Starc spell sets up Australian win

CENTURION, South Africa, Mar 15 (AFP): Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc led a strong Australian bowling performance and set up a comfortable six-wicket win against South Africa in the third and final Twenty20 international at SuperSport Park Friday.

South Africa struggled to 128 for seven after being sent in. Aaron Finch hit 39 and Shane Watson 35 as Australia cruised to victory with five overs to spare.

Man-of-the-match Starc started with a maiden and dismissed Hashim Amla in a second over which cost only three runs. He came back later and bowled big-hitting Albie Morkel to finish with two for 16 in his four overs.

South African captain Faf du Plessis admitted South Africa were always in trouble after limping to 34 for two in the six power play overs.

"It's important to get a good start in the power play," he said. "We lost too many wickets and it's always difficult to recover."

Opening batsman Quinton de Kock, who made 41, was the only South African batsman to shine.