AUS vs SL | 5th T20I: Sri Lanka end series on positive note after win in close encounter

Sri Lanka ended the T20I series against Australia on a positive note after winning the final match by 5 wickets in Melbourne on Sunday. 

Needing 9 off the final over while chasing 155, Dasun Shanaka gathered 8 runs in the first three balls despite a dot delivery first up from Kane Richardson. He scored a couple on the second ball of the over while striking a maximum on the third to bring down the equation to 1 off 3. 

Shanaka then played the fourth delivery onto his stumps while trying a scoop to get dismissed for 35 off 31. 

Richardson later couldn't bowl any further he felt some pain in his leg and walked off. Daniel Sams then came in to complete the proceedings and it took Sri Lanka just one ball to clinch a win. 

The visitors had lost wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 71/4 before Kusal Mendis and Shanaka joined hands to provide the resistance. 

The two batters stitched a partnership of 83 runs for the fifth wicket before Shanaka was out. Mendis on the other side remained unbeaten at 69 off 58. 

Australia earlier rode on some fine piece of batting from Matthew Wade who scored 43* off 27 which included two maximums and as many fours during the course of the innings to help the side put 154/6 in 20 overs. 

While the hosts suffered a defeat in this game, they had already clinched the series after winning the first four matches. 

"We were outplayed in the powerplay. That's where the difference was. The p'ship between Wade and Sams was outstanding. It's been a fantastic series. For us to grow as a team has been fantastic well. Sri Lanka are a dangerous side To win five is really tough in this format," Finch said after the match.