The New Nation - Internet Edition

AP, Colombo

India clinched its first-ever one-day international series in Sri Lanka by winning the fourth match by 46 runs Wednesday to take a 3-1 lead in the best-of-five series.

Choosing to bat after winning the toss, India built their innings around three half-centuries from Suresh Raina (76), Mahendra Dhoni (71) and Virat Kohli (54), before being bowled out for 258 runs in the final over.

In reply, the hosts lost wickets regularly and were bundled out for 212 in 46.3 overs, despite an ideal start from Sanath Jayasuriya, who made a 52-ball 60.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said his team's inconsistent batting cost them the match.