COLOMBO: Pathum Nissanka blasted with a maiden hundred empowering Sri Lanka to secure a record chase against Australia in the third ODI as the hosts took a 2-1 lead in the five-match ODI series, here on Sunday.

Set to chase a mammoth target of 292, Nissanka and Kusal Mendis braved the Australian bowlers on a tricky wicket as the pair built a brilliant partnership of 170 runs to put their side in a steering position.

While Mendis walked off the pitch when he was retired hurt in the 37th over on 87, Nassanka continued with his blistering knock and scored 137 off 147 balls, taking his side close to the finish line which they crossed with nine balls remaining and six wickets to spare.

Australia, on the other hand, opted to bat first after winning the toss and reached a competitive total of 291 thanks to the outstanding later knocks by Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Alex Carey before opener Aaron Finch strengthened the tourist’s inning with his steady knock of 62 off 85 balls.

Head and Carey showcased a magnificent combination during their 72-run partnership after Australia were forced into crisis by Sri Lankan bowlers at 121-4. Maxwell, however, smashed a powerful 33 off 18 balls to give a strong finish to the innings after Carey was dismissed one run short of his half-century by Dhananjaya de Silva. Head remained the top scorer for his side with 70 runs knock, laced with three fours and three sixes.

Jeffrey Vandersay starred with the bowl for his side claiming 3-49, dismissing Finch and Marnus Labuchagne to jitter the tourists’ middle order halfway through the first inning.

Sri Lanka now have a 2-1 lead in the series as they won two back-to-back games after facing a defeat in the opening match of the ODI series. The touring side has already clinched the three-match T20I series against the hosts.

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