Tri-nation series: India beat Sri Lanka in rain-curtailed tie to enter final

India cruised into the final of the Tri-nation ODI series with a crushing 81-run victory over Sri Lanka in yet another rain-hit game, relying on young Bhuvneshwar Kumar's devastating exhibition of swing bowling.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar appeals unsuccessfully for the LBW on Sri Lanka batsman Dinesh Chandimal during their Tri-Nation Series cricket match in Port-of-Spain. (AP)

The 22-year-old Kumar produced career-best figures of 4/8 in six overs as the Indians bundled out Sri Lankan for 96 in 24.4 overs in their pursuit of 178 in stipulated 26 overs to set up a title clash against the same opponents on Thursday.
Bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, second from left, is congratulated by teammates after taking his fourth wicket, Sri Lanka's Lahiru Thirimanne, during their Tri-Nation Series cricket match in Port-of-Spain. (AP)

The Indians were 119 for three in 29 overs when the rains intervened with Rohit Sharma top-scoring with an unbeaten 48.
India opening batsman Rohit Sharma drives a delivery off Sri Lanka's Dilhara Lokuhettige during their Tri-Nation Series cricket match in Port-of-Spain. (AP)

Kumar's knack of picking up early wickets reaped dividends as he rocked the opposition removing Upul Tharanga (6) and Kumar Sangakkara (0) off successive deliveries. Tharanga got one that shaped away after pitching as he edged one to Suresh Raina stationed at wide second slip.
Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara reacts after his dismissal, LBW for a duck, as India players celebrate during their Tri-Nation Series cricket match in Port-of-Spain. (AP)

If that wasn't enough, Mahela Jayawardene (11) was also dismissed cheaply to make it 27 for three. Jayawardene slashed hard at a rising delivery only to hole out at third man.
Sri Lanka's opening batsman Mahela Jayawardene cuts a delivery off India's Bhuvneshwar Kumar to be caught by Murali Vijay for 11 runs during their Tri-Nation Series cricket match in Port-of-Spain. (AP)

Kumar soon got his fourth wicket when Lahiru Thirimanne (4) offered a simple catch to Virat Kohli at cover as the Lankans looked down and out at 31 for four.
Suresh Raina high fives acting captain Virat Kohli who took the catch to dismiss Sri Lanka batsman Lahiru Thirimanne for a duck during their Tri-Nation Series cricket match in Port-of-Spain. (AP)

The manner in which the young UP lad swung the ball in overcast conditions was a treat to watch. He bowled those beautiful outswingers which Dinesh Chandimal (26, 54 balls) played and missed repeatedly with an occasional one coming into the right-hander.
Sri Lanka batsman Dinesh Chandimal reacts after being stumped by India wicket keeper Dinesh Karthik for 26 runs during their Tri-Nation Series cricket match in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. (AP)

Once Kumar had done the initial damage, Ravindra Jadeja (2/16 in 5 overs) provided perfect exhibition of classical left-arm spin bowling as he removed Angelo Mathews (10) and Chandimal in quick succession.
India's Ravindra Jadeja, right, celebrates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews, who was caught behind for 10 runs, during their Tri-Nation Series cricket match in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. (AP)

While Mathews was caught by a fumbling Dinesh Karthik, a frustrated Chandimal was deceived by the flight and turn as he was stumped leaving Lanka reeling at 63 for six.
Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal, right, hits a six off India's Ravichandran Ashwin as wicket keeper Dinesh Karthik looks on during their Tri-Nation Series cricket match in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. (AP)

Jeevan Mendis (13) was castled by Ravichandran Ashwin. Ishant Sharma (2/17) drove the final nail in the coffin by polishing off the tail.
Sri Lanka's captain Angelo Mathews celebrates after taking the wicket of West Indies' Darren Bravo, who was caught by teammate Jeevan Mendis for 70 runs, during their Tri-Nation Series cricket match in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad. (AP)