Bhuvneshwar Kumar nabbed four wickets to lead India to an 81-run victory over Sri Lanka under the Duckworth/Lewis method to seal their clash for the Tri-Nations trophy Thursday at Queen’s Park Oval.

 

“If you perform well for your country, you feel proud,” said Kumar, who allowed just eight runs from his six overs. “You had to put the ball in the right areas. So far the most helpful pitch I have bowled on.”

 

The win eliminated host nation West Indies eliminated from the competition while India, which picked up a bonus point, finished top of the group.

 

Virat Kohli’s men needed to restrict their opponents to under 167 to qualify for the showpiece ahead of the hosts and set up another encounter with Sri Lanka at the same venue.

 

However, India blew Sri Lanka away by recording 119-3 in 29 overs after persistent rains forced a revised total.

 

“We have shown a lot of character,” Kohli said. “To bounce back like this and finish top of the table is a commendable effort.”

 

“We had nothing to lose and went for it. It’s mentally and physically draining to play three days in a row. We have played some good cricket to get to the final, hopefully we can beat India,” said Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews.

 

Mathews opted to field first after winning the toss and he made the initial breakthrough when Shikhar Dhawan (15) could only guide an off-cutter to slip, giving Mahela Jayawardene his 200th one-day international catch.

 

Rohit Sharma was a calming figure for India, making 48 off 83 balls, with two fours and a six, before rains poured.

 

After a significant delay, Sri Lanka’s hopes of victory were dealt a blow when Kumar dismissed Upul Tharanga and Kumar Sangakkara in successive deliveries.