Proteas denied ODI series whitewash in rain-affected Australia defeat

The Proteas, already assured of the series victory after wins in Durban and Johannesburg, were 145-4 after 28 overs while chasing 323 when persistent rain halted the contest. With South Africa 45 runs below the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern par score, Australia were awarded the victory.

Ryan Rickelton was unbeaten on 71 from 81 deliveries, but South Africa had struggled to maintain the required scoring rate after losing several key wickets.

Quinton de Kock was dismissed for a duck by Xavier Bartlett before Aiden Markram followed for 15, trapped lbw by the Australian quick. Matthew Breetzke made 25 before Adam Zampa ended his stay, with the spinner also removing Tristan Stubbs for 14.

Rickelton had earlier reached his half-century from 48 balls and shared a 54-run partnership with Breetzke, but Australia's bowlers steadily reduced the pressure on the visitors.

Zampa finished with 2-34 from six overs, while Bartlett made an impact with the early breakthroughs. Pat Cummins, playing his first ODI in almost two years, also returned to the side ahead of Australia's upcoming Test series.

South Africa were further hampered by an injury to Tony de Zorzi, who was unable to bat after picking up a hamstring problem while fielding.

Earlier, Australia recovered from a delayed start to post 322-9 after being asked to bat first.

Mitchell Marsh provided the early impetus with 56 from 42 balls, hitting eight fours and two sixes, before Bjorn Fortuin dismissed him lbw.

Travis Head contributed 24 before being bowled by Corbin Bosch, who was the standout bowler for South Africa with 4-60.

Alex Carey then anchored Australia's innings with a patient 74 from 88 balls, passing fifty for the first time in an ODI in more than a year. Oliver Peake added 48, while Matt Renshaw scored 30 as Australia maintained a steady flow of runs through the middle and lower order.

The visitors' top seven all passed 20 as Australia put together their most consistent batting effort of the series.

South Africa had made five changes to the side that won at the Wanderers, with the match effectively a dead rubber after they secured the series with victories in the opening two ODIs.

Australia's consolation win gives them some momentum heading into the Test series, with several members of the ODI squad set to feature in the longer format.

The two-day tour match against an SA XI in Potchefstroom is next on Australia's schedule before the first of three Tests against South Africa begins in Durban next Friday.

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