Finch, Starc down SA

CANBERRA, Nov 19 (AFP): Australia cruised to a 73-run victory over South Africa in their third one-day international Wednesday on the back of big-hitting innings by Aaron Finch and Steve Smith.
Opener Finch cracked 109 off 127 balls and Smith hit a swashbuckling unbeaten 73 off 55 balls as Australia amassed a formidable 329 for five off their 50 overs in Canberra.
The Proteas were always up against it and were dismissed for 256 in the 45th over, with last man Imran Tahir unable to bat because of a knee he injured while fielding.
The Australians now lead the five-match series 2-1 ahead of the final games in Melbourne Friday and Sydney Sunday.
Left-armer Mitchell Starc troubled the South Africans with his late swing and finished with four for 32 off eight overs, while fellow opening bowler Josh Hazlewood claimed three for 51.
Hashim Amla hit 102 off 115 balls and skipper AB de Villiers cracked a belligerent 52 off 34 balls to briefly threaten Australia's bowlers.
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.
"Aaron was able to lay the foundation and I was able to close it out.
"You always feel more comfortable when AB (de Villiers) is back in the sheds, he's an unbelievable player and it was good to see the back of him.
"It was a hard wicket to start on so we thought we were a great chance when we got him out.
"The boys hit their lengths well and bowled really well, we got the ball quite soft and it started reversing."
Finch was in blistering form as the Australians made full use of the slow Manuka Oval pitch after winning the toss.
Australia 5 for 329 (Finch 109, Smith 73*, Warner 53) beat South Africa 256 (Amla 102, de Villiers 52, Starc 4-32, Hazlewood 3-51) by 73 runs.