A maiden century from surprise packet Peter Forrest wasn't enough as Sri Lanka completed the biggest one-day cricket run chase at Bellerive to down Australia by three wickets and climb to the top of the Tri-series table.
Forrest made 104 off 138 balls to set the platform for Australia's testing 280 for six but, on a belter of a pitch, Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene's 85 off 81 balls and Dinesh Chandimal's 80 off 119 led the way as the visitors made 283 for seven with four balls to spare.
In chasing down the imposing target, they bettered Australia's successful pursuit of 279 against Zimbabwe in Hobart in 2001.
The in-form Sri Lankans go top of the tri-series table on 15 points, ahead of Australia (14) and World Cup holders India (10), who are now desperately in need of a win against the hosts in Sydney on Sunday.
