DHAKA, (Reuters) – Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli  smashed half-centuries to guide India to an eight-wicket win  over Sri Lanka yesterday and a place in the Tri-series one-day  tournament final against the same opponents.

India bowled out Sri Lanka for 213, then knocked off the  runs with more than 17 overs to spare.

Gambhir hit 71, as did the unbeaten Kohli.

Gambhir enjoyed let-offs when he was on 41 and 43, dropped  respectively by Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga at  cover-point and mid-wicket in successive overs of Thilan  Thushara.

He put on 89 with Dinesh Karthik for the opening wicket  before adding 72 with Kohli. Karthik, playing for rested regular  opener Virender Sehwag, made 48.

Earlier, half-centuries from skipper Kumar Sangakkara (68)  and all-rounder Suraj Randiv (56) steadied Sri Lanka who were in  deep trouble at 84 for six.

India play Bangladesh in their final round-robin match on  Monday before meeting Sri Lanka in the final on Wednesday.