McDermott, Hazlewood inspire Aussie win

Australia have begun life without departed head coach Justin Langer by claiming a 20-run (Duckworth/Lewis method) T20 international win over Sri Lanka at the SCG.

New opener Ben McDermott hit his first half-century at this level on Friday as his 53 from 41 balls set the tourists a target of 150.

That target was later revised to 143 due to rain delays, with Josh Hazlewood restricting the Sri Lankans' hopes of getting going.

On his return to the international arena, the paceman finished with figures of 4-12 - his best in T20 internationals.

In front of a crowd of 12,098 - bolstered considerably by their own lively supporters - Sri Lanka could only finish with 8-122.

Captain Dasun Shanaka opted to bowl first with his Australian counterpart, Aaron Finch opening with McDermott in the absence of David Warner.

Finch went cheaply but McDermott showed the kind of form which made him the top run scorer in the Big Bash this year.

"It feels really nice to get that milestone at the top of the order with Finchy," McDermott said.

"I've come in in different positions over a number of years but it's really nice to get into a familiar position, having batted there for the Hurricanes this season.

"It's really nice to contribute for a win tonight for Australia."

The 27-year-old was able to put on a 50-run partnership with debutant Josh Inglis before the Sri Lankans ripped through the Australian middle order after a rain delay.

After Inglis walked for 19 with Australia on 2-83, they slumped to 5-111 in the space of five overs.

Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell both fell to Hasaranga de Silva before McDermott was lbw to Chamika Karunaratne.

Marcus Stoinis (30) briefly steadied the ship but after Matthew Wade was dismissed, he, Pat Cummins and