At Centurion, January 14. South Africa won by seven wickets. Toss: England.

Kirsten's century, the only one of the series, ensured a comfortable win for South Africa after England failed to exploit an excellent start. With Atherton resting, stand-in captain Stewart and Robin Smith opened with 103 in 23 overs, which should have set up a massive total. But both failed to go on, and, with the middle order well shackled by Pollock and Symcox, it took a remarkable 19-ball innings from Russell, with six fours, to achieve a competitive 272. Openers Kirsten and Hudson responded with 156 in 29 overs, a South African all-wicket record against England; Kirsten, who passed 1,000 runs in his 32nd one-day international, hit 11 fours in 125 balls. Cronje, with two sixes and three fours in 46 balls, made sure of the win against an attack now looking distinctly jaded – though Thorpe had his revenge for the Cape Town run-out when he caught him on the boundary, and suggested to the umpire, who thought it was six, that he consult the TV replay. Surprisingly, he was not fined.

Man of the Match: G. Kirsten. Attendance: 15,900.

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