Mike Hussey, who's had a miserable time of it this summer, roared back to form at a packed Kingsmead here on Friday, striking a superb unbeaten 83 to lead Australia to a potent total of 286.
If South Africa were to win, they would have had to reach a record total batting second under lights in Durban. The previous best chase was achieved by Australia in 2001/2 when they scored 271-2. But the pitch is so flat and easy-paced that, with a little luck and clinical batting, the hosts must have had a fighting chance of success.
The Proteas made a poor start in their reply, with Hashim Amla edging Nathan Brackan to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. It was a curious dismissal as nobody really appealed, but Amla took it upon himself to walk, to the surprise of his opponents.
Smith was then joined by his usual limited-overs partner, Herschelle Gibbs, and the two quickly got into their stride, raising their 50 partnership at a run a ball. At 89-1 in just 15 overs, the match was poised for a grandstand finish.
Ricky Ponting rarely loses a toss these days, and he called correctly again yesterday, opting to take first strike.
The match started on time after drizzle had fallen during the morning, but around midday the sky began clearing from the sea and it was soon apparent that conditions for batting were excellent with no swing or seam movement available to the pace bowlers.
The Proteas made a deceptively good start with Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn showing good discipline in their opening bursts. Ntini made the all-important early breakthrough with his third ball when he enticed Michael Clarke into driving loosely at one just outside the off stump, the resultant edge providing a catch at second slip for JP Duminy.
But the arrival of Ponting signalled an almost immediate acceleration by the Australians as he and opener Brad Haddin got stuck into the Proteas' bowlers. Albie Morkel, in particular, looked out of sorts, going for 17 in his second over, including a straight-driven six by Haddin from a free hit following a no ball. The two had added an untroubled 77 in 81 balls when, out of the blue, Ponting mistimed a drive off Morné Morkel, the ball ending up in the hands of his brother at deep mid-on.
The Australians seemed unbothered by the loss, and were even able to overcome two silly runouts in which David Hussey and Brad Haddin were the victims of bizarre misunderstandings.
But from a tentative 115-4, the Australian innings quickly regained its momentum, thanks to an increasingly authoritative Michael Hussey.
He shared partnerships of 53 with Callum Ferguson, 67 with James Hopes and 43 in 22 balls with Nathan Hauritz. This culminated in a 18-run final over off Ntini that included a huge six from Hussey into Castle Corner.