India set sights on series whitewash
You have to feel a bit sorry for Sri Lanka. Beaten in the first four matches, they cannot win the seven-game one-day international series against India and are looking a bit down-trodden
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Click here to bet on India v Sri Lanka at bet365
bet365 clearly think Rahul Dravid´s side can do it as they make India 8-15 (1.53) favourites to win the fifth match in the series, in Ahmedabad on Monday. Sri Lanka, who have simply been outplayed in each of the matches, are 11/8 (2.37) to recover some pride with victory.
India have won five of the eight one-day internationals to have been played in Ahmedabad, and though they lost their only game against Sri Lanka there, that was 16 years ago, so does not really count too much for betting purposes. More importantly, they have now won 11 of their past 20 matches, and they are looking much more confident after a poor run of form in the limited overs game after they reached the World Cup final in 2003.
Sri Lanka came into the series as the world´s second-ranked side in one-day cricket, but they have struggled to cope with India´s ferocious batting line-up, an order improved once again by the return of the magical Sachin Tendulkar, who looks like he was never away. Eleven wins from their last 20 matches is not bad, but they have only won eight of their last 20 away from home and with India so confident, stopping the rot is a tough task.
Tendulkar will again top the markets to be top India runscorer, but watch out for wicket-keeper Mahendra Dhoni, whose fabulous 183 not out won his side the second match, and of course for Dravid himself.
For Sri Lanka, the two openers Marvan Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya will be favourites, but the form man is Kumar Sangakkara, who is the only Sri Lanka batsman who really looks in good nick.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.
Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's new betting correspondent
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