It was the unfortunate injury to Aravinda de Silva that triggered the Sri Lankan collapse. The Lankans were going well at 138 for 4 with de Silva and Hashan Tillekeratne looking poised to post a big score. Then it happened.
Silva who made his appearance in Adelaide after recovering from another leg injury, was stroking well like he did in Adelaide where he made 55. He was on 43 and set for another big score when tragedy struck. He had to retire hurt.
After Aviskha Gunewardena (19) and Romesh Kaluwitharane (23) put together a quick opening stand of 42, only Tillekeratne batted with any purpose for his 35.
Roshan Mahanma was out cheaply again for 9 lbw which is now a familiar sight. Medium pacer Shane Lee like he did in Perth was the tormentor again with 4 for 27.
When Australia 'A' batted, left-armer Chaminda Vaas who is working up a lot of pace and swinging it both ways struck two early blows sending back Campbell and DeVenuto and the home team were 29 for 2.
Blewett and Martyn who are in the Aussie squad for the one-dayers put on 62 for the third wicket. Blewett fell for 43 and Martyn made 32, and were 93 for 4. Brad Hodge (39) and Andrew Symonds then put on 87 for the 5th wicket to take them to victory. With one run for a win Hodge was out for 39.
In the absence of de Silva Mahanama led the team. Ranatunga and Jayasuriya did not play.
Attendance 14,113. Vaas had figures of 2 for 24.