World T20: Marcus Stoinis leads Australia to victory against Sri Lanka

ICC Men's T20 World Cup Group 1, PerthSri Lanka 157-6 (20 overs): Nissanka 40 (45), Asalanka 38* (25) Australia 158-3 (16.3 overs): Stoinis 59* (18)Australia won by seven wicketsScorecard. Tables

Stoinis hit 59 of 18 balls as Australia hit their target with 21 balls in reserve in Perth.< /p>

Charith Asalanka earlier hit 40-for-45 as Sri Lanka scratched at 157-6.

The victory eases the pressure on defending champions Australia, who found themselves in last position in the Group 1 in the Super 12.

That puts them fourth ahead of their crucial meeting with England in Melbourne on Friday (09:00 BST).

Sri Lanka will face Afghanistan at the same venue earlier today ( 05:00).

Stoinis propels Australia home

Australia is entered this match under pressure after losing 89 points to New Zealand om for error, even at this early stage of the tournament.

They not only needed to win, but they needed to do it convincingly to improve their low net run rate, when a second loss would have made it extremely difficult for them to qualify for the semis. -finals.

The match was in the balance when Stoinis headed for the crease at 13th, with the Australia 97-3 and only eight points clear of Sri Lanka at the same stage.

But a brutal display of power pushed the hosts over the line, with his shot featuring four fours and six sixes in just 22 minutes.

"C' was a pretty special round," Australia captain Aaron Finch said. "Coming out with that intention is the main thing, when you go out with that presence it's one of the main things in T20 cricket and with its power it makes it quite hard to stop."

Finch had previously won the toss and opted to continue for the sixth game in a row, despite not winning any of its previous five.

But after being crushed for 200 by New Zealand on Saturday, Australia started with much more intention, taking out the dangerous Kusal Mendis for five in the second.