Two down, three to go

India survived a late rally by Sri Lanka to win the second one-day international and now they lead 2-0, they will be harbouring thoughts of not only clinching the series triumph but also completing a 5-0 series whitewash.

Winning seems to be becoming a habit for India at the moment - always the mark of a good team - and their confidence is high enough that a whitewash, even on foreign soil, is far from out of the question.

Sachin Tendulkar, who has had no luck with the umpires in his two dismissals so far, has yet to make a real impression, so when he does, things could get even more difficult for Sri Lanka, who are struggling for consistency right now.

Though Sanath Jayasuriya made a century in the first match, I still feel that there is a lack of solidity at the top of the order for the home side, and they need their big batsmen, especially Kumar Sangakkara, to find their touch.

India, on the other hand, have a nice look to their team at the moment. Well led by MS Dhoni, who usually goes on the attack at every opportunity, they have plenty of options with the ball and that, together with a strong batting line-up makes them incredibly difficult to beat.

Bet365 make India 8/13 to win the third match, to be played on Tuesday, again in Dambulla, where they won on Saturday, while the home side are 6/5.

As for the top batsmen betting, as said, Sangakkara, who needs to find his form soon, is 10/3 favourite to top-score for Sri Lanka. The wicket-keeper has all the class to do just that, but his confidence is lacking and he may need a bit of luck.

Jayasuriya is next at 7/2, not a bad price considering the form of his team-mates, while Tillekeratne Dilshan is 4/1 and captain Mahela Jayawardene is 9/2, alongside Upul Tharanga.

Thilina Kandamby, whose brilliant unbeaten 93 almost brought his side a remarkable victory in the second match, is next at 11/2, while Chamara Kapudegara is 7/1.

For India, Virender Sehwag is the 3/1 favourite after showing some fine form on Saturday. As usual, if he gets going, then not only will he take some stopping, but India are also likely to be out of sight.

Tendulkar and Gautam Gambhir, the other opener, are both 7/2, while Yuvraj is 9/2 and Suresh Raina and skipper MS Dhoni are both 11/2.

From what we have seen in the first two games, I have to say that there is absolutely no reason why India can't win this and clinch the series at the first time of asking, and 8/13 is a pretty decent price considering.