Sri Lanka crushed Bangladesh to storm into final

Mahela Jayawardene and Upul Tharanga cracked solid centuries as Sri Lanka stormed into the Tri-Nation ODI series final with a crushing nine-wicket win over Bangladesh.

Opener Jayewardene hit 108 for his 12^th ODI century and Tharanga an unbeaten 118 for his 8^th century as Sri Lanka surpassed Bangladesh's 249 with more than seven overs to spare in the match.

Sri Lanka are at the top of the table with three wins from as many games, followed by India (1 by 2) and Bangladesh (no win). Each side will play four league matches before the top two will advance to the final on January 13.

Sri Lanka's previous best for the opening wicket against Bangladesh in one-day internationals was 201 between Sanath Jayasuriya and Kumar Sangakkara in an Asia Cup match in Karachi in 2008.

Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan used as many as eight bowlers, but none could keep pressure on Jayawardene and Tharanga who continued to dominate the rival attack with attractive shots.

Sri Lanka earlier did not allow the hosts to build big partnerships with a disciplined bowling effort, with seamers Thissara Perera and Nuwan Kulasekara, and off-spinner Suraj Randiv grabbing two wickets apiece.

The highest stand of the innings was 77 for the fourth wicket between Shakib (47) and Raqibul Hasan (43), but it was not good enough to help their side set a stiff target.

Imrul Kayes (42), Mushfiqur Rahim (32) and Tamim Iqbal (21) also got starts, but failed to convert them into big knocks. Mohammad Mahmudullah hit a run-a-ball 24 not out late in the innings.