South Africa (AP)

South Africa defeated Australia in the fourth one-day international to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series yesterday on the back of a match winning performance from spinners Roelof van der Merwe and Johan Botha.

Australia's openers had got off to a flying start, putting on 129 for the first wicket as they attempted to chase down South Africa's imposing total of 317-6. But South Africa's spinners turned the match in the home side's favour before fast bowler Dale Steyn finished off the tail, claiming 4-44.

The Proteas eventually dismissed Australia for 256 with more than four overs to spare, wining by 61 runs.

Full of praise

South African captain Graeme Smith was full of praise for his spinners.

"Our spinners were superb again. Haddin batted particularly well, but the two-spinner option has worked well for us," Smith said. "The spinners just did the job through the middle period."

Australia started off in pursuit of their target with gusto, openers Brad Haddin (78) and Michael Clarke (50) adding 129 for the first wicket in 20.4 overs. First to go was Haddin, after hitting seven fours and four sixes in his 61-ball innings.

The successful bowler was Botha, who, although he took only 1-48, again slowed the Australian innings, in tandem with Van der Merwe. Botha was hit for 14 in his first over, and off his seventh ball he conceded a six to Haddin, with long-on fielder Wayne Parnell getting a hand to the ball before it hit the ropes. Three balls later Haddin hit to the same area, but this time was caught by Parnell.

Van der Merwe, who took 3-37 in the previous match in Cape Town, finished with 3-46 yesterday. His first victim was Clarke, bowled after facing 68 balls, and hitting four fours.