Australia ended their ODI series against South Africa on a winning note, defeating the hosts by 45 runs via the DLS method in the third and final ODI in Potchefstroom on Wednesday. South Africa, who had already secured the series after winning the first two matches, were 145/4 in 28 overs when rain ended the contest.
Australia posted 322/9 after being sent in to bat, with Alex Carey top-scoring with 74 off 88 balls. Mitchell Marsh contributed 56, while Ollie Peake scored 48 and Matthew Renshaw added 30. Australia made important contributions throughout the batting order after struggling in the opening two matches.
Xavier Bartlett impressed with the new ball, dismissing Quinton de Kock and stand-in captain Aiden Markram. Adam Zampa returned to form with 2/33, while Pat Cummins conceded just 17 runs in five overs on his return to ODI cricket.
Ryan Rickelton remained unbeaten on 71 when rain intervened, while Tony de Zorzi left the field with a hamstring injury. Despite the defeat, South Africa won the three-match series 2-1.