Australia level series

In an eerily similar situation to Friday night, the Proteas - chasing 250 to take a 2-0 series lead - required 60 runs from their final six overs when they initiated their batting powerplay.

But Mark Boucher, with 37 not out, and Albie Morkel, the South African hero from the MCG, nearly pulled off the impossible with an unbeaten whirlwind stand of 39 off only 19 balls.

With 41 required from the final three overs, they struck 15 and nine off the next two, bowled by Ben Hilfenhaus and Nathan Bracken, leaving an unlikely 17 off the final over to pinch victory.

Seven runs were still needed from the final two balls after Boucher slogged Hilfenhaus over mid-wicket for six but the Tasmanian paceman held his nerve on the final two balls.

After Australia reached 249 for nine on the back of half-centuries from Ricky Ponting and man of the match Shaun Marsh, the Proteas were on track for another against-the-odds victory thanks to a 93-run stand between Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers.

A 135-run stand off 145 balls between Marsh and Ponting, who both made half-centuries, formed the nucleus of Australia's innings but their departures within minutes of each other saw the run-rate head south rather than north.

The hosts could garner only 92 runs in their final 20 overs - a period when most sides aim to double their score.