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PUNE, March 30 - India booked a place in the Pepsi Tri Series tournament final by defeating World Champions Sri Lanka by 51 runs in the deciding match played at the Nehru Stadium, here today.

India who were put into bat hammered a total of 286 for 6 from 50 overs with man of the match Ajay Jadeja playing a captain's knock of 103 not out. In reply Sri Lanka were dismissed for 235 runs in 45.5 overs.

Jadeja standing in for the injured Mohammed Azharuddin and also without the services of star batsman Sachin Tendulkar, smashed six boundaries and hoisted three sixes while facing 102 deliveries. Together with left hander Amay Khurasia they put on 124 runs for the fourth wicket in even time.

In fact Khurasia who was making his international debut, strengthened his claim for a place in India's World Cup squad by stroking a sparkling half century off 45 deliveries. He struck four boundaries and hoisted two sixes off successive deliveries from the bowling of leg spinner Upul Chandana.

Opener Sadagopan Ramesh who was also making his one day debut for India put on 43 for the first wicket with Saurav Ganguly who compiled a solid half century to lay the foundation for an imposing total. Jadeja then launched a fierce onslaught on the Sri Lankan bowling as India collected 104 runs from the last 11 overs.

Sri Lanka needing a win to stay alive in the series lost wickets at regular intervals with young seamer Ajit Agarkar claiming 3 for 34. In addition Javagal Srinath and Robin Singh picked up two wickets each. Skipper Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva put on 62 runs for the fifth wicket but both were unfortunately run out off successive deliveries.