Mad Max plunders SL

Opener Glenn Maxwell's blistering century in Australia's world record 263 powered the visitors to a comprehensive 85-run win over Sri Lanka in the first Twenty20 international in Pallekele on Tuesday.

Australia, who broke Sri Lanka's nine-year record of 260/6 against Kenya in 2007, restricted the hosts to 178 for nine in 20 overs to take the lead in the two-match series.

Maxwell destroyed the Sri Lankan bowling attack with his unbeaten 145 off 65 balls, which was laced with 14 fours and nine sixes, after the visitors were invited to bat first.

Skipper David Warner gave Australia a fiery start with his 28 runs off 12 balls as he put on a 57-run opening partnership with Maxwell to lay a solid foundation.

Off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake bowled Warner on a looping delivery that held its line to take the off stump, but Sri Lanka's joy was shortlived as Maxwell was just warming up at the other end.

The opener, who registered his maiden T20 century in his 35th game, found the perfect partner in Usman Khawaja, who scored 36 off 22 balls, as the duo put together 97 runs for the second wicket.

Maxwell and Travis Head, who scored an 18-ball 45, then put on 109 runs for the third wicket as it was raining boundaries at a packed Pallekele International Stadium.

In reply, Sri Lanka were never in the chase after losing openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kusal Perera (4) in the first two overs of the innings.

SCORES IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA: 263 for 3 in 20 overs (Maxwell 145 not out, Head 45, Khawaja 36; Pathirana 1-45)

SRI LANKA: 178 for 9 in 20 overs (Chandimal 58, Mendis 22, Kapugedara 43; Starc 3-26, Boland 3-26)

Result: Australia wonby 85 runs.

Player-of-the-match: Glenn Maxwell.