Usman Khawaja remains a chance to open the batting ahead of David Warner at the World Cup after he made a final push in Australia's warm-up win over Sri Lanka.

Key points: Usman Khawaja played the anchor role, scoring 89 in Australia's five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final warm-up game before the World Cup

Usman Khawaja played the anchor role, scoring 89 in Australia's five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the final warm-up game before the World Cup Khawaja threw a scare into the camp when he was hit on the knee while fielding, but recovered to open the batting

Khawaja threw a scare into the camp when he was hit on the knee while fielding, but recovered to open the batting Khawaja, David Warner and Aaron Finch are fighting for the two openers spots for Australia's first match against Afghanistan on Saturday

Engaged in a battle with Warner to partner Aaron Finch against Afghanistan on Saturday, Khawaja hit 89 from 105 balls at Southampton on Monday.

He fell stumped just before Australia wrapped up their chase of 8-239 with five wickets and five overs to spare, making for the defending champions' third straight victory since arriving on English soil.

With Warner rested from Monday's match with upper leg soreness, Khawaja took his chance at the top.

He hit just three boundaries in his knock, but was solid all around the ground, most notably on the pull shot to anything short and the early cover drive.

It came just hours after he limped from the field with an apparent injury, struck on his problematic left knee by a ball he attempted to field at mid-off.

Khawaja averages 96.8 as an opener in one-day cricket compared with 38.96 at number three.

Usman Khawaja (L) was hit on the knee while fielding, but he recovered to open the batting against Sri Lanka. ( AP: Matt Dunham )

He also starred at the top of the order in the recent away series against India and Pakistan.

"I do love opening, absolutely," Khawaja said.

"That's where I batted my whole life in one-day cricket. But at the end of the day it is about winning games and doing the best for your team.

"It doesn't matter what happens or where I play."

In Australia's six warm-up matches, Khawaja has opened four times and Warner three.

Warner is however Australia's fourth most prolific one-day opener in history.

And while he is yet to pass 50 in his four warm-up games in Australian colours since his ban ended, he was the leading run-scorer in this year's Indian Premier League.

Australia's Usman Khawaja hit three fours in a patient innings of 89 off 105 balls against Sri Lanka. ( AP: Matt Dunham )

"It's just a mindset thing as a batsman. When you're opening it's slightly different to batting number three and slightly different to number five," Khawaja said of preparing for the different roles.

"As an opener knowing you're going out there to face the first ball and what you're trying to do when you take the game on a bit and suss out the conditions.

"It's a bit different when you come in the middle order, you have to approach it differently.

"The beauty about our team is a lot of guys can bat in different positions and have batted in different positions."

Spinner Adam Zampa (R) was Australia's most successful bowler against Sri Lanka. ( AP: Matt Dunham )

Both players have also spent time at number three, where Shaun Marsh appears in danger of missing selection.

The West Australian combined for an 80-run stand with Khawaja on Monday, but was caught at long on trying to take Dhananjaya Silva down the ground on 34.

Australia's bowlers had earlier split their wickets, with Adam Zampa (2-39) the pick.

Nathan Lyon (1-48), Mitchell Starc (1-38), Cummins (1-23) and Kane Richardson (1-52) also each claimed one — albeit with the latter being the most expensive as he fights to be the third quick.

AAP