Wayne Parnell delivered the first blow as he dismissed David Warner while the left-hander failed to clear the in-field and was caught at extra cover in the 10th over.

Quinton de Kock destroyed Australian bowlers on a wicket where the ball was coming on easily to the bat. He recorded his highest ODI score - 178, a 113-ball knock which included 16 boundaries and 11 sixes.

Australia got off to a strong start after being put into bat. Aaron Finch (above) and David Warner put on 64 runs off 9.3 overs for the first wicket.

Imran Tahir rubbed a bit of salt to Australia's wounds by tricking Travis Head with a googly. The left-hander was out stumped before the legspinner went on a celebratory run.

Andile Phehlukwayo, playing his second international match, helped seize the control of the contest with a double blow in the 16th over. He dismissed Aaron Finch and Steve Smith in the space of four balls.

George Bailey consolidated Australia's innings even as wickets continued to fall from the other end. He notched up a 90-ball 74.

Rilee Rossouw struck a fine half century as he put on a strong 145-run stand for the opening wicket with Quinton de Kock.

Andile Phehlukwayo finished with four wickets for 44 runs off his 10 overs. John Hastings (R) helped Australia recover with a half century. He added 79 runs with George Bailey for the ninth wicket as the visitors posted 294 for 9 in 50 overs.

South Africa lost three wickets late in the innings. However, that didn't hurt their charge to a comfortable six-wicket win. The hosts now lead the five-match ODI series 1-0.