Steve Smith has made a century in his first appearance as Australian one day international captain to help guide his team to victory against England and a guaranteed place in the tri-series final.

Australia posted a three-wicket win in Hobart on Friday after chasing down a target of 304.

Smith finished unbeaten with 102 off 95 balls after a solid innings including six boundaries and a six.

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His 100 came off 93 deliveries.

Smith is the first Australian to score a hundred in his debut innings as captain in both Tests and ODIs.

The 25-year old was called on to skipper Australia while George Bailey served a one-match ban for his team’s slow over rate against India on Sunday.

With 10 overs remaining on Friday, Australia needed 73 runs from 60 balls and Smith paired with playmaker Brad Haddin (42 off 29) to reel in the total.

Haddin produced an entertaining display, blasting a string of boundaries and a six and after his dismissal Australia needed just six runs from 13 balls.

They reached the target with one ball to spare.

Moeen Ali was the pick of England’s bowlers, finishing with 2-50, including the wickets of opener Aaron Finch (32 off 32) and Glenn Maxwell (37 off 38).

Chris Woakes finished with 2-56 including the wickets of Haddin and James Faulkner (35 off 43).

During England’s innings opener Ian Bell contributed a hearty 141 off 125, his highest ODI score, to guide his side to 8-303.

Fresh from his unbeaten 88 off 91 against India at the Gabba on Tuesday, Bell set an impressive pace for the visitors until he fell to the bowling of Gurinder Sandhu (2-49) in the 42nd over.

In a desperate scramble for late runs England lost three wickets in their final over.

Mitchell Starc (1-60) bowled Ravi Bopara (seven off 16) before keeper Brad Haddin ran out Jos Buttler (25 off 24) and Chris Woakes (nil off one).

After three matches, Australia is the clear competition leader and with Friday’s victory have secured a place in the February 1 final.

Australia expect to welcome back David Warner, Mitch Marsh and suspended skipper Bailey to face India on Monday at the SCG.

– AAP