Steyn found prodigious reverse swing and used it to take 4 for 35 as Australia were reduced to 144 for eight, before Faulkner and Starc fought back to put up a more respectable total.
The South African quick made the early breakthrough when he had Phil Hughes brilliantly caught by AB de Villiers, who won the toss and elected to bowl, but his most significant contribution came when he swung the ball at pace to pick up three wickets in the middle period.
Brad Haddin was also trapped in front at the start of Steyn's next over, while Wayne Parnell and Morne Morkel struck to leave Australia seven down in the 38th over.
However Faulkner and Starc survived the onslaught and then began to hit out in the final seven overs, which brought Australia 58 runs.
Faulkner was eventually caught at long-on in the final over for 39, while Starc finished unbeaten on 29.