World champions India thrashed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Cardiff on Thursday to book their place in Sunday’s Champions Trophy final against tournament hosts England at Edgbaston.

India, chasing a modest target of 182, finished on 2-182 with 15 overs to spare to set up a final against England, who beat South Africa by seven wickets at The Oval on Wednesday.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan, dropped three times, made 68 as he extended his record as the tournament’s leading scorer to 332 runs following innings of 114 against South Africa, 102 not out against the West Indies and 48 against Pakistan.

Virat Kohli was 58 not out, with India now having won seven of their past eight one-day internationals (ODIs) against their Asian rivals.

The course of Thursday’s match, a repeat of the 2011 World Cup final India won by six wickets in Mumbai, was set in the first innings.

After India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni won the toss, his seamers exploited the helpful overcast conditions to restrict Sri Lanka to 8-181.

Ishant Sharma took three wickets for 33 runs following impressive work by new-ball duo Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav.

“The conditions were really favourable,” said man-of-the-match Sharma.

“The wicket was helpful for the fast bowlers so that paid off for us.

“Bounce and pace is my strength but Bhuvee (Kumar) and Umesh bowled really well,” he added.

Meanwhile Dhoni, whose side have now won all four of their matches at this tournament, warned England that India could get better.

“The bowlers have done really well but still there are a few areas where we’d like to improve,” he said.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews top scored for his side with 51 and Mahela Jayawardene made 38.

“The toss was absolutely crucial; if we won the toss we would have bowled,” said Mathews.

“It was seaming, swinging – the batters were finding it really hard.

“We didn’t play well but credit should go the Indian bowlers – they bowled really well.”