Australia's Rachel Haynes hit a crucial 60 to help her side recover from an early scare to beat Sri Lanka by five wickets and keep their T20 World Cup dreams alive.

Meg Lanning's side suffered a historic defeat at the hands of India in their opening match of the tournament and came into their clash with Sri Lanka under immense pressure.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lankan captain Chamari Atapattu made her way to 50 despite opening partner Hasini Perera falling for a duck on just her third delivery.

Sri Lanka were strangled by the Aussie bowling attack and reduced to a modest 122-6 from their 20 overs, with Nicola Carey taking 2-18 from her three overs.

The defending champions emerged from the dugout determined to make amends for their sub-par performance against India.

But when opener Alyssa Healy fell to just the second ball of the innings, the Sri Lankan spirits visibly lifted.

It looked like another upset might be on the cards as the host nation slumped to 10-3, but some sloppy fielding proved ultimately costly for the underdogs.

And a steely captain's knock from Meg Lanning of 41 not out backed up the 60 from Haynes as the pairs stand of 95 helped guide them home.

Australia will now face Bangladesh on Thursday in Canberra in a must-win game as they look to keep their title hopes alive.