Super Sachin expected to perform

The little master has never scored a century at Rajkot and will be hoping to change that at the weekend © Getty Images

The old betting adage that says never get involved on dead rubbers proved true once again as Sri Lanka reversed the form by winning the fifth one-day international against India at the weekend. India, who had already clinched the series 4-0, took their foot off the pedal, mentally at least, and Sri Lanka proved to be good enough to take advantage and win the match.

The sixth match in the seven-game series takes place in Rajkot on Wednesday and the same principle applies again, don´t get involved. India are 8/13 (1.61) to make it 5-1, which they may well do, while Sri Lanka are 6/5 (2.20) to make it back-to-back wins.

Click here to bet on India v Sri Lanka at bet365

Just to emphasise the point, India are resting their captain, Rahul Dravid, for this match, which is a shame as the pitch looks a cracking one to bat on.

Sachin Tendulkar again tops the betting to be India´s top scorer, at 3/1 (4.00) while Virender Sehwag is 9/2 (5.50) and Gautam Gambhir is 5/1 (6.00). Mohammad Kaif is 11/2 (6.50) and Yuvraj Singh is 6/1 (7.00).

India have won all three of the one-dayers to be played at Rajkot and if the groundsman is to be believed, the pitch is a belter for batsmen. Tendulkar, the groundsman said, will love it, and since he has never scored a century there, then he will have extra motivation to perform. Tendulkar is 6/1 (7.00) to be Man of the Match, and that´s not a bad price.

As for Sri Lanka, they will be buoyed by their victory at the weekend and they should be able to build on that win. Kumar Sangakkara, their outstanding batsman of the series, is favourite to top score at 7/2 (4.50), while captain Marvan Atapattu is 4/1 (5.00) and Sanath Jayasuriya is 9/2 (5.50).

Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

Read in App

Elevate your reading experience on ESPNcricinfo App.

Download App Now