Australia has clinched the five-match series against Sri Lanka, with a record breaking six wicket victory in the fourth ODI in Dambulla overnight.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat, before Victorian John Hastings tore through the host's batting line, finishing with figures of 6-45, as they were bowled out for 212.
Then came the Aaron Finch show.
Finch smashed an astonishing 18-ball half-century, to equal the record for the fastest ODI 50 by an Australian. His innings, which he began by hitting four boundaries from his first four balls, included eight fours and three sixes as he set up the win for the tourists.
The Victorian opener was dismissed shortly after reaching the milestone, on 55. Fellow opener David Warner managed just 19, while Usman Khawaja failed to make the most of his opportunity, trapped in front by Pethirana for a duck.
George Bailey then blasted 90 from 85 balls, to help Australia reach 100 runs in just 8.1 overs, the least amount of balls it has ever taken the Aussies to reach 100 runs in ODI history.
Travis Head chimed in with 40 from 60 balls, while Matthew Wade scored eight not out.
Australia reached the target with six wickets in hand and 19 overs to spare.
John Hastings was awarded man of the match for his six wickets.
The fifth and final ODI is in Pallekele on Sunday.
Fastest half-centuries by Australia in ODIs:
- 18 balls — Aaron Finch v Sri Lanka, August 2016
- 18 balls — Glenn Maxwell v India, November 2013
- 18 balls — Simon O’Donnell v Sri Lanka, May 1990
- 19 balls — David Hussey v West Indies, July 2008
- 21 balls — Glenn Maxwell v Afghanistan, March 2015
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