Watson, Smith power Aussies to T20 series win against Proteas

Shane Watson and Steve Smith produced a brilliant batting display as Australia subdued South Africa by six wickets in the third and the final T20 to seal the three-match series 2-1 at PPC Newlands in Capetown.

Chasing a target of 179, Australian openers Usman Khawaja (32 off just 25 balls) and Watson (42 off just 27 balls) shared a brisk 76-run partnership and put the home side under pressure.

After their fallout, Smith and Warner steadied the innings by smashing 44 and 33 respectively before the former got dismissed while attempting a suicidal second run, Sport24 reported.

Glenn Maxwell (unbeaten at 19) and Mitchell Marsh (unbeaten at 4) also provided substantial support to power their side to 181-4 with four balls to spare.

For South Africa, Imran Tahir was the lone bowler to give his side with some hope as he grabbed two wickets.

Earlier, former skipper Hashim Amla thumbed a quick-fire 97 runs to help his side reach 178 runs in their full quota of 20 overs.

Amla and Quinton de Kock were quick to take the attack to the visitors as they stitched 47-run partnership for the first wicket in just 4.1 overs.

Australia will now head into their World T20 campaign where they will play their opening match against New Zealand in Nagpur on March 18.