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India may have a tough task in the One-day International (ODI) tri-series in Sri Lanka if the past records are taken into account.

Sri Lanka have claimed four titles since 1999. Besides they have a better home record of winning 19 out of total 33 ODIs played by the two nations in the Emerald Isle. India have bagged only two series, with nine one-dayers against the Islanders in their backyard while the fate of five matches remained undecided.

The two teams shared the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy in 2002-03 after rain washed out the final in Colombo. Though Indians had a bright series against Sri Lanka and England (at home), Pakistan (in Pakistan), and a draw with South Africa (at home) but their winning streak was broken by the 1-4 loss against the West Indies in the Caribbean.

However, the Rahul Dravid-led team can have some heart from the fact that India have a better track record at neutral venue and at home. India and Sri Lanka have played 23 ODIs at neutral venues of which the Indians won 15 matches and conceded seven while one ended in no result. At home, they have had 33 clashes so far and won 23 matches conceding nine while one having no result.

The tri-series, also involving South Africa, is slated from August 14 to 29 with all matches to be played in Colombo at the R Premadasa Stadium and Sinhalese Sport Club (SSC) following the internal bickering in the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Both venues are happy hunting grounds for the home players as the Premadasa venue holds the world record for the highest Test total of 952-6 declared by Sri Lanka against India in 1997-98.

Source:The News