Jhye Richardson’s two-wicket haul was backed up by Josh Inglis’ 40-run knock as Australia outclassed Sri Lanka by six wickets in the fourth T20I of the five-match series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
With this win, Australia gained a 4-0 lead in the five-match series and the final T201 will now be played on Sunday.
Chasing 140, Australia did not get off to an ideal start as the hosts lost opening batter Ben McDermott in the fifth over to Maheesh Theekshana.
Soon after, Lahiru Kumara dismissed Australia skipper Aaron Finch and Ashton Agar, and the hosts were reduced to 49/3 in the ninth over.
Inglis and Maxwell then got together at the crease and the duo revived Australia’s innings.
After 12 overs, Australia’s score read 86/3, with the hosts still needing 54 runs for the win.
Inglis departed after playing a 40-run knock but Maxwell (48*) and Marcus Stoinis (8*) ensured the hosts got over the line with 11 balls to spare.
Earlier, Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka played knocks of 46 and 22 respectively as Sri Lanka posted 139/8.
For Australia, Kane Richardson and Jhye Richardson returned with two wickets each.
Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka also chipped in with handy cameos of 27 and 17 as Sri Lanka posted a score of more than the 130-run mark.
In the final five overs, Sri Lanka lost six wickets and added just 35 more runs to the total.
