David Warner has once again lived up to his reputation as a Twenty20 assassin, but his teammates struggled to lend support, with Australia managing a chaseable 3-137 against Sri Lanka at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Saturday night.

There was no repeat of the extraordinary switch-hit six he executed at the same ground against India last summer, but Warner powered to his highest ever score in Twenty20 internationals with 90 not out off 62 balls.

The pressure was on Warner to anchor the Australian innings, after fellow big hitters Aaron Finch (1) and Shaun Marsh (6) squandered their opportunities and captain George Bailey (11) came and went cheaply.

Australia were precariously placed at a below-par 3-53 off 10 overs, before Warner slammed his foot on the accelerator – launching five fours and three sixes.

Nuwan Kulasekara dropped dangerman Warner when he was on 68 – a sitter at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of new skipper Angelo Mathews.

The ANZ pitch proved slow as it did throughout the Big Bash, although Warner managed to make a bigger fist of the conditions than Chris Gayle and the blundering Sydney Thunder did this summer.

However, without Warner, Australia had just one other boundary for the innings – a six from Bailey in the ninth over.

Adam Voges (25no from 29) didn’t find the fence, but made a valuable contribution in an unbeaten 84 run stand with Warner.

Australia made 171 to beat India at the ground last year, but Australia are confident their total is defendable on a two-paced wicket.

Sri Lankan strike weapon Lasith Malinga shut down Australia brilliantly at the death, finishing with 0-19 from his four overs and prompting Warner to describe him as a “genius” on the TV mic.