Cricket: Australia crush Sri Lanka in series decider

SYDNEY - Adam Gilchrist smashed one of the fastest centuries in international cricket to steer Australia to a nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the third and deciding one-day final at the Gabba in Brisbane on Tuesday.

Gilchrist belted 122 off 91 balls, reaching his hundred off only 67 deliveries, to help Australia reach 267-1 and easily pass Sri Lanka's total of 266-9 with four and a half overs to spare.

Opener Simon Katich was unbeaten on 107 after sharing a 196-run partnership with Gilchrist while the Australian captain Ricky Ponting was not out 28.

Mahela Jayawardene top-scored for Sri Lanka with 86 while Russel Arnold made 76 and wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara 59, but the tourists were unable to post a big enough total after making a slow start to their innings.

Sri Lanka upset Australia to win the first final in Adelaide but the world champions rebounded to win in Sydney on Sunday and force a deciding match.

- REUTERS