Cape Town - Led by a fine 97* (62 balls) by Hashim Amla, the Proteas posted 178 for 4 in the third T20 international against Australia at PPC Newlands.
LIVE: Proteas v Australia - 3rd T20 International - PPC Newlands
After captain Faf du Plessis had won the toss and opted to bat, Proteas openers, Amla and Quinton de Kock took the attack to the visitors with De Kock leading the charge.
The pair put on 47 for the first wicket in just 4.1 overs before De Kock fell for 25 (13 balls), slicing a Nathan Coulter-Nile deliver to third man to be caught by John Hastings.
Faf du Plessis (4) soon followed with the recalled Rilee Rossouw replacing him.
Rossouw however, struggled to get going, eventually departing for 16 (21 balls) as Australia clawed their way back into the match with some disciplined bowling.
Adam Zampa, the young leg spinner, was particularly impressive, finishing with 0/23 in his four overs.
Amla was joined by David Miller and the pair accelerated impressively, putting on 50 for the fourth wicket in just 29 balls.
Miller fell for 30 (16 balls) in the final over with Amla hitting the final delivery over the ropes to end agonisingly close to a century.
Scores
Proteas
178/4
Amla 97* (62 balls, 8x4, 4x6)
Miller 30 (16 balls, 2x4, 2x6)
De Kock 25 (13 balls, 4x4, 1x6)
Coulter-Nile 2/36 in 4 overs
Faulkner 1/42 in 4 overs
Zampa 0/23 in 4 overs.