AUSTRALIA held their nerve in the field in Johannesburg yesterday to win a tense one-day international against South Africa by eight runs.

Replying to Australia's 258 for seven, the home side could only manage 250 for eight in their 50 overs. Australia now hold a 3-2 lead in the seven-match series with the remaining games being played in Pretoria tomorrow and Bloemfontein on Sunday.

South Africa suffered a top order collapse that saw them reeling at 31 for three, but a fourth wicket century stand between Daryll Cullinan, who made 53, and Jacques Kallis, 55, put them back in contention.

Australia's score was built around a career-best 89 in 114 balls from Tasmanian left-hander Michael Divenuto. He put on 93 for the first wicket with Greg Blewett, whose 36 was the second highest score.

Michael Bevan weighed in with 32 from 35 balls and there was a sparkling 26 in 17 from Adam Gilchrist but the 258 total looked within reach of the hosts.