SA vs AUS 3rd ODI Results

7:54 PM IST PLAYER OF THE SERIES - For picking up 6 wickets in the series, Keshav Maharaj takes home the award. Keshav says it was nice to lead the attack and credits his teammates for bowling well around him. Shares that he has been working really hard with the aim of building towards the ODI World Cup. Maharaj mentions that getting his lengths right is key for a spinner in South Africa, while understanding the batters and having clear game plans is equally important. He says that he was encouraged by the turn and bounce at the Wanderers and also praises Bjorn Fortuin for bowling exceptionally well alongside him.

7:52 PM IST Onto the Tests - Temba Bavuma receives the trophy and joins his teammates for the customary photograph. It was a good audition for some of the South African fringe players, with several of their ODI regulars missing through injury. Australia, meanwhile, have had a good workout, first in Zimbabwe and now in South Africa, two of the three host countries for next year's World Cup. The focus now shifts to the much-anticipated Test series between the two finalists from the previous WTC cycle and the teams currently sitting 1 and 2 in the rankings. The first of three Tests will be played in Durban, starting Friday, October 9, with the first ball scheduled to be bowled at 7.30 am GMT. Do join us then. Cheers!

7:45 PM IST The skipper of South Africa - Temba Bavuma says the result did not go their way, but the game provided a good opportunity to give some players a chance. Ryan Rickelton got some runs under his belt, while Gerald Coetzee made an impact with the ball, which Bavuma says were positives to take. Having already gone 2-0 up, South Africa had the luxury of resting a few players and giving others opportunities. Bavuma says the game was never treated as a dead rubber, with the team continuing to work on building momentum and overcoming the challenges in front of them.

7:43 PM IST The captain of Australia - Mitchell Marsh starts by saying that he is pleased with the win, but would have liked a full game. Adds that the batting effort overall was better today, and it was a disappointing series, but it's good to end with a win. He then talks about gradual improvement, as they have a lot of inexperienced players who will learn from these conditions. Goes on to say that South Africa are a class side, especially at home. On his own batting form, he says that it feels good to contribute with the bat.

7:39 PM IST PLAYER OF THE MATCH - Alex Carey has been given the award for his crucial knock of 74 runs from 88 balls. Carey says that the openers got them off to another flying start, but so far they haven't managed to capitalise until today. He goes on to say that having rain play a role isn't good, but feels that his side were well ahead by then, and goes on to credit South Africa as deserving winners of the series. On their preparation for the Test series, Carey says that they have a tour match before the 1st Test, and he is looking forward to it.

7:36 PM IST Handshakes all around - That's that for the game. Australia win by 45 runs on DLS and end the series with a consolation victory. Rain in the lead-up meant we had a delayed start by 30 minutes, and it stayed away for long enough before it took the players off, and we never got back on the park. By then, though, Australia had done enough to put themselves in a strong position, and were deserving winners. South Africa take the series, but the Aussies head into the Test series with some much-needed momentum.