Tough ask for India in Sri Lanka

India would have a tough ask in the upcoming cricket tri-series in Sri Lanka if past records are taken into account.

Sri Lanka, who have claimed four one-day titles since 1999, have won 19 out of total 33 ODIs played by the two nations in the Emerald Isle.

India have bagged only two series in Sri Lanka with nine wins against the islanders in their backyard while the fate of five matches remained undecided.

The two teams shared the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002-03 after rains washed out the final twice in Colombo.

Indians had a good series against Sri Lanka and England (at home), Pakistan (in Pakistan), and a draw with South Africa (at home) but their winning streak was broken by a 1-4 loss against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

However, the Rahul Dravid-led team can take some heart from the fact that India have a better track record against Sri Lanka at neutral venues and at home.

The two teams have played 23 ODIs at neutral venues of which India have won 15 matches and conceded seven. One match ended in no result.

At home, India have had 33 clashes so far and won 23 matches, conceding nine while one ended in no result.

The tri-series, also involving South Africa, is slated to be held from August 14 to 29 with matches to be played in Colombo at the R Premadasa Stadium and Sinhalese Sport Club (SSC).

Both venues are happy hunting grounds for the home players. It was at the Premadasa where Sri Lanka set the world record for the highest Test total of 952 for 6 declared against India in 1997-98.

Former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya scored 340 and Roshan Mahanama 225, the pair sharing the highest partnership in Test cricket with 576 for the second wicket in that match.

Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas, who has a one-day world record of 8 for 19 against Zimbabwe and 14 for 191 against the West Indies in a Test, have been seen making merry at SSC.