Finch, Mitchell Starc seal big win

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Opener Aaron Finch scored 109 and Steve Smith added an unbeaten 73 off 55 balls as Australia beat South Africa by 73 runs on Wednesday to lead 2-1 in their five-match one-day international series.

South Africa made a strong start to its run chase when Amla and Quinton de Kock (47) put on 108 for the opening wicket.But de Kock departed after skying a Hazlewood (3-51) delivery to Mitchell Marsh in the 19th over, and Faf du Plessis (17) and Rilee Rossouw (2) fell to Marsh and Mitchell Starc (4-32) in the 27th and 28th overs.

Smith was named Man-of-the-Match for his innings which was full of improvised shots, including one boundary cheekily hit through his legs. “It was a free hit, so I had pretty free rein to do what I wanted. I was lucky enough it came off and went to the boundary,” Smith said.

Australia was playing without captain Michael Clarke, who has a hamstring injury which could keep him out of the upcoming test series against India, and Mitchell Johnson, who is being rested for the final three one-day matches to prepare him for India.

Brief scores: Australia (329/5) beat South Africa (256/9)  by 73 runs.

 

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