INDIA put a finish on tri series and they step to FINAL

India thrashed Sri Lanka by 81 runs (D/L method) to not only qualify for the Tri-Nation Series final but also top the group after the last league match got over at the Queen`s Park Oval here Tuesday.The result means host nation, West Indies, were eliminated from the competition.

With this huge win, India also bagged the bonus point to end top of the group with 10 points, with Sri Lanka and West Indies, second and third, respectively, with nine points each. Lanka`s better run-rate qualifies them for the final as the hosts make an exit from the tournament.

A splendid bowling performance by pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and a gritty knock by opening batsman Rohit Sharma were significant in bringing India home.

Ravindra Jadeja (2/17) took his tally to 29 at an average of 18.00 in 16 matches, equalling Mitchell McClenaghan's tally of 29 in only ten matches at an average of 16.51. Both share a record for most wickets in ODIs in 2013.

Heavy rain cut short India's innings at the Queen's Park Oval after 29 overs with Rohit Sharma unbeaten on 48 as they made 119 for three with Virat Kohli's 31 a valuable knock against an aggressive Sri Lanka attack.

The two teams will face off for the title on Thursday, at the same venue.