Pallekele, Aug 4: India jumped to the second spot in ODI rankings after they wrapped up the five-match series 4-1 beating Sri Lanka by 20 runs in the final one-day international at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Saturday.
Opting to bat first, India put up a score of 294 for seven in 50 overs with opener Gautam Gambhir playing the role of an anchor, scoring an impressive 88 runs. Manoj Tiwary (65) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (58) chipped in with significant half-centuries.
Sri Lanka faltered in their chase right from the start losing wickets at regular intervals before getting all out for 274 in 45.4 overs.
Lahiru Thirimanne scored 77 runs, while Jeevan Mendis tried to play an anchor's role, scoring 72, but ran out of partners and was eventually caught behind.
Irfan Pathan was on target as he clinched five wickets.
Irfan was declared as the man of the match for his five wicket haul and 28 runs with the bat.
Vice captain Virat Kohli, who scored 296 runs at the average of 74, was adjudged the man of the series.
© IANS
