Harare: Dale Steyn ripped the heart out of Australia’s batting and Faf du Plessis came within a whisker of yet another century as South Africa cruised to a six-wicket victory to clinch the triangular series here on Saturday.

Steyn swung the ball at considerable pace to rip out three quick wickets and record figures of four for 35 as Australia were limited to 217 for nine.

Du Plessis then fell four runs short of what would have been his fourth hundred of the series as the Proteas chased down their target with 55 balls to spare in front of a packed Harare Sports Club.

Although Du Plessis was the obvious Man of the Series for his 464 runs in five innings, Steyn was the clear Man of the Match. The South African quick made the early breakthrough when he had Phil Hughes brilliantly caught by AB de Villiers, but his most significant contribution came when he swung the ball at pace to pick up three wickets in the middle period.

“I think they bowled very, very well,” Australia captain George Bailey said. “It’s actually easier to swallow when you can say that you were outplayed. “I thought they bowled really tight and made it hard for us to score early, and then once they got the ball reversing, Dale Steyn was able to show his class.”

Steyn bowled top scorer Aaron Finch for 54 with a vicious in-dipper, then repeated the delivery to trap Glenn Maxwell leg before.

Brad Haddin was also trapped in front at the start of Steyn’s next over, and with Wayne Parnell and Morne Morkel also striking Australia were reduced to 144 for eight in the 38th over. (Agencies)