Heinrich Klaasen slammed 174 off 83 balls to lead a South African batting assault against Australia in the fourth one-day international at SuperSport Park on Friday.
Klaasen shared an extraordinary fifth wicket partnership of 222 off only 94 balls with David Miller (82 not out) as South Africa piled up 416 for five, their fifth-highest total in one-day internationals.
Klaasen struck 13 fours and 13 sixes before being caught on the boundary off the last ball of the innings.
A run spree of such magnitude did not seem likely as accurate Australian bowling and a slower than usual Centurion pitch saw South Africa make relatively sedate progress on a ground known for high scoring.
At the second drinks break, the total was 157 for three off 32 overs.
The acceleration started with a stand of 74 off 57 balls between Rassie van der Dussen (62) and Klaasen.
It went into over-drive when the left-handed Miller joined Klaasen and hit the second ball he faced, from leg-spinner Adam Zampa, for six.
Miller's 82 not out came from 45 balls and included five sixes and six fours.
Zampa was hammered for 113 runs off his 10 overs, Marcus Stoinis conceded 81 runs and Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Ellis went for 79 apiece.
It is a must-win game for South Africa, with Australia leading the five-match series 2-1.
Brief scores:
South Africa 416 for five in 50 overs (Q de Kock 45, H. van der Dussen 62, H. Klaasen 174, D. Miller 82 not out; J. Hazlewood 2-79)
Match situation: Australia need 417 runs to win
Toss: Australia