Despite the series being over, after Australia’s three wicket win on Friday, both teams have plenty to play for in this final match of the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Join The Roar for a live blog of the final one day match from 2:20pm (AEDT).
With the World Cup just around the corner, this is the last match for South Africa in Australia before the tournament begins.
The Proteas play one match in Sydney during the tournament as they take on the West Indies on February 27 during the group stage.
Today’s match provides the perfect preparation for that encounter in the Cup. It will also be a chance to bounce back after losing the game on Friday that they should have won.
At one stage the Proteas had Australia at 5/98 in the match after making 267 in their innings. Australia would then score 2 for 170 in the last 25 overs to win the match.
A combination of good Australian batting, and poor field placings from the South Africans, cost them the match.
They will be looking to respond today and end the tour on a high note. On the other hand, Australia also has plenty to play for, despite winning the series on Friday.
A win today, and a 4-1 series victory, would replace India at the top of the ICC One Day rankings on Monday.
It would be the perfect way to lead into a series involving that nation next month. The Aussies will also be playing for momentum over South Africa heading into next year’s World Cup.
To beat the Proteas 4-1 in the series would give them plenty of confidence if they meet South Africa again in the latter stages of the Cup next year.
Heading into the final match of the series, both teams will make changes, as they have done throughout the season.
From match thee to four of the series, both teams made four changes, as each team rested players. Expect the same today.
For Australia, they will have one eye towards the opening test against India on December 4. Shane Watson, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Steve Smith and David Warner could all be rested as they all prepare to potentially play for Australia in that test.
Some might still play but it will be interesting to see what the selectors decide for the final match.
One person who is missing for the match is Nathan Coulter-Nile.
The Western Australian injured his hamstring in the last match and will miss today’s clash.
South Africa will also make changes today. Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, who missed on Friday, are expected to return for the final match of the series.
This could create a rest opportunity for Dale Steyn, who has played all four matches for the Proteas in this series.
South Africa could also make changes to the middle order which again failed to fire on Friday. Rilee Rossouw could play again after missing game four on Friday.
There is also a doubt over AB De Villiers after he injured his ribs while fielding on Friday. He is expected to play but he could also be rested as South Africa prepare for their home series against the West Indies.
Today’s match is the 13th between the two at the SCG. Australia holds the advantage winning 8 of the 12 matches so far.
In the last match played between the two at the SCG, South Africa won by 3 wickets.
South Africa will be hoping to repeat that performance today by bowling better in the final ten overs and getting more runs from their middle order.
Australia on the other hand will be hoping to continue their form from the last two games. They will also be hoping for Steve Smith to continue his form as well.
Despite the series being over, it promises to be another closely fought match, as both teams chase an important victory.
Join The Roar for live score and commentary from the final one dayer off the series.
Armchair Expert
Guest
That was a good game of cricket but that dead ball call on the overturned lbw when it cost SA 4 leg byes was a joke, it probably didn't make a difference to the final result but if it happens in a tight world cup final and costs a team victory there'll be hell to pay.
Matt
Guest
He was the established player, it's his job to stay in and not play rash shots. Him getting out then made 2 new batsmen at the crease with not many balls left. It was stupid batting, especially given he struggles to hit sixes anyway. If he wants to know how it ends being a show pony he only has to watch Maxwell at the other end getting out every innings trying to smack good balls for 6.
