Magnificent MS Dhoni wins tri-series for India, Sri Lanka lose by 1 wicket

PORT OF SPAIN: Mahendra Singh Dhoni once again lived upto the 'Captain Cool' tag as he held his nerve to almost singlehandedly guide India to yet another title triumph with a narrow one-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a thrilling final of the the Tri-nation ODI series.

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Needing 15 from the last over in their chase of 202, Dhoni smashed Shaminda Eranga for two sixes and a boundary in just four balls to finish off the game in style at the Queen's Park Oval.

The result also meant that the Champions Trophy winners' recent run of success in the 50-over format continued.

As the captain slammed Eranga over extra cover for the winning shot, the Indian crowd erupted in joy and the jubilant players ran down the pitch to flank the man of the moment, who remained unbeaten on 45 off 52 balls.

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I knew I could get 15 runs off the last over: Dhoni

Mahendra Sing Dhoni celebrates after hitting a boundary for six runs to seal their victory during the final match of the Tri-Nation series between India and Sri Lanka at the Queen's Park Oval stadium in Port of Spain. (AFP Photo)

PORT OF SPAIN: Triumphant Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said he preferred to use a heavy bat in the final over of the Tri-nation ODI series title clash against Sri Lanka as it was "perfect for slogging".

Dhoni almost singlehandedly guided India to yet another ODI title as he made an unbeaten 45 off 52 balls, 16 off them coming in the last over in their chase of 202.

"I went with a heavy bat, the weight was perfect for slogging," Man of the Match Dhoni said at the presentation ceremony.

After bowling out Sri Lanka for 201, India rode on Dhoni and Rohit Sharma's half century to chase down the target with two balls to spare at the Queen's Park Oval.

"15 players have been very good on the field and that is a good sign," he added.

Asked about his penchant for coming good when the chips are down, Dhoni said, "I think I am blessed with a bit of good cricketing sense. I knew I could get 15 runs off the last over, I'm happy that it worked.

"The opposition bowler ( Shaminda Eranga) was not the most experienced in that last over unlike (Lasith) Malinga, so I thought I would take my chances."

Dhoni and Virat Kohli, who led the team in three matches in Dhoni's absence, jointly accepted the winners trophy after the presenter had forgotten about it.

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