COLOMBO, July 1: The Bangladesh cricket team has arrived in the Sri Lankan capital two weeks ahead of the Asia Cup tournament in search of a much needed tune up. "We are here early to do some practice," said captain Habibul Bashar on Thursday.

So far the Sri Lanka cricket board is finding it difficult to organize warm up matches. "Our team is planning at least three practice matches and we are working out the details," said Ashud Ahmed of the Bangladesh High Commission.

Bangladesh, who have never won an Asia Cup encounter, will play Hong Kong in the opening match of the tournament on July 16. They will also face Pakistan in the first round, while other countries taking part are India, Sri Lanka, and the United Arab Emirates

"We are not worried. If we put in our best efforts in a match, there is always a chance for us to win," Bashar said earlier. "We do not take any opponent lightly, even if it is Hong Kong."

Hong Kong is an associate member of the International Cricket Council, while Bangladesh and Pakistan are full members. Bangladesh lost to Canada - not renowned as a cricketing nation - in last year's World Cup in South Africa.

Bangladesh ended a five-year losing streak in one-day matches in March, winning against Zimbabwe in Harare. They also came close to beating the West Indies last month, losing by a wicket.

Bangladesh had previously only ever won three one-day games - against Pakistan, Kenya and Scotland. The Bangladesh team arrived late on Wednesday without Manager G.M. Nowsher, who will join the squad on July 11. -Agencies