Dylan
Guest
Surely maxwell cant be selected after this series. His batting his been absolutely terrible. The only way he could fit in is as a spinner with his batting being a bonus.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Bit harsh on Smith. It's amazing how Smith and Faulkner started off outta the team and both ended up playing key roles in the series and surely need to be amongst the first selected.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
That is all from me tonight. Thank you for joining me in the coverage this afternoon and tonight. Australia win the match but only just... I'll be back in about an hour for the final race of the Formula One championship. I'll be trying to pump as much coffee into my system before the race. I hope you join me for a big finale at Abu Dhabi. Until next time it is bye for now.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
FINAL WRAP - Australia win the final game of the series with a 2 wicket win over South Africa. How do you describe what happened? Well that is tough. Australia were cruising in the run chase until the 41st over. When Maxwell went, so did the run chase for almost 4 overs. Australia lost 5 for 21 to almost throw away the game. Faulkner saved the day in the end but it was Watson, Finch and Smith who won the game for Australia. They put the chase into cruise control which allowed Australia to have that sort of collapse and win the game. As for South Africa? They have plenty of soul searching as they return home. The fielding was poor, the bowling was inconsistent, and the middle order in the first four games failed to fire. Tonight it was all about the fielding and bowling. They should have had three run outs. They also should have had Smith out clean bowled but no balls cost them. That cost them the match tonight. It is a shame too because De Kock - with a wonderful century - and Behardien - with 63 - gave the Proteas a perfect chance to end the series on a high. Now they will be licking their wounds heading into a World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next year. As for Australia they will be happy. They have the number 1 ranking, the defeated a qualify opponent, and gained plenty of confidence heading into a summer of tests against India. It was a fantastic series between the two teams. Bring on the test series starting on December 4.
Matt
Guest
Some good batting. He needs to mature quickly though, that's two games in a row he was paired with a fresh batsman and went for an unnecessary 6 (after not hitting any 6's the entire innings) and got out when all he needed to do was play it safe and Australia win comfortably. Brain explosions. Needs to take finishing tips from Hussey not Warne. Maxwell, Bailey, Wade under pressure. Wonder where Marsh fits in (instead of Maxwell?), Faulkner is surely the first all-rounders selected. Struggling to fit everyone into just 1 team is a good problem to have though.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Steve Smith is player of the series. His last three games helped Australia to win the series.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
SCOREBOARD - AUSTRALIA Warner - ct Peterson bowled Parnell - 21 Finch - ct Rossouw bowled Peterson - 76 Watson - ct Rossouw bowled Morkel - 82 Smith - ct Rossouw bowled Peterson - 67 Maxwell - ct Behardien bowled Morkel - 7 Bailey - ct Rossouw bowled Abbott - 4 Wade - bowled Peterson - 3 Faulkner - NOT OUT - 6 Cummins - bowled Peterson - 0 Starc - NOT OUT - 1 Extras - 8 (4 wides, 4 no balls) 8/275 BOWLING Morkel 10 0 69 2 Abbott 10 0 59 1 Parnell 9 0 54 1 McLaren 7 041 0 Peterson 6.1 1 32 4 Behardien 5 0 20 0
Brains of a bimbo (Atgm)
Guest
Aussies tried hard to choke. But SA proved they are still the king.
Anthony Condon
Guest
Steve Smith player of the series, who didn't pick him for game 1?
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
Man of the Match - Quentin De Kock. His 100 gave South Africa a good total. It was almost enough to win.
jamesb
Guest
Australia wins, but geez, they have made a mountain out of a molehill.
ajay
Guest
and this why you can't drop faulkner get rid of bailey and maxwell otherwise we will loose wc
Matt
Guest
Faulkner has surely cemented his place in the WC team, 2 games in a row now he's brought it home under pressure.
Tom from Perth
Roar Rookie
Faulkner is safe as houses. He must play in the WC finals.
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
47.1/48 GAME OVER!!!! Faulkner sweeps the ball for four runs and Australia win by two wickets. Repeat after me - BREATHE. Australia got away with that one. Aus 8/275 They also take the number 1 ranking and win the series 4-1.
Brains of a bimbo (Atgm)
Guest
Four please!!!
Anthony Condon
Guest
Looks like Star has changed his name at some point this innings :P (his jumper says Star for those who haven't noticed)
Shane Jones
Roar Guru
47/48 A dot ball finishes the over. Aus 8/271 Starc 1* Faulkner 2* Australia need 4 runs. Peterson will bowl again.