Aussies snap losing streak

Australia skipper Aaron Finch praised his "outstanding" bowlers Friday after they snapped a seven-game losing streak by beating South Africa, boosting their confidence while keeping the ODI series alive.

Set 232 to win, the Proteas could only get 224-9 in their 50 overs, leaving the series tied at 1-1 with the decider on Sunday.

"The way we defended was outstanding, The bowlers were relentless," said Finch. "I'm not sure if it's relief, but justification for some hard work.

"We held our chances and it went our way. We knew we had to bowl them out, or go close to it."

SCORES IN BRIEF

AUSTRALIA: 231 in 48.3 overs (Lynn 44, Carey 47; Rabada 4-54, Pretorius 3-32)

SOUTH AFRICA: 224 for 9 (Miller 51; Hazlewood 2-42, Starc 2-51, Stoinis 3-35)

Result: Australia won by 7 runs and level the series 1-1.

Player-of-the-match: A Finch.