Colombo: Pathum Nissanka hit 137 while Kusal Mendis scored a half-century as Sri Lanka beat Australia by six wickets in the third one-day international on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Chasing 292 to win, Nissanka and Mendis combined for a brilliant 170-run partnership for the second wicket to put their side in complete control.
While Mendis retired hurt with a hamstring
injury on 87, Nissanka hung on to take his team close to the finish line which they crossed with nine balls in hand. Nissanka’s knock came off 147 deliveries and contained 11 fours and two sixes. Australia opted to bat first after winning the toss and an unbeaten 70 from Travis Head and 62 from skipper Aaron Finch helped them to a competitive 291-6 on the scoreboard.