Colombo: Sri Lanka set Australia a mammoth target of 324 runs to win the third and final Test, after declaring at 347 for eight on the fifth day in Colombo on Wednesday.

Kaushal Silva top-scored for Sri Lanka with 115 runs while Dhananjaya de Silva, who made a century in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 65. Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon claimed four wickets.

Sri Lanka are determined to record their first series whitewash against Australia after winning the first two matches, while the visitors are bidding to register a consolation victory.

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka 355 and 347/8 in 99.3 overs (Kaushal Silva 115, Dhananjaya de Silva 65 not out; Nathan Lyon 4-123)

Australia first innings 379 (Shaun Marsh 130, Steve Smith 119; Rangana Herath 6-81)