AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla eased South Africa to their most convincing win of the tour as they clinched the one-day international series 3-1 with victory by eight wickets with 71 balls remaining in the fourth match in Adelaide on Monday.
De Villiers scored a run-a-ball 82 not out, while Amla cruised to a slightly more sedate 80 not out as South Africa passed their target of 223 in the 39th over, a magnificent comeback in the field limiting Australia to 222 all out after they had won the toss and batted first in perfect conditions.
South Africa found themselves in a sticky situation when Australia raced to 109 for two after 19 overs, but captain Johan Botha once again inspired the turnaround with his calm leadership and another superb spell of bowling.
Botha trapped Michael Hussey leg-before for 28 and a dangerous Ricky Ponting fell in the next over for 63 when he drove a Makhaya Ntini slower ball to Neil McKenzie at short cover.
The Australian middle-order were unable to ease the singles off Botha they needed to keep the momentum going and the home side lost their last eight wickets for 112 runs in 31 overs. Dale Steyn and Ntini took three wickets each, while Botha had outstanding figures of two for 28 in 10 overs.
If there were any thoughts that 223 might be a testing run-chase after all, they were quickly dispelled by Herschelle Gibbs and Amla.
Gibbs was in such commanding form as he raced to 38 off 29 balls that he looked as if he could do it all on his own.
The early barrage meant South Africa raced to 100 for two in 15 overs, with Amla and De Villiers extending their partnership to 144 in 26 overs.
By the end, the unflappable Amla and De Villiers, who drove the bowlers to distraction by walking outside off stump, had pummelled Australia into submission. And, on top of it all, on Australia Day, the biggest celebration of jingoistic national pride there is.
The margin of victory neatly reflected how much more clinical, professional and skilful South Africa have been in the limited-overs series.