Colombo, Feb 26: Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn struck fluent half-centuries to lead Australia to a five-wicket victory in the third one-day international against Sri Lanka today.
The world champions, set a modest 227-run target after a fine bowling performance from man-of-the-match Jason Gillespie, won with nine balls to spare to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Ponting made 63 and Martyn 62, the pair adding 129 in 167 balls for the third wicket after Australia had slumped to four for two.
Andrew Symonds (45 not out) and Michael Clarke (31 not out) guided the tourists home with an unbroken 68-run stand in 66 balls.
Mahela Jayawardene top-scored for Sri Lanka with 80, his highest one-day international score for over two years, rescuing the hosts from a poor start as they collapsed to 54 for four. Fast bowler Gillespie completed figures of three for 36.
Bureau Report