Sri Lanka suffered their fourth successive defeat of the five-match T20I series against Australia. They failed to defend 139 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Australia chased down the target in 18.1 overs, thanks to an unbeaten 48 from Glenn Maxwell, who was adjudged Player of the Match.
Pathum Nissanka (46) and Danushka Gunathilaka added 35 for the opening stand after being put in to bat. Gunathilaka scored a run-a-ball 17 before being dismissed by Ashton Agar.
Nissanka forged two crucial stands with Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka. Mendis struck two sixes and a four in his 21-ball 27. Asalanka was unable to break free, scoring 22 off 19 before falling prey to Jhye Richardson.
In the end Sri Lanka could only manage 139/8. For Australia, Jhye Richardson and Kane Richardson took two wickets apiece.
Australia sent Ashton Agar to open the innings yet again, alongside Ben McDermott. Agar responded with 26 in 31 balls before getting out to Lahiru Kumara. McDermott (9) and Aaron Finch (2) fell cheaply, and Australia found themselves at 49/3 in the ninth over.
Maxwell and Josh Inglis then added 71 for the fourth wicket. Inglis, proactive from the start, took just 20 balls for his 40. At the other end, Maxwell kept his wicket intact, hitting just three fours. Australia completed the chase with six wickets in hand.
Sri Lanka 139/8 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 46; Jhye Richardson 2-20) lost to Australia 143/4 in 18.1 overs (Glenn Maxwell 48*; Lahiru Kumara 2-22) by 6 wickets with 11 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Josh Inglis.