Both Test nations came out with identical 116-run victories, Bangla-desh beating Hong Kong in Colom-bo and India winning against the United Arab Emirates at Dambulla, on the opening day of the Eighth Asia Cup.

The margins of victory, however, are flattering to deceive.

The Tigers failed to show any fireworks with the bat which was anticipated against a weak attack and their total of 221-9 was disappointing. Had it been any other team chasing, even a non-Test nation like Kenya, Habibul Bashar's men would have had real trouble defending it.

A few Sri Lankan fans came to watch the match but went home frustrated.

"We expected Bangladesh to play like real tigers against Hong Kong. But what did they do? They just kept the pushing ball around. They should have scored at least 300," observed a college student.

"Hong Kong should have been booked below 100 after being reduced to 67-7. If they do this again, then they won't win against any of the big teams," he added.

He also suggested that Bangla-desh should change their nickname and call themselves 'emerging cats' instead.

At Dambulla, Virender Sehwag failed to deliver on his promise of becoming the first ion ODI history to score 200. He was run out without scoring. Also neither did master batsman Sachin Tendulkar reach his 38th hundred nor India pile up 400 considering that they ranked the world number two on ICC rankings.

To their credit UAE restricted the mighty Indians to just 260-6.

RAIN AND SHINE
Cuckoos announce the arrival of spring. In Bangladesh, the little songbird only sings then. But Bangladeshi journalists covering the Asia Cup enjoyed a rare experience of hearing it sing in the rainy season.

Colombo is a city full of big trees and wherever you go, the greenery will be with you. You can't see the bird but you will hear sweet sounds day and night.

To kill curiosity, a group of reporters approached a local journalist.

"You have six seasons in Bangladesh. We do not. We have two seasons. It's only rains and shines here. So the cuckoo sings whenever it's shining," he said gleefully.

THE WAR RAGES ON
Every senior Pakistani cricketer aspires to be the captain. It is a burning issue that has never given any leader time to relax knowing that there is always someone trying to pull him down. After the Miandad-Imran or Akram-Waqar duels in the 80s and 90s, it has been a case of musical chairs.

A veteran Pakistani journalist admitted that all is not well in the side. Now it seems Shoaib Akhtar wants more power and is after Inzamamul Haq's job. Rumours are rife about their recent verbal exchange.

The Rawalpindi Express is also inspired by Pakistan Cricket Board's quest for a new captain to lead the side into the 2007 World Cup because the Pakistan think-tank believes that 'big boy' Inzamam would not be able to continue until then.