Marcus Stoinis makes T20 history in 'absurd' scenes at World Cup

It took Marcus Stoinis just 18 balls to smash a historic half-century and keep Australia's hopes in the T20 World Cup alive in a thrilling match against Sri Lanka.

An earlier loss in the group stage to New Zealand has left the remaining matches for Australia must-wins, and the tournament hosts were looking all at sea after Sri Lanka set a target of 6-157 in their 20 overs.

HUGE: Tim Paine's massive admission over cricket sexting scandal

'EXCUSE': Mark Waugh calls out Aaron Finch at T20 World Cup

The form of Aaron Finch will once again come under scrutiny as he struggled mightily to find runs, at one stage sitting on just four runs from 15 deliveries.

Though Finch could be credited with providing a steady hand at the opposite end of the crease with his unbeaten 31 from 42 deliveries, there was no doubt Australia's winning innings was sparked by Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell.

Maxwell was the first to catch alight, smashing 22 runs from his first six deliveries before Sri Lankan quick Lahiru Kumara broke his confidence with a series of deliveries which peppered his body.

One brutal ball collected Maxwell in the neck at roughly 140 kilometres per hour, and despite resuming his innings with a huge red welt on his neck, was out a short time later for 23.

Enter Stoinis, who wasted no time in grabbing the innings and the Sri Lankan bowling attack by the scruff of the neck.

The West Australian smashed Australia over the finish line in the most brutal knock of his career, finishing with an unbeaten 59 from 18 balls, including four fours and six sixes.

"Once I got in, the plan was to just keep going." Stoinis said.

"To be honest I was really nervous today, being at home in front of lots of family and friends here.

"But I'm really happy that we ended up putting on a bit of a clinic there."

Fans were seriously impressed by the display Stoinis put on.

Australia on COVID-19 watch after Sri Lanka victory

Australia's preparations for the must-win match hit a hurdle when spinner Adam Zampa was struck down by COVID-19.

Under new rules Zampa could have still played, but Australia decided to err on the side of caution by playing Ashton Agar instead.

Australia entered the match under pressure following their 89-run loss to NZ last Saturday, effectively making their remaining four pool matches must-win affairs.

New revelations about the 2018 Sandpapergate affair were another unwanted distraction.

Fit-again opener Pathum Nissanka (40 off 45 balls) and Charith Asalanka (38no off 25 balls) top scored for Sri Lanka in a batting innings that only really got going at the death.

Mitchell Starc (1-23), Josh Hazlewood (1-26) and Agar (1-25) were economical, but Cummins ended with an expensive 1-36 after being taken for 20 runs in the final over.

It's the second time Zampa has caught the virus, and he has been separated from the rest of the team in a bid to avoid an outbreak.

Stoinis said precautions were being taken among the player group.

"Everyone around the world is going through that, and every team is gong to have their processes in place to try to keep it as safe as possible," Stoinis said.

"We first got COVID back in the Big Bash (last summer), and a few of us had it at the same time.

"(Zampa) said it wasn't as bad as that time. So hopefully he's ok, and in a couple of days we'll see (if he can play).

"All the boys are testing and doing what we can to make sure we're alright."

Zampa is a chance to face England, and Australia will also be monitoring the health of Maxwell after his sickening blow to the throat.

With AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.