Friday saw South Africa tasting the nectar of success, when it grabbed on half centuries by Neil McKenzie and Jean-Paul Duminy and also by Albie Morkel, thus defeating Australia by three wickets in the opening ODI of the five-match series.

In order to scamper home with three deliveries to spare in a thrilling contest, South Africa survived a middle-order collapse while chasing 272 for victory.

Before Albie came up with a dazzling cameo, smashing 40 off just 18 balls with four fours and a six, the foundation for South Africa was set by Duminy (71) and McKenzie
(63).

An unshaken 51-run stand was shared by Albie for the eighth wicket with skipper Johan Botha (12) to seal the win.

Albie, whose team needed 38 off the last four overs, smashed Bracken for a big six.

Australia opted to bat earlier and was left to regret a slow start and careless bowling at the death in the see-saw battle.

With a 97-ball 79, Shaun Marsh top scored for the host, whereas the only notable contributions came from David Hussey's 50-ball 52 and skipper Ricky Ponting's 46.

Australia was 146 for three in 31 overs, since they had a very slow start.

Two wickets were taken Botha, Morne and Albie Morkel respectively as Australia finished at 271 for eight.