Australia issues warning with emphatic Sri Lanka victory

Australia have brought to life to their stuttering ICC Men's Cricket World Cup campaign with an impressive five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Lucknow on Monday.

Winless over the first two matches, the five-time World Cup champions showed some major signs of improvement as they successfully chased down Sri Lanka's modest total of 209 with more than 14 overs remaining.

It looked like Sri Lanka were headed for a big score when openers Kusal Perera (78) and Pathum Nissanka (61) put on 125 for the opening wicket, but some inspired bowling from Adam Zampa (4/25), Mitchell Starc (2/43) and Pat Cummins (2/32) backed up with some good catching in the field meant the Asian side were restricted late in their innings.

Pacer Dilshan Madushanka (3/38) threatened to disrupt Australia's chase as he removed experienced duo David Warner and Steve Smith with a superb double-wicket maiden early in the chase, but half-centuries to Josh Inglis (58) and Mitchell Marsh (52) some lofty late blows from Glenn Maxwell (31*) ensured the Aussies picked up their first win of the tournament.

The victory sees Australia improve to eighth on the World Cup standings, while Sri Lanka remain winless and with a mountain of work to do to stay in contention for a semi-final berth.