Australia clinch narrow win over South Africa

Australia have won their final one-day international against South Africa to secure a 4-1 series triumph which moves them back to the top of the world rankings.

The hosts were initially set a target of 281 for victory after Quinton de Kock hit a century for the tourists earlier this morning.

Australia were dealt an early blow when David Warner was dismissed for just 21, edging a Wayne Parnell ball to Robin Peterson at slip.

Aaron Finch [76] and Shane Watson [82] took charge of the chase with a 100-run partnership for the second wicket, but both were out short of a ton.

A rain delay midway through the session saw the home side set a revised target, needing 275 runs from 48 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Steve Smith raced to his half-century to leave the hosts in a strong position, needing less than 30 off the final nine overs.

Smith fell before the end and George Bailey and Glenn Maxwell were both sent back to the pavilion quickly as the South African bowlers rallied.

Peterson picked up a couple of wickets, but renowned finisher James Faulkner hit the winning runs in the final over to secure the win by two wickets.