Miller, du Plessis plunder tons as South Africa beat Australia

Hobart, Australia: David Miller and Faf du Plessis plundered big-hitting centuries in a batting masterclass as South Africa beat Australia by 40 runs to win their one-day series and inflict another defeat on Justin Langer''s misfiring side.

The pair shared in a 252-run stand to power the Proteas to 320-5 in the third and final match in Hobart -- a record fourth wicket partnership by South Africa against the hosts in Australia.

They came together at 55-3 in the 16th over with Miller swatting 139 for his fifth limited-overs century and skipper du Plessis smashing 125 -- his 10th one-day ton.

A composed Shaun Marsh cracked a fighting 106 in the run chase, ably supported by Marcus Stoinis (63) and Alex Carey (42) -- an improvement on recent batting displays but still not good enough.

Pace spearheads Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn both took three wickets in controlled and disciplined spells.

The victory handed South Africa their first ODI series win in Australia since 2009 and left Australia with plenty to ponder ahead of India''s arrival this month for a three-format tour.

"I thought we played our best game of cricket (of the tour)," said du Plessis after clinching the series 2-1. "We challenged ourselves to put in a performance.

From a batting point of view we were good, but from a bowling point of view we were excellent.

" Australian captain Aaron Finch praised the partnership between Marsh and Stoinis, but admitted the South African attack was too hot to handle.

"They bowled exceptionally well at the end, credit to them in the last 10 overs," he said.

"After 35 overs we were in a great position but they took it away at the end.

" Both sides opted for unchanged line-ups after Australia snapped a seven-game losing streak to clinch the second match in Adelaide on Friday by seven runs.

South Africa easily won the first in Perth by six wickets.