(adds Indian win)
JAIPUR, India, Oct 31 - Wicketkeeper Mahendra
Dhoni smashed 183 not out in 145 balls to power India to a
six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third one-day
international on Monday.
Dhoni lashed 16 fours and 10 sixes after being promoted to
number three. India raced to 303 for four in 46.1 overs chasing
Sri Lanka's 298 for four.
The win gave India a 3-0 lead in the seven-match series.
The 24-year-old Dhoni has a reputation as a big-hitter and
produced a dazzling display of power to make light of the
challenging chase.
Kumar Sangakkara struck a career-best 138 not out to raise
Sri Lankan hopes after captain Marvan Atapattu chose to bat
first on winning the toss.
The team's vice-captain hit 13 fours and two sixes in his
147-ball effort.
He shared in a 151-run third wicket partnership with Mahela
Jayawardene, who made 71. Sangakkara then brought 104 runs in
the last 10 overs alongside Farveez Maharoof who hit 33 not out
from 16 balls.
India won the first two games by 152 runs and eight wickets
respectively.
The fourth game will be played in Pune on Thursday.