Hobart: David Miller (139, 108b, 13×4, 4×6) and skipper Faf du Plessis (125, 114b, 15×4, 2×6) plundered big-hitting centuries in a batting masterclass as South Africa beat Australia by 40 runs to seal the ODI series 2-1 and inflict another defeat on Justin Langer’s misfiring side.
The pair shared in a 252-run stand to power the Proteas to 320/5 in the third and final match here – a record fourth wicket partnership by South Africa against the hosts, who finished their 50 overs at 280/9, in Australia.
They came together at 55/3 in the 16th over with Miller swatting his fifth limited-overs century and Du Plessis smashing his 10th ODI ton. Mitchell Starc (2/57) bowled well for the hosts.
A composed Shaun Marsh (106, 102b, 7×4, 4×6) cracked a fighting century in the run chase, ably supported by Marcus Stoinis (63, 76b, 5×4, 4×6), Alex Carey (42, 41b, 1×4, 1×6) and Glenn Maxwell (35, 27b, 3×4), an improvement on recent batting displays but still not good enough.
Pace spearheads Kagiso Rabada (3/40) and Dale Steyn (3/45) were outstanding with the ball. The victory handed South Africa their first ODI series win in Australia since 2009 and left Australia with plenty to ponder ahead of India’s arrival this month for a three-format tour.
Both sides opted for unchanged line-ups after Australia snapped a seven-game losing streak to clinch the second match in Adelaide Friday by seven runs. South Africa easily won the first in Perth by six wickets.
Brief scores
South Africa 320/5 (David Miller 139, Faf du Plessis 125) bt Australia 280/9 (Shaun Marsh 106, Marcus Stoinis 63; Kagiso Rabada 3/40, Dale Steyn 3/45) by 40 runs.