LIVE: World Twenty20: Rain interrupts Sri Lanka-West Indies semifinal with Lanka on top

Sri Lanka were in the driver's seat in their semifinal encounter against West Indies at Dhaka in the ICC World Twenty20, when rain brought about a halt to the proceedings.

Chasing 160, West Indies were in deep strife at 80/4 in 13.5 overs when rain intervened.

West Indies need a further 81 runs from 37 balls to win and book a spot in the final.

Sri Lanka are 27 runs ahead on the Duckworth-Lewis method, and would thus win the match if it gets rained out.

Only Dwayne Bravo was the bright spot in the West Indies innings, scoring 30 off 18 balls before being caught by Mahela Jayawardene off the bowling of Kulasekara.

Chris Gayle once again failed to light up the stands, scoring a scratchy 3 off 13 balls.

Dwayne Smith, who has performed well in the tournament, was castled by captain Lasith Malinga for 17 off 14 balls.

Marlon Samuels is not on a laboured 18 off 29 balls, while Darren Sammy is yet to face a delivery.

For Sri Lanka, Lasith Malinga was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2/5 off his 2 overs. Nuwan Kulasekara and Seekkuge Prasanna chipped in with one wicket each.