Sydney, January 23:

South Africa sealed a three-wicket win for a 2-1 lead in the five-match one-day series against Australia.

David Warner gave Australia a superb start, with six fours and two sixes in 69 from 60 balls, sharing 114 inside 19 overs with opening partner Shaun Marsh. But Herschelle Gibbs also gave South Africa a flier as they replied to 269, with 10 fours and a six in his 64.

The tourists stuttered but Albie Morkel hit 40 off 22 balls with six fours and a six and they won with 21 balls left. Vicitory looked unlikely after Warner got quickly into his stride. In the fifth over of the match he dispatched Dale Steyn for two fours and a six. The final five overs saw the final five wickets fall for 30, with four balls unused.

Kallis, who passed 10,000 ODI runs during his half-century, provided a useful foil as Gibbs began to play some stunning strokes. Three wickets fell for 23 in seven overs, before Mark Boucher (31 not out) rebuilt the innings.