World Twenty20:Australia's Ashes preparation took a massive blow as they suffered the ignominy of exiting the World Twenty20 at the earliest opportunity.
Sri Lanka's six-wicket victory at Trent Bridge ensured their qualification for the Super Eights stage but left Ricky Ponting and co with an unwanted fortnight to fill before their Ashes tour proper begins.
An all-round Australian batting effort had earlier seen them post 159 for nine, despite three wickets each for paceman Lasith Malinga and mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis.
Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan set Sri Lanka on their way with 53 before captain Kumar Sangakkara's unbeaten 55 saw his side home with six balls to spare.
