Unbeaten half-centuries from Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers helped South Africa record a seven-wicket victory over England at Trent Bridge to draw the five-match series 2-2.
The hosts had earlier been bowled out for 182 in batting-friendly conditions, with captain Alastair Cook top-scoring with 52.
Wicket-keeper Craig Kieswetter and Chris Woakes both made 33 as England limped to a below-par score after the majority of the top order fell cheaply.
Excellent new-ball bowling from James Anderson and Jade Dernbach gave England real hope as they reduced South Africa to 14-3 early on.
Dernbach had Graeme Smith caught behind for just one before Anderson dismissed Francois Du Plessis and Dean Elgar in the same fashion.
However, in-form Amla (97 not out) and captain De Villiers (75 not out) put on a match-winning stand of 172 to see the visitors home with more than 15 overs to spare.
The result means that the series finishes tied, while England maintain their number-one ranking ahead of their opponents.