David Warner's return to form made the cake as Australia lost by seven wickets to Sri Lanka for their second consecutive win in the T20 World Cup on Thursday.
Chasing the only major global trophy to avoid them, Australia restricted Sri Lanka to 154-6 at the Dubai International Stadium.
When they returned, Warner, with some luck, scored 65 as Australia joined the Ashes as the only two teams in Group I with a perfect record to chase the target with three overs to spare.
Australia captain Aaron Finch decided to field after winning the toss against 2014 world champions Sri Lanka.
Pat Cummins knocked out opener Pathum Nisanka early but Sri Lanka finished 53-1 in six powerplay overs on the way to a big score on the batting-friendly track.
For Australia, Adam Jampa, who hit 12 dot balls in his four overs, claimed 2-12 and Mitchell Starc applied for a break, claiming four wickets between them.
Charith Asalanka's unbeaten 80 in the Super 12 opener against Bangladesh on Sunday ensured Sri Lanka's thrilling victory.
Spinner Jampa made a fun left-arm 35 before shortening his position.
Kushal Perera also scored 35 runs but quickly fell to Starc with a left-arm six.
Abhishek Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga did not last long but Vanuka Rajapaksa provided some fireworks for his unbeaten 33 runs.
In Rajapaksa, Marcus Stones hit two fours and a six in a row but Sri Lanka failed to make the most of their strong powerplay.
Australia were unbeaten on 63 in their first six overs.
Before Finch scored 36, he and Glenn Maxwell, who could not support his promotion in the batting order, quickly fell one by one.
Warner’s form was a major concern for his team and the opener was on 18 when Pereira caught a controller behind the stumps.
This proved to be a costly mistake as the left-hander went on to complete his half-century and fell just ahead of Australia’s win.
Steve Smith, unbeaten on 26, turned the ball around and disappointed Sri Lanka.
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