Smith's masterful century paves the way to ODI series win

Steve Smith

MORE:  AS IT HAPPENED: 4th ODI - Australia v South Africa

Having been set a target of 268 as AB de Villiers (91 from 88 deliveries) continued his fine form, Australia's reply initially stuttered before Smith set about his match-winning knock. 

Smith and Matthew Wade (52) forged a 121-run sixth-wicket partnership before James Faulkner's quickfire 34, which included six fours, saw the hosts home with six balls to spare.  

The game may have seen one of the lowest crowds ever attend an ODI as just 14,177 people rocked up to the MCG, but those that came witnessed an incredible run chase as Australia looked to be struggling to reach the 268 needed for victory.

At 5-98, the Aussies looked in real trouble against an undermanned but fired-up South African attack, but a superb century from man of the moment Smith (104 off 112) and a classy knock from Matthew Wade (52 off 59) wrested the momentum back towards Australia.

There was still plenty of work to be done when Wade was dismissed but some late fireworks from James Faulkner (34 off 19) balls helped Australia over the line.

The victory wasn’t without drama in the second-last over as Smith looked set to win the game for his country as Australia needed just one run off the last eight balls.

But Smith went the big hit and was bowled by Robin Peterson bringing Patrick Cummins to the field.

Cummins also went a big hit off the final ball of Peterson’s over but miscued his effort and looked to have been brilliantly caught by a diving David Miller.

Yet, when the video showed the ball had bounced centimetres in front of Miller’s grasp, the win was awarded to Australia as the batsmen had crossed in the process of the ball being caught.

The victory did come at a cost, though, as pace bowler Nathan Coulter-Nile injured his hamstring early in day as South Africa finished with 8-267.

The Proteas looked on track for a massive score as skipper AB de Villiers posted 91. But his dismissal saw the South African struggle in the last 10 overs as they added just 51 runs.

And their struggles continued in the last 10 overs of the run chase as de Villiers struggled to get his field positions right, while his bowlers did him no favours, sending down full tosses that were gleefully sent to the boundary by the likes of Faulkner.

De Villiers may have had some excuses as he appeared in pain by the end of the innings, having come down hard on his ribs while diving to field a ball earlier in the chase.

Even if not injured, the skipper may not have been available for the last ODI in Sydney anyway as South Africa’s slow over-rate probably means he is suspended for that encounter.

Australia are now 3-1 up with one ODI left to play.

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