Nissanka Powers Sri Lanka To A Six Wicket Win Over Australia, Lead Series 2-1

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Pathum Nissanka's first ODI century helped Sri Lanka defeat Australia by six wickets in the third ODI at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, and lead the five-match series 2-1. 

Chasing a target of 291, Sri Lanka lost Niroshan Dickwella in the eighth before after he smacked 25 off 26 balls to give the hosts a great start. Nissanka and Kusul Mendis then took the matter into their own hands to chase the total down. 

At one stage it looked like neither of the two batters will leave the ground before finishing the game. Mendis battled an injury and wasn't looking comfortable, even then, he scored 87 off 85 balls before retiring hurt. Nissanka and Mendis added 170 runs in 181 balls for the second wicket. 

After Mendis left the field, Dhananjaya de Silva played a quick cameo of 25 off 17 balls to take the game closer and out of reach of Australia. Nissanka scored 137 off 147 balls with the help of 11 fours and two sixes. Charith Asalanka finished the game with a six and a single to follow as Sri Lanka chased down the 292 runs with nine balls to spare. 

Earlier, half-centuries from Travis Head and Aaron Finch took Australia to 291/6 in the first inning. 

After opting to bat first, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh got out cheaply but Finch one end intact and scored 62 off 85 balls. Marnus Labuschagne played a helping hand of 29 runs but couldn't play long. 

Alex Carey quickly scored 49 off 52 balls to change the momentum. Travis Head smacked unbeaten 70 off 65 balls with the help of three fours and three sixes and finished the Australian inning on a high. 

Head got good support from Glenn Maxwell, who made 33 off 18 balls with the help of three fours and a six and Cameron Green, who scored 15 off 12. 

For Sri Lanka, Jeffrey Vandersay took three wickets in his ten overs and conceded 49 runs.