Needing a modest 199 to win, Sri Lanka were in deep trouble at 136-7 before Zoysa put on a record unbeaten eighth wicket stand of 66 with Russel Arnold to steer his team home with 13 balls to spare. Zoysa also picked up three wickets earlier in the day to ensure he collected a deserved man-of-the-match award.

Australia, who had already clinched the series by winning three of the first four matches, rested skipper Ricky Ponting, opener Matthew Hayden, all-rounder Ian Harvey and fast bowler Jason Gillespie.

The tourists, however, still made Sri Lanka struggle for victory before being thwarted by Zoysa's career-best knock of 47 not out, which came off just 42 balls with two sixes and five fours.

"I think we didn't bat well at the top, but Zoysa and Arnold did a fantastic job," said Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu.

"They played right knocks at the right time. It is always better to finish the series 3-2 than 4-1."

Left-handed Zoysa eased the pressure on Sri Lanka with his clean, hard hitting, smashing fast bowler Brett Lee for a six and a four after surviving a difficult chance in the deep in the same over.