at Lahore and Karachi on Tuesday.

The reigning champions, who arrived in Lahore in the wee hours on Monday, will start their campaign from Wednesday when they will take on Bangladesh at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Jayawardene said his team main aim was to win the title for which they were well prepared. “We are here after attending a extensive training camp and are optimistic about defending the title. For that purpose, we have to take every match seriously and to go with full potential.”

“I will not underestimate any team in the competition, therefore, UAE and Bangladesh are equally tough rivals as India and Pakistan,” he said.

He asserted that the Sri Lankans were prepared for all types of and the tough weather conditions in Lahore and Karachi were not a big threat to them.

To a question, Jayawardene said though an eleventh hour injury to all-rounder Farveez Mahroof kept him away from the tournament, other players had enough potential and ability to fill his place. “We have good players in the ranks and hopefully every player will deliver his best,” he said.

Sri Lankan coach Trever Bayliss termed his side as balanced-combination of experience and youth.

Sri Lanka after playing the final of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, slumped to successive one-day defeats against the West Indies, Australia and England. But Jayawardene expressed hope that his team would live upto their potential in the Asia Cup.