10 Nov 2014

Aussies win T20 series

5:46 am on 10 November 2014

The Australian cricketers have completed a Twenty20 series victory over South Africa after winning the third match in Sydney.

Australia's Cameron White batting.

Australia's Cameron White batting. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Cameron White scored an unbeaten 41 and steered Australia to a dramatic two-wicket victory on the penultimate ball of the match.

The hosts needed three runs from the last over to reach their target of 146 and White, despite losing partner Sean Abbott and almost his own wicket in an attempted run out, held his nerve to deliver with a rushed single.

After the side that batted second dominated the first two matches in Adelaide and Melbourne, Australia captain Aaron Finch opted to field first when he won the toss at the Olympic Stadium.

Initially it did not look like an astute move as openers Quinton de Kock (48) and Reeza Hendricks (49) put on 75 runs for the first wicket as the Proteas raced to 84 for one in their first 10 overs.

With all rounder James Faulkner (3 for 28) to the fore, however, the Australian bowlers upped their game in the second half of the innings and restricted South Africa to what looked like a below par 145 for six.

Australia were 76 for 4 at the halfway mark of their innings.

Glenn Maxwell upped the scoring rate in a 15-ball cameo for 23 runs that featured a huge six, a reverse paddle and a reverse sweep for four before a big heave to deep midwicket was caught by Hendricks.

White picked up the pace and held down one end to steer Australia to victory.

The two sides now play 5 ODI's with the first in Perth on Friday.