Bangladesh lose Omar in rain-hit opening session

KANDY, Sri Lanka, July 11 (Reuters) Bangladesh were 48 for one after a rain-curtailed first session in the third and final test against Sri Lanka today.

The tourists lost the early wicket of Javed Omar but otherwise batted solidly during the 12 overs possible before heavy rain forced the players off the field for an early lunch.

Opener Shariar Nafees was unbeaten on 16 and former captain Habibul Bashar, promoted up the order as he searches for form, was 18 not out at the interval.

Omar was trapped lbw by seamer Lasith Malinga for eight in the third over of the morning.

Sri Lanka made three changes to the team that took an unbeatable 2-0 series lead in Colombo last week.

Opener Upul Tharanga returned after injury in place of Malinda Warnapura.

Fast bowlers Chaminda Vaas and Dilhara Fernando were also rested to make room for all-rounder Farveez Maharoof and left-arm seamer Sujeewa de Silva.

Bangladesh made two changes, dropping batsman Mehrab Hossain Jnr. and medium pacer Mohammad Sharif. Batsman Tushar Imran and left-armer Syed Rasel were included in the side.

REUTERS TB HS1240