Pathum Nissanka scored a sparkling maiden hundred as Sri Lanka pulled off a brilliant win over Australia by 6 wickets in the third one day international at the Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Australia lost David Warner (9) early in the third over, top edging a bouncer off Dushmantha Chameera to Maheesh Theekshana at fine leg.
Mitchell Marsh then mistimed a Dunith Wellalage delivery to Kusal Mendis at covers for 10. The pair of Aaron Finch and Marnus Labuschagne featured in a 69 run stand for the third wicket before the latter was stumped by Niroshan Dickwella off Jeffrey Vandersay for 29.
Skipper Finch who looked solid in his innings of 62, perished to a brilliant catch by Dhananjaya De Silva at first slip off Vandersay.
Alex Carey along with Travis Head added 72 runs for the fifth wicket before the former was trapped leg before wicket by De Silva for 49.
Glenn Maxwell provided the finishing touches by scoring a quickfire 18 ball-33 to propel Australia to 291/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Head remained unbeaten on 70 off 65 balls with three fours and three sixes.
Jeffrey Vandersay was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/49.
Chasing 292, openers Niroshan Dickwella and Pathum Nissanka got Sri Lanka off to a solid start. The duo added 42 runs for the opening wicket before the former was bowled by Maxwell for 25.
Nissanka and Kusal Mendis put on a brilliant 170 run stand for the second wicket before the latter was forced to retired hurt due to cramps for 87.
The 24-year-old Nissanka scored a sizzling 147 ball-137 before perishing to Jhye Richardson, caught at mid off by Warner.
Eventually, the Lankans overhauled the target of 292 with 9 balls to spare. With this victory, Sri Lanka take a 2-1 lead with two to play.