Sri Lanka chases down 292 to take series lead vs Australia

The hosts reached their daunting target of 292 to win with nine balls to spare in Colombo and took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series

Pathum Nissanka hit a match-winning 137 as Sri Lanka pulled off the highest-ever successful run chase at R. Premadasa Stadium, beating Australia by six wickets in the third one-day international on Sunday.

The hosts reached their daunting target of 292 to win with nine balls to spare in Colombo and took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.

Australia chose to bat first and scored 291-6. Sri Lanka finished on 292-4 in 48.3 overs. It was the highest successful run chase at the venue, improving on India’s 288-5 against Sri Lanka in 2012.

Nissanka shared a 170-run stand for the second wicket with Kusal Mendis (87) before Mendis had to retire with a hamstring injury.

“We knew it was going to be a difficult chase and we needed to keep wickets in hand,” Nissanka said. “That big partnership with Kusal was crucial.”

Mendis batted beautifully like he has done throughout the series. He played spin expertly with clever use of feet and bisected the field brilliantly. He brought up his half-century in just 39 deliveries, reaching the milestone by pulling Josh Hazlewood for four.

Mendis had raced to 87 off 85 balls with seven fours when he had to be carried off the field.