BRISBANE, Dec 14 AAP - Jimmy Maher steered Australia A to a convincing victory over Sri Lanka at the Gabba tonight, and in the process booked himself a likely World Cup berth.

The Australians cruised to a 102-run victory over the 1996 World Cup champions after compiling an imposing 8-312 before restricting Sri Lanka to 6-210.

Maher batted superbly to construct an even paced and mature 106 runs from 113 balls and virtually guarantee a spot in the 15-man Australian squad for the World Cup in southern Africa next Feb-March.

The Queensland captain used power and precision to reach his half century off 56 balls and his 100 off 110 balls before eventually getting out to an over adventurous sweep shot.

Maher shared a 117-run partnership with NSW batting prodigy Michael Clarke, who turned in a thoroughly impressive knock of 79 off 84 balls.

While Maher and Clarke provided the cornerstone of the Australia A innings, Ryan Campbell provided the party tricks with an entertaining knock of 42 off 28 balls with wonderfully inventive shots normally reserved for the backyard.

While Maher and co made the most of the last one day fixture for Australia's fringe players before the World Cup squad is announced in a fortnight, all-rounder Andrew Symonds did himself no favours with an uninspiring effort with the bat.

Symonds was given a golden opportunity when promoted up the order to number three but scratched his way to seven before holing out to long-on with a careless shot off the gentle off-spin bowling of Thilan Samaraweera.

In typically enigmatic fashion Symonds did provide two breath-taking moments in the field with a catch and a direct hit for a run-out but the Queenslander's form with the bat is likely to stall his hopes of a World Cup berth.

Australia A captain Justin Langer got his side off to a flying start after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Langer and Maher took 24 runs off the first two overs and the opening partnership had eked 91 runs when the skipper was felled by a bouncer from Dilhara Fernando.

A lump the size of a golf ball appeared near Langer's left temple but the courageous left hander opted to bat on.

However a mix-up with Maher in the next over resulted in a run out.

Langer was cleared of any serious injury with the team doctor diagnosing a burst blood vessel.

Australia A lost wickets late in the innings in the desperate search for runs with Dilhara Fernando finishing the best of a weakened Sri Lankan attack with the figures of 4-57.

The visitors were without opening bowler Chaminda Vaas and off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan but there was no excuse for the bowlers' poor line and length which gave away 13 wides and four no-balls.

The Sri Lankan run chase was almost over before it began after losing both openers Romesh Kaluwitharana and Sanath Jayasuriya cheaply.

Sri Lanka were only allocated 48 overs due to their slow over rate in the afternoon session and the loss of early wickets ensured the contest fizzled out well before the last ball was bowled.

Australia A paceman Brad Williams claimed the opening two wickets and the further scalps of Kumar Sangakkara, Marvan Atapattu and Mahela Jayawardene left the visitors in a deep hole at 5-70.

Russel Arnold (86 no)and Gehan Mubarak provided the only real resistance with a partnership of 99 but Sri Lanka were never seriously in the hunt as the required run rate only spiralled up with every over.

Sri Lanka will play England in their VB series opener at the Gabba on Tuesday.

Maher claimed man of the match honours with his outstanding knock, but wasn't getting ahead of himself when it came to World Cup selection.

"I suppose there is no bad time to make runs no matter when you are playing but I really enjoyed that innings and the wicket was just fantastic," Maher said.

"It's just a matter of playing to the best of your ability every time you play and being as consistent as you can be."

"All you can do is keep scoring runs and keep your fingers crossed."

© 2002 AAP NewsWire

This report does not necessarily represent the views of the Australian Cricket Board.