Not hung up on Asia Cup loss to Afghanistan, says Bangladesh captain Mashrafe

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Bangladesh captain Mashrafe bin Mortaza has said his side are not disturbed by their defeat against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup ahead of their meeting at the Manuka Oval in Canberra on Wednesday.

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"We've played only one match... yes, we couldn't beat them in last Asia cup, but I don't think that it bothers us," said Mashrafe at the official pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

When asked if he thought it was unfair to be compared to newcomers like Afghanistan, he said, "I don't think so because comparisons can (be made). Anybody can do it. But it depends how we take it."

"...we respect them not for that they're beginners, we respect them (like we do) all the countries."

Pressure in a World Cup match is natural but the 31-year-old pacer is reluctant to take additional pressure.

"It is unnecessary to take extra pressure simply considering Afghanistan. We are quite capable of beating better teams."

Ireland registered the first upset of the 2015 World Cup beating the West Indies on Monday. Mashrafe sees the upset as an inspiration rather than a concern.

Mashrafe pins his hopes on opener Tamim Iqbal, who has recently recovered from an injury after a surgery on his left knee.

"He (Tamim) was on rehabilitation after he came here (Australia). He is mentally strong. It doesn't seem he's had any problem."

The explosive opener scored 81 in the warmup match against Pakistan.

The Tigers are used to playing on spinning wickets at home but pitches in Australia and New Zealand are more helpful to pacers.

"I think back home the wicket is favoured by all the spinners so we rely on them, but we have some very good quicks.

"Yes, they're still young, but they have the potential and hopefully they'll do their job… our spinners, I feel that they're world class and they can bowl on any wicket."

The Bangladesh captain holds the youngsters in the team in high regards.

"I have confidence in the youngsters of the team.”

Bangladesh have a young side for the 11th edition of the game's showcase event, with nine players in the squad in line to make debut in the World Cup.

Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque, Soumya Sarkar, Nasir Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Arafat Sunny, Taijul Islam, Taskin Ahmed are all taking part in the World Cup for the first time.