Gibbs inspires South African victory

A fine century from Herschelle Gibbs led South Africa to a comfortable 61-run victory over Australia in the fourth one-day international in Port Elizabeth and an unassailable 3-1 series lead.

Dale Steyn was the star with the ball, claiming four for 44, and was given good support by the spinners as the visitors were dismissed for 256 in pursuit of 318.

Brad Haddin, Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting all made half-centuries, but it was not enough as they fell well short.

The Australians began their chase promisingly with a 129-run opening partnership in just over 20 overs, before the introduction of spin changed the game.

Johan Botha (one for 48) was first to strike, ending Haddin's 61-ball 78 when he had the wicketkeeper caught at long-on by Wayne Parnell. Roelof van der Merwe (three for 46) then claimed a triple blow by removing Clarke (50), Callum Ferguson (three) and Michael Hussey (two) to leave the visitors limping at 151 for four.

David Hussey and Ponting tried to rescue the situation, putting on 37 before the former also perished, this time caught and bowled by Steyn for 20.

The Australian skipper decided to take the batting powerplay in the 41st over and his decision initially looked like a good one as he plundered Steyn for four boundaries, whilst also raising his half-century in 66 balls.

But he went for one shot too many off the final delivery and was caught by Albie Morkel at mid-wicket for 53.

With Ponting went Australia's last chance of winning and only Mitchell Johnson and James Hopes (31) briefly threatened before South Africa dismissed their opponents in 45.5 overs.

Earlier, Gibbs made 110 and together with AB de Villiers (84) helped the Proteas tear into the visitors' bowling after Ponting had won the toss and elected to field first.