Josh Hazlewood destroys Sri Lanka as Australia start life without Justin Langer

Sydney - Josh Hazlewood took 4/12 on his return from a long injury layoff as world champions Australia began the post-Justin Langer era with a comfortable 20-run T20 victory over Sri Lanka on Friday.

Langer was always going to miss the five-match series, opting to rest after a long stint on the road, but his shock resignation last weekend cast a shadow over the lead up.

With interim coach Andrew McDonald at the helm, Australia were restricted to 149/9 in their first T20 since winning the World Cup in November.

But top-class bowling from Hazlewood, Pat Cummins (1/32) and Adam Zampa (3/18) denied the visitors, who were chasing 143 to win after one over was lost to rain.

"Nice to get the win. I thought we had to bowl well to defend that total, it wasn't the easiest wicket to bat on," said Australia skipper Aaron Finch.

"We probably left ourselves a little bit short with the bat, but an unbelievable performance from our bowlers."

Sri Lanka made a slow start with Mitchell Starc bowling a maiden to open before Hazlewood, in his first match since the opening Ashes Test against England in December, pounced.

He dismissed Danushka Gunathilaka for one, ruining the opener's return after a ban for breaching Covid-19 rules during a tour of England last June.

Avishka Fernando smashed a towering six off Cummins but he was tempted into another big hit off the next ball and skied it to Matthew Wade.

Struggling at 37 for two off eight overs, Pathum Nissanka (36) and Charith Asalanka (16) plundered 15 off the ninth over from Starc to haul them back into contention before Zampa removed both in the space of three balls.

It swung the momentum back in Australia's favour and Sri Lanka never recovered with Wanindu Hasaranga (13) and Dinesh