HARARE, Zimbabwe: Australia recovered from 144-8 to finish at 217-9 Saturday in the final of the triangular one-day international series against South Africa at Harare Sports Club.
Aaron Finch hit 54 off 87 balls and James Faulkner got 39 off 37, giving the Australians some hope of a total to defend after being put into bat by the South Africans. Australia hit 42 runs in the last four overs.
Dale Steyn was South Africa's best bowler with 4-34, while Wayne Parnell took 2-40 and Morne Morkel 2-58.
South Africa made one change from its last round-robin game, a victory over host Zimbabwe to qualify for the decider. Legspinner Imran Tahir returned to the lineup for batsman Rilee Rossouw. Batsman J.P. Duminy and fast bowler Morkel both came through late fitness tests to play after injury worries.
Australia was forced into one change: Faulkner was in for injured seamer Kane Richardson. Australia was still without captain Michael Clarke, who returned home for treatment on a hamstring injury after just one appearance at the tournament.
The teams met twice in the league phase of the tri-series, winning one game each.
