The burly former Durham all-rounder limited the hosts to 212 all out from 50 overs in Dambulla, a target Australia overhauled with a massive 19 overs to spare as George Bailey compiled 90 not out.
Recently retired Tillakaratne Dilshan’s replacement at the top of the order, Avishka Fernado, making his international debut, did not last long – going lbw to Mitchell Starc for nought in the first over.
Fernando’s opening partner Dhananjaya de Silva fared better, his 76 being his first format fifty and the highest score of the innings. However in the 29th over Dhananjaya became Hastings’ second victim, and the seamer then dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting.
The Aussies win the series with a game to play! #SLvAUS #CmonAussie pic.twitter.com/AoCgHte8y2
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) August 31, 2016
Everyone loves George! 👑 #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/GmsFwtgp1D
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) August 31, 2016