Colombo: Bagging an ODI series win in Sri Lanka has given the Indian team so many reasons to rejoice. If the Test matches were all about what the team did wrong, this victory has been all about what MS Dhoni's men have done right. The lessons learnt here will hold his young team in good stead in future.
India have cliched the series with a match to spare, making it a convincing series win. In Virendrer Sehwag's absense, Dhoni and Raina have emerged as the batting bulwarks of the team. Even Virat Kohli has chipped in, nothing up his first ODI half century as Dhoni 971) and Raina 976) enabled India to get to 258 on Wednesday, a target which proved good enough to contain the Lankank S Badrinath's contributionis in the second match was of immense value too.
In the bowling department, Zaheer Khan has been at the top of his game, while Munaf Patel, Harbhajan Singh and Praveen Kumar have done their bit, stopping the flow of runs and taking crucial wickets.
Facts About Match
Weather: There's a 60% chance of rain as scattered thundershowers are expected to hit the ground again. That was the forecast in the last two games and that's the forecast again for today. Players won't get any relief on Friday.
Ground: In the two games, it's been the theory of win the toss and win the match. The wicket which appears to be flat in the afternoon session suddenly becomes vicious under lights. Spinners get the extra bite too as the pitch gets slow and low.
Chance to win: India Even and Sri Lanka 8/11.
Head to head: Total 105, India won - 55 and SL won - 40, NR - 10. In Sri Lanka: Total 38, SL won 20 and India won 12, NR - 6
Live: 14:30 (SLT and IST) 09:00 GMT. Scoreboard