Paceman Josh Hazlewood claimed a career-best Twenty20I figures of 4/12 to guide Australia to a 20-run victory over Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday, in the rain-affected opener of the five-match series.

Australia comfortably defended a Duckworth-Lewis adjusted target score of 143, with spinner Adam Zampa (3/18) inflicting early damage before Hazlewood iced the game with late wickets.

The tourists ended on 122/8 after 19 overs, with the chase reduced after rain interrupted in the 15th over.

The Sri Lankans struggled to adjust to the pace of the wicket, with opener Pathum Nissanka (36) making the only meaningful contribution before being caught off Zampa.

“I thought we had to bowl well to defend that total on this wicket,” said Australia skipper Aaron Finch.

Brief scores:

Australia 149/9 in 20 overs (B. McDermott 53; W. Hasaranga 3/38); Sri Lanka 122/8 in 19 overs (P. Nissanka 36; J. Hazlewood 4/12) Australia won by 20 runs via D/L Method.