The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Sri Lankan opener Michael Vandort thinks that 300 to 350 would be a competitive total although his side was tottering at 172/6 on the 1st day of the 1st test match against Bangladesh at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS) here Friday.

"It's really difficult to say. Anything around 300 to 350 would be a competitive score. We have a good bowling lineup with Murali and Rangana, not to forget about the fast bowlers like Vaas. As the game goes on I think they will be a factor." said Vandort at a post match briefing at the match venue Friday.

About the current state of the match, the tall left-handed batsman said, "I think it's evenly poised. 172/6 not in a position we wanted to be. Guys left will have jobs in their hands and hopefully expecting the score of 300."

Answering to a query, he said that Bangladesh can do well in their day adding, "From now on it's our time to put our heads down. Hopefully we will have a good day (Saturday).

Asked if they were overconfident about their batting, the opener replied in the negative. "Everybody goes out to play positively and to play shots. But, today it didn't go for us."

He told a correspondent "I am disappointed. After batting for so long, getting up to 40 you will always look for big scores but my wicket put the team to a crucial stage. I am really disappointed to get out."

Vandort possesses a very good record. He had notched two centuries and two fifties against Bangladesh including the career best score of 140 back in 2002 in Colombo.

He gave full credit to the left-arm spinner saying that Shakib was just sticking into his basics, putting the ball in the right areas and also continued his good form that he gained recently against South Africa and New Zealand.

He also admitted that it was a little bit difficult to bat on early in the morning due to dew. "There was dew in the morning. You will find dew in the initial stages in any test match. But, it became easier to bat later on.