Ashwin breaks record as India rout Lankans

Off-spinner Ravi Ashwin recorded the best bowling figures by an Indian in Twenty20 internationals to help his side beat Sri Lanka by nine wickets in Visakhapatnam on Sunday and clinch the series 2-1.

Ashwin ripped through the top order with 4-8, improving on his own best of 4-11 against Australia at the World Twenty20 two years ago, as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 82 in only 18 overs, their lowest T20 total.

Suresh Raina chipped in with 2-6 while Ashish Nehra, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja took a wicket each as the Sri Lankan batsmen fell to indiscreet shots on a pitch aiding turn.

India reached 1-84 in only 13.5 overs with opener Shikhar Dhawan top-scoring in the third and final match with an unbeaten 46.

India captain MS Dhoni was in a buoyant mood post-match, discussing his side's World T20 ambition.

"We are always a top contender when it comes to shorter formats," he said.

"Also with the World Cup to be held in India we know the spinners will come into action. It gives us the added benefit.

"Also the exposure of having played the IPL over here (helps). Out of the eight seasons we have played seven seasons in India. We have got a lot of players, especially ones who are the part of the team, who have got very good experience of playing in India.

"All of that will definitely count, but what the shortest format really does is, it narrows down the difference between the two teams. What you have to do is keep the big hitters out of the game.

"Also the knockout games, you have to be at your best. Once the knockout stage starts it is more like lottery cricket.

"To be consistent is something that is very important."