First the Maldives, next Muralitharan

Australian captain Ricky Ponting wants his players to unwind on the silver beaches of the Maldives before concentrating on the challenge posed by spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan in next week's ICC Champions Trophy semi-final.

After their emphatic nine-wicket win against Bangladesh at the Sinhalese Sports Club, the players will enjoy an informal barbecue this evening before flying to the Maldives, the coral island paradise in the Indian Ocean.

"We have been playing well in the last few weeks and have been training really hard in some extreme conditions and I think it will help us if we put our bats down for a couple of days," said Ponting.

The alternative would be eight days preparation for the semi-final on September 27.

"We would rather keep playing in the tournament and keep the momentum going but the techniques are in good order and we do tend to play well after a good break."

Once they return they will concentrate on Sri Lanka.

"We haven't really focused on them as we had a couple of games to win first but when we return we will study them hard and look at our game plan and how to bowl at their batsmen."

"Obviously Murali will be the main challenge in their bowling and individual batsmen will have to come up with their own strategy against him," he said.

He doesn't expect much support from the crowd.

"The crowd won't help us. It is always nice playing in front of a home crowd but if we keep them quiet then we will be doing a good job."

Man of the match Jason Gillespie, who claimed three for 20 in his 10 overs was pleased with his performance and also looking forward to some well-earned relaxation.

"The ball has been coming out pretty well," said Gillespie. "I am reasonably happy with my form, gauging it as I do from how the wicket-keeper is taking the ball.

"It was a bonus to jag out a couple of early wickets and thereafter I just looked to put the ball in the right spot and be patient."

"As a bowler you like to keep your rhythm going but the break will not do us any harm. I am looking to do nothing but lie on the beach and get a tan," he said.

Bangladesh captain Khaled Mashud hoped his young side learned from the experience of playing against the world champions.

"If you don't play against the likes of Australia and South Africa then you won't improve," said Mashud. "This was my first time and with most of the guys being young we will learn."

"I thought that Alok Kapali and Tushar Imran played really well, but we didn't put together any good partnerships today," he added.