Albie Morkel came to the party late but provided the fireworks that guided South Africa [Images] to a three-wicket victory over Australia [Images] in the third one-day international at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.

The 27-year-old all-rounder, who went for 47 runs from seven overs without any reward earlier in the day, scored 40 off 22 balls as South Africa, chasing Australia's total 269 all out in 49.2 overs, finished on 270 for 7 with 21 balls to spare.

He was deservedly named man of the match.

Opener Herschelle Gibbs [Images] top-scored for the Proteas with 64 from 52 balls and Jacques Kallis [Images] got 60 off 72.

Earlier, Australia made a bright start -- rookie David Warner scoring 69 from 60 balls and Shaun Marsh [Images] chipping in with 43 from 63 deliveries -- they were undone by a middle-order collapse and some tight bowling from the visitors.

Friday's victory puts South Africa 2-1 up in the five-match series.