At P. Saravanamuttu Stadium, Colombo, September 13. Sri Lanka won by six wickets, their target having been revised to 163 from 36 overs. Toss: Sri Lanka. International debut: G. R. Robertson.

Sri Lanka sailed on to a third straight win, after Ranatunga won the toss for the third time and kept a steady hand on the tiller in the run-chase, scoring 59 from 74 balls. Australia had a weakened team, omitting Boon, McDermott, McGrath and May to give other players match practice before the Pakistan tour. The rain gods certainly favoured Sri Lanka: a sharp shower adjusted their target to a simpler 163 off 36 overs. Having to face a full 50 overs in conditions suiting spin, the Australians did well to cobble together 225. Taylor batted nearly two hours, while Bevan pushed the innings along with a bright 47.

Man of the Match: A. Ranatunga.

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