Australia's woeful run in the Sixes tournament continued as they slumped to a 26-run defeat in the Plate semi-final against Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan win was fashioned by openers Kausalya Weeraratne and Duminda Perera. Weeraratne made 24 off 10 balls while Perera weighed in with 25 off nine. With Sanjeewa Silva also making a rapid 13, the men from the Emerald Isles made 88 all out after being sent in by Australian skipper Craig McDermott.

Thirty-four-year-old Scott Prestwidge was the most successful bowler for Australia claiming two wickets for 16.

When Australia replied, opener Dene Hills continued his fine run in the tournament. The southpaw from Tasmania made 36 off 13 balls with five fours and two massive sixes before being forced to retire as a result of the tournament regulations.

The men from Down Under struggled from there on. Except for Colin Miller, who made 17 off seven, the rest of the batting failed as Australia were beaten for the fourth time in four matches.

Sri Lanka now take on Hong Kong in the Plate Final while Australia will have to overcome UAE if they are to avoid the ignominy of ending up with the wooden spoon.