India drop to 3rd in ICC ODI rankings

New Delhi:

The BCCI's decision to send a second string side to Zimbabwe for the tri-Series has completely back fired. Not only did the so called bench not prove themselves but the team lost twice to Zimbabwe and failed to make it to the final after Saturday's 6 wicket loss to Sri Lanka.

During Saturday's encounter, Sri Lanka put India into bat after winning the toss and was duly rewarded in the third over. Naman Ojha, making his one day international debut, made his way back to the pavillion after scoring one run.

India eventually scored a competitive 268 for 9 in their 50 overs and they had to win with a bonus point. So they had to restrict Sri Lanka to below 214 so as to keep their final hopes alive.

After a good start and Dilshan's early wicket, a 114 run partnership between Dinesh Chandimal and Chamara Kapugedera took the game completely away from India.

Sri Lanka eventually cantered home with 6 wickets in hand and 10 balls to spare to set-up a final encounter with Zimbabwe.

India's failure has also seen the team drop one place to third in the ICC Rankings for one day teams.