Sri Lanka beat Australia by four wickets

A stunning bowling performance from Sri Lanka's pace bowlers helped them record a four-wicket win over Australia in Brisbane.

Nuwan Kulasekara and Lasith Malinga dismantled Australia's batting order and at one stage, the hosts were floundering on 40-9.

Mitchell Starc and Xavier Doherty put on a 34-run partnership to help Australia avoid total humiliation but they needed something spectacular after being bowled out for 74 to prevent Sri Lanka from securing a win with minimal fuss.

Clint McKay provided his side with some hope by dismissing Mahela Jayawardene for just one and their hopes were raised when Mitchell Johnson picked up two wickets in as many balls to reduce Sri Lanka to 48-4.

Australia struck twice more to leave Sri Lanka on 71-6, but Kushal Janith Perera led his side home with a knock of 22 to earn the tourists a 2-1 series lead with two matches remaining.