ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr paid a fitting homage to former Prime Minister Bob Hawke at Manuka Oval on Wednesday night.

Turning his back on the clash between the Prime Minister's XI and Sri Lanka, Mr Barr downed a beer in front of surprised punters sitting in the Bob Hawke stand.

Mr Hawke is well known for his beer skolling ability and the effort was reminiscent of his appearance at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2012.

Hit104.7 breakfast presenter Ryan Jon egged on Mr Barr ahead of his attempt.

"As we know, Bob Hawke, one of the greatest Prime Ministers of Australia, always skols a beer at the cricket," Jon explained.

The two did not quite match Mr Hawke's skolling prowess but valiantly battled through to finish their cups.

"I didn't spill anything," Mr Barr remarked with some surprise. Later he posted a poem about the stunt to Twitter.

"A night at the cricket, with a beer in hand.

"What can one do but skol outside the Bob Hawke stand."

The Prime Minister's XI went down to the Sri Lankans, who cruised to victory by five wickets with 17 balls remaining.