7.55pm Clinically, India have got the job done again. No fuss, no problems, no teasing, just plain efficient. Sri Lanka got off to a fantastic start today, but India have won almost every over after the 30th of the Sri Lankan innings. A target of 216 was easily achieved, led by another ODI hundred by Shikhar Dhawan, who made batting look incredibly easy. Shreyas Iyer struck another eye-catching fifty, but missed out on his maiden international ton. That won't matter much to India, who have taken their second consecutive three-match series after going 1-0 down.
India will be really pleased with this series, they were tested and still came out on top of a team that weren't really competitive after their triumphant Dharamsala visit. There are holes in that SL team, but you get the feeling, they aren't far away from finding their best combination and roles. I'd say go the England way, keep that attacking template and let players come up that way. It didn't quite work today, but it will at some point and they can beat some of the best.
That's all from us for the ODIs this season. The T20 series isn't too far away, join us then. Till then, ciao. Thanks for your company.
Presentation.
Shikhar Dhawan is the Man of the Series: "I feel like I'm batting my best, I know my game well now, which is why my consistency has gone up. A bit on technique and changed my guard. I'm an experienced player, I know how to handle situations, and my success rate has gone up. Most of the time I score fifty, I look to go for a century."
Kuldeep Yadav is the Man of the Match: "We're just looking for middle-order wickets. The wicket was good for spinners, we were getting sharp turn, that motivated me. It's just about preparation, working on my fitness."
Rohit Sharma wins his first series as India captain: "Terrific comeback after the first match. We showed a lot of character, at one point, they had a run-rate of six. That has been a hallmark of this team, when we have been put under pressure, we've responded. The first game was testing as a captain. The second game, we had enough runs, it was the perfect game for me to settle in as a captain."
Thisara Perera: "First match we won easily, a good chance to beat India in India, but didn't execute. We got a good start, but we couldn't execute with our middle order. We have to think about the T20s, everything is past, we have to think about the present."
Shreyas Iyer: "Really enjoying going out there and creating that atmosphere, even the team loves it. A great feeling, a great experience for me. Forgotten about Dharamsala, that kind of wicket was disheartening. I'm being positive, whatever the situation, will express myself."
The last over of the ODI series
END OF OVER:32 | 10 Runs | IND: 214/2 (2 runs required from 18 overs, RR: 6.68, RRR: 0.11)
- Shikhar Dhawan100 (85b)
- Dinesh Karthik22 (30b)
- Asela Gunaratne4-0-30-0
- Angelo Mathews3-0-30-0
4 and 6
END OF OVER:31 | 11 Runs | IND: 204/2 (12 runs required from 19 overs, RR: 6.58, RRR: 0.63)
- Dinesh Karthik21 (28b)
- Shikhar Dhawan92 (81b)
- Angelo Mathews3-0-30-0
- Danushka Gunathilaka1-0-12-0
9 and 18 now.
END OF OVER:30 | 12 Runs | IND: 193/2 (23 runs required from 20 overs, RR: 6.43, RRR: 1.15)
- Dinesh Karthik15 (24b)
- Shikhar Dhawan87 (79b)
- Danushka Gunathilaka1-0-12-0
- Angelo Mathews2-0-19-0
Time for an old-fashioned block?
END OF OVER:29 | 7 Runs | IND: 181/2 (35 runs required from 21 overs, RR: 6.24, RRR: 1.66)
- Shikhar Dhawan76 (74b)
- Dinesh Karthik14 (23b)
- Angelo Mathews2-0-19-0
- Asela Gunaratne3-0-20-0
Shankar: "Any first class or competitive game Rahane can play before going to SA tour to regain form and confidence. He is very vital, if India have to win the series" Not a bad time for some good old grade cricket in Mumbai's maidans?
Dhawan needs 25 of 36. Into that need-help-from-your-partner territory
Manoj Surela: "After 27 overs SL - 160/2 and IND - 170/2"
