Australia has lost consecutive one-day internationals against Sri Lanka for the first time since 2012 after a six-wicket defeat in Colombo on Monday (AEST).
A clutch hundred from Pathum Nissanka helped steer Sri Lanka past their target of 291 with nine balls to spare, as the home side took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
With Steve Smith injured and Pat Cummins rested, Australia, batting first, lost David Warner (9) early, and looked to be labouring at 4/121 off 27 overs when Aaron Finch was dismissed for 62.
But Travis Head (70* runs off 65 balls), Alex Carey (49 off 52) and Glenn Maxwell (33 off 18) helped steer the away team to a respectable total of 6/291.
Sri Lanka's run chase started solidly and was unblemished until Maxwell bowled Niroshan Dickwella (25) in the eighth over leaving the hosts at 1/42.
But Dickwella's fellow opener Nissanka took the result in his hands with a swashbuckling 137 off 147 balls, to anchor the innings and set his nation up for victory.
Nissanka was dismissed just short of the winning total after a fine catch from David Warner, with the matchwinner ably supported by Kusal Mendis (87 off 85) in the run chase, who was forced to retire hurt when a century was in his sights.
“The wicket seemed to get a little bit better, it wasn’t stopping as much in the surface. But all credit to Sri Lanka, that was a great run chase,” Australian captain Finch said.
“It was quite clinical, particularly Nissanka. That was a very classy innings. And Kusal (Mendis), we know the quality of player he is."
