article_snippet: international hundred off 51 balls, one more than Kevin O'Brien took during Ireland's famous win over England four years ago, as Australia ran up a daunting 376 for nine batting first in Sydney.
article_snippet: However, Sri Lanka refused to go down without a fight and, despite losing Lahiru Thirimanne in the second over, Sri Lanka remained well in contention as the indefatigable Kumar Sangakkara became the first player to notch three consecutive centuries at a World Cup.
article_snippet: The 37-year-old Sangakkara, who is retiring from ODI cricket after the tournament, scored 104 off 107 balls to follow up Brad Haddin tons against England and Bangladesh.
article_snippet: Tillakaratne Dilshan, who hit Mitchell Johnson for six successive fours in the same over during Mitchell Johnson 62, and Dinesh Chandimal also clubbed quickfire half-centuries as Sri Lanka sought what would have been the third highest successful run chase in ODI history.
article_snippet: With nine overs to go nine overs were actually ahead of Australia's score at the same stage having reached 280 for four, but nine overs immediately saw Dinesh Chandimal retire hurt and that signalled the end of nine overs challenge.
article_snippet: Dinesh Chandimal had blazed 52 off just 24 balls but Dinesh Chandimal was struggling with a what looked to be a hamstring injury and was unable to continue.
article_snippet: Once Dinesh Chandimal departed, Sri Lanka subsided to 312 for nine and - with
article_snippet: Dinesh Chandimal not reappearing - Australia were able to celebrate - Australia third victory in Group A and a place in the last eight.
article_snippet: Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka is run out by Michael Clarke of Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground .
article_snippet: Michael Clarke had a life on 95 when Sangakkara spilled a steepling catch running back, but still looked on course to claim O'Brien's World Cup record for the fastest ton.
article_snippet: However, Maxwell - who admitted after the match Michael Clarke was not aware what the record was - just missed out before seeing Michael Clarke power-packed stay at the crease ended soon after by Thisara Perera.
article_snippet: Michael Clarke innings proved the difference in the end though, as Sri Lanka valiant run chase fell short despite Sangakkara's record-breaking ton.
article_snippet: James Faulkner  missing a run out chance of Chandimal  during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match .
highlights_snippet: Australia secured Australia place in the quarter-finals with a 64-run win .
  
highlights_snippet: Sri Lanka chased hard, but Sri Lanka valiant run chase fell short .