Rain, runs, retirement

Apr 04, 2017

Predicting rain ahead of the T20I opener in Colombo was not half as difficult as Mashrafe Mortaza's retirement from the shortest format, which he announced at the toss•Associated Press

When play began after a 45-minute delay, Tamim Iqbal was forced to make his way back once again - this time courtesy Lasith Malinga•Associated Press

Mushfiqur Rahim missed one from Asela Gunaratne while trying to execute a paddle sweep over the keeper•Associated Press

That, however, proved inadequate, as Upul Tharanga and Kusal Perera piloted the hosts' successful chase with a 65-run opening stand•Associated Press

The downpour prompted the Bangladesh players to run back to the pavilion, moments after they had completed their national anthem•Associated Press

Soumya Sarkar, however, appeared to have made his mind up to hold his ground, as he went on the offensive from the word go•Associated Press

A few moments of brilliance in the field from Sri Lanka unnerved the visitors and had them lose half their side for 82•Associated Press

Even though Tharanga provided the initial impetus, it was Kusal's quickfire fifty...•Associated Press

But a 20-ball 29 was all he could muster before Vikum Sanjaya had him caught at long-on•Associated Press

But a late flourish from Mahmudullah and Mosaddek Hossain helped Bangladesh post a score in excess of 150•Associated Press

...That made Sri Lanka's chase easier and helped them seal a six-wicket win•Associated Press