SL beat Australia by four wickets

18 January 2013 08:59 am Views - 4207

Sri Lanka defeated Australia by four wickets after bowling out the home side for an embarrassing 74 in the third one-day international at the Gabba on Friday to take a 2-1 series lead.

An in-swinging onslaught from Sri Lanka's bowlers led to the demolition of the home side in 26.4 overs, their lowest ODI score for 27 years.

At one stage Australia were 40-9 before putting on 34 for the last wicket. Nuwan Kulasekara took five for 22 and Lasith Malinga picked up 3-14.

In their reply Sri Lanka also struggled against hostile bowling but reached their target with an astonishing 30 overs remaining.

Australia's Mitchell Johnson found plenty of movement, taking 3-11 in three overs.

The next match is at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday and the final game is in Hobart on Wednesday.

Match scores: Australia 74 all out (26.4 overs); Sri Lanka 75 for six (20 overs).(AFP)