Australia have finally gained some winning momentum ahead of the ICC World T20 2016. Steve Smith-led Australia stunned South Africa at their own backyard to seal the T20 series 2-1 at Newlands Wednesday.
Both sides were looking to end the the series on a high note, but Australia were a touch better than the Proteas in the final match of the series.
South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla got South Africa off to a flier and the hosts were cruising at 47 for no loss in just four overs.
Nathan Coulter-Nile broke the dangerous-looking partnership in the first ball of the fifth over, but the flow of runs did not stop as Amla was in sublime touch, Wednesday. He continued to find those gaps at regular intervals and kept the scoreboard ticking.
David Miller's cameo of 30 runs from just 16 balls helped South Africa to go past that 170-run mark. Amla finished the innings with a six and remained unbeaten on 97.
South Africa posted a total of 178 at the end of 20 overs.
In reply, Australia got off to a cracking start with the help of Usman Khawaja and Shane Watson. These two added 76 runs for the first wicket, providing a solid platform for the rest of the batsmen.
Khawaja replaced Aaron Finch for this match and he did not disappoint his captain. He was in full flow against the Proteas bowlers during the 3rd T20.
David Warner and Steve Smith's partnership helped Australia to get over the line. Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh did the needful at the end. Australia recorded a six-wicket win over South Africa with four balls to spare.
Amla was adjudged the man of the match for his outstanding innings of 97 runs. David Warner was adjudged the man of the series.
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