Stand-in Bangladesh captain Tamim Iqbal paided tribute to retiring Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga but said the fast bowler’s farewell match would not distract his team from winning.
Malinga will be playing his final one-day international in Colombo on Friday in the first of three one-day internationals against Bangladesh, although he hopes to continue playing in the shorter T20 format.
“I think he is a great ambassador of this game,” AFP quoted Tamim, adding that Malinga’s achievements were “extraordinary”. “Tomorrow is a special game for him. But one thing is for sure — when we play against him we will not keep it in our head that it will be his last match and will try to play as hard as possible. We will try to win the game for Bangladesh.”
Malinga said Thursday he was “very happy” to make way for younger players after calling time on his illustrious 15-year career in the 50-over format.
“I am very happy to leave at this time. This is an opportunity for new players to prove themselves and prepare for the next World Cup,” Malinga, 35, told reporters at the team’s final training session.
