At Durban, January 17 (day/night). South Africa won by five wickets. Toss: South Africa.

South Africa secured the series with two matches in hand, producing a superbly disciplined all-round display. In humid, overcast conditions, Donald's burst of four for 19 in 27 balls unhinged England's top order and, although Thorpe once again played fluently during a 74-ball half-century, the home side's attack, including de Villers – recalled after a long-term hamstring injury – allowed just 12 boundaries in the innings and only 38 runs from the last 9.5 overs. Cork gave England a glimmer of hope, at nine for two, but they were made to pay for dropping both Cronje (three times) and Kallis, as the pair responded with a third-wicket stand of 118. Kallis recorded his first fifty at international level.

Man of the Match: A. A. Donald. Attendance: 23,300.

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