Port Elizabeth, March 5:

Australia kept the one-day series alive with a 24-run win over South Africa here today. Set 255 to win, South Africa were all out for 230 in the 48th over in the third match of the five-match series.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who returned after missing the first two games, top-scored with 62. Shaun Pollock hit 69 for South Africa but his knock was in vain as Brett Lee took 4-47.

It was a must-win match for Australia, who notched up 254-6 in 50 overs, thanks largely to Ponting, Damien Martyn (51) and Simon Katich (49). Pollock picked 2-45. South Africa always seem to be behind what was required although with AB de Villiers (68) and Pollock at the crease victory looked as though it was still possible.

They put on 119 for the sixth wicket before Pollock was bowled by Shane Watson and De Villiers fell four runs later to Michael Clarke.

Roger Telemachus’ 13-ball 28 gave South Africa a hope but he was last man out, lbw to Nathan Bracken.