India look to end run of final defeats

India will be under pressure to break a sequence of seven successive losses in one-day finals when they meet Sri Lanka on Sunday.

The Indians last won a one-day series involving three or more countries when they beat Zimbabwe at Sharjah in 1998.

"There is extra pressure going into the match," India's coach John Wright told reporters on Saturday.

"It's about time we won a final. We must stop the seven-loss cycle tomorrow," he said.

India, who lost their first three games of the triangular tournament, also involving New Zealand, won three games in a row to make the final.

"Each of the last three matches was like a final for us and it's great to have come through the way we have," Wright said.

"But now that we're here, its not time to sit back and relax. We have to go out and win it."

The resurgent Indians have relied on youngsters Yuvraj Singh and Virender Sehwag who have filled in for Sachin Tendulkar, who missed the series with a broken foot.

"The young guys in the side are very exuberant but they're also very mature," skipper Saurav Ganguly said.

"They know we haven't won a final in a long time and they are also eager we break the jinx."

Indian left-arm fast bowler Zaheer Khan is doubtful for the match with a fever.

Meanwhile Sri Lankan skipper Sanath Jayasuriya is confident despite losing their last two round robin games against India.

"India have played really well in the last three matches and they're going to be tough."

"Anyone who gets into the final like they did will have momentum on their side and that could be dangerous, but we're an experienced bunch. We can handle the pressure, we won't get overawed."

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Head to head: India - Sri Lanka

Mail Cricket Editor