Colombo, Sep 14 - Sachin Tendulkar (138) cracked his 44th One-day International century as India piled up 319 for five wickets against Sri Lanka in the Compaq Cup tri-series final at the R.Premadasa Stadium here Monday.

Indians, who were handed their worst defeat in Sri Lanka by the hosts in the previous match Saturday, were quick to opt for batting after winning the toss, which captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni had declared on the eve of final would be a crucial factor.

India made a change in its playing XI replacing Dinesh Karthik, who opened the innings in the first two matches, with Virat Kohli who flew in here in place of injured Gautam Gamhir.

In the absence of a suitable partner for Tendulkar up the order, it was veteran Rahul Dravid who was promoted to the opening slot and he sure fitted the bill.

The two added 91 runs for the opening stand with Dravid (39), making a comeback to ODIs after two years, comfortably donning the role of a second foil. Tendulkar's half century came in 47 balls and included six fours.