HOBART, Australia (AP) — Centuries to captain Faf du Plessis and David Miller in a record-breaking partnership led South Africa to a 40-run win over Australia in the deciding one-day international on Sunday.
The Proteas were under pressure at 3-55 in the 16th over after being sent in to bat before du Plessis (125) led a comeback with Miller (139) to give South Africa 320-5 after its 50 overs.
The pair's stand of 252 was the biggest ODI partnership against Australia.
Australia captain Aaron Finch moved big hitter Chris Lynn to open its innings, but Lynn went for a first-ball duck to start Australia off poorly in its run chase. Australia made a late run but ended up being well short of the total and finished at 280-9.
Dale Steyn took 3-45 in his 10 overs, including Lynn's wicket, in what is expected to be his last appearance in Australia. He plans to retire from limited-overs cricket after next year's World Cup.
Du Plessis, who notched his 10th limited-overs century and hit 15 fours, and Miller took advantage of Australia's seamers late in the innings.
They had some luck, though. Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey dropped du Plessis on 29 off the bowling of Glenn Maxwell in what should have been a regulation caught behind. Maxwell had a second moment of frustration in the 33rd over when he appeared to have trapped Miller in front for 41.
But a review, called for at the last moment by the batsmen, showed the ball narrowly travelling over the stumps.
South Africa scored 75 runs in the final five overs.
Mitchell Starc finished with 2-57, while allrounder Marcus Stoinis also picked up two wickets but went for 70 off seven overs.
South Africa won the first match in Perth by six wickets and Australia the second in Adelaide by seven runs, ending a seven-match ODI losing streak.
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