Australia's Ryan Harris took the last two wickets as South Africa got within five overs of saving the third and deciding cricket test, and the series, in Cape Town, on a dramatic day in which a third umpire decision came close to deciding the outcome of the match.
South Africa were bowled out for 265 as Australia won the series-deciding third test by 245 runs at Newlands on Wednesday, leaving their captain Graeme Smith to retire from international cricket with a defeat.
Vernon Philander was holding the fort on 51 after surviving a controversial moment with 16 overs remaining that left Australia seething when the third umpire Richard Illingworth overturned a decision against him.
The Proteas looked as though they would escape with a draw as they got within five overs of safety, but Ryan Harris skittled t Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel in quick succession to seal the series 2-1.
It's the Proteas' first test series loss since the 2008/9 season.
