Victorious Australia recover number two ranking

Australia recovered their world number two ranking with a happy 47-run win over South Africa in the 5th one-day international at the Wanderers Stadium.

Australia took lead of being given first use of an excellent batting pitch by South African skipper Smith, making 303/7 despite a mid-innings stumble.

Even with a second wicket stand of 104 b/w Gibbs and Jacques Kallis, South Africa fell steadily behind the asking rate and wickets fell at normal intervals after Gibbs was out for 82.

The series win destined that South Africa keeps their world number one ranking. Australia for a moment slipped to third behind India after losing the fourth match in Port Elizabeth on Monday but come backed to the number two spot with their consolation win.

South Africa won the series 3-2 following a 4-1 series win in Australia earlier in the series.

The two teams shared the honors in two Test series, with South Africa winning 2-1 in Australia and the Australians overturn the result in South Africa.

"It's a good way to finish," said Australian skipper Ricky Ponting.

"We were pretty dissatisfied with the way we played over the last few games so to bounce back today is a good thing for the group. It's been a really tough few months of cricket."

Smith said he was happy with the overall results.

"It's been a terrific summer for South African cricket," he said.