In the last 12 one-day competitions featuring more than two teams, Ganguly's men lost the final nine times -- including last year's World Cup in South Africa -- and shared the trophy twice.

Their lone success came in the enthralling NatWest final at Lord's in 2002 when they successfully chased hosts England's 325 after being reduced to 146-5.

A similar commitment will be needed if India are to put it across a confident home team in the day-night final at the Premadasa Stadium before 25,000 partisan fans.

In two previous matches against Sri Lanka in the tournament, the Indians lost the first game by 12 runs before squeezing home in the second by four runs to knock arch-rivals Pakistan out of the tournament.

"We have not been at our best in the first tournament of the season, but now have a chance to make amends," Ganguly said.

"Sri Lanka are tough to beat at home, but we did exactly that five days ago. There is no reason why we can't do it again."

The Indians will be boosted by the likely return of seasoned batsman Venkatsai Laxman, who missed the previous two games against Pakistan and Sri Lanka with a badly bruised knee.

"He should be fit for the final," said team physiotherapist Andrew Leipus.

Left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan, troubled by a niggling hamstring injury, is also expected to keep his place after bowling a tight final over against Sri Lanka on Sunday.

"Zaheer is a little bit stiff but am I am confident we will have a full-strength squad for the final," Leipus said.

Sri Lanka will also regain the services of premier bowlers Chaminda Vaas and Muttiah Muralitharan, who missed the last match against India.

Vaas was rested while Muralitharan opted out following the death of his grandfather.

"With both Vaas and Murali around we will be much stronger and hard to beat," said captain Marvan Atapattu.

"It will be a great contest."