Michael Hussey could consider himself a little unlucky, as he was brilliantly caught and bowled by Nuwan Kulasekara (2-39). -Photo by AFP

PERTH: Australia beat Sri Lanka by five runs in the third tri-series one-day international at the WACA Ground on Friday.

Sent in to bat by Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, Australia made 231 from 49.1 overs.

In reply, Sri Lanka was dismissed for 226 in 49.5 overs, falling just short after needing 18 runs to win from the final over.

Man-of-the-match Michael Clarke top scored for the home side with 57 from 88 balls, while Sri Lanka's five frontline bowlers all claimed two wickets each and were backed by some superb fielding.

The tourists got off to a good start in the chase, but lost their way after Kumar Sangakkara was run out for 22.

Tillakaratne Dilshan made 40 and Dinesh Chandimal 37, while Angelo Mathews tried bravely to rally the cause late in the innings with 64, putting on 46 for the last wicket with Dhammika Prasad (15 not out).

Spinner Xavier Doherty picked up two wickets for 24 runs from his 10 overs.

The next match in the series takes place in Adelaide on Sunday between Australia and India.

Match scores: Australia all out 231 (49.1 overs); Sri Lanka 226 (49.5 overs).