DURBAN, South Africa: Pakistan's fast bowlers struck early and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal ended a promising fightback by South Africa in the fourth one-day international at Kingsmead on Thursday.

South Africa, leading the five-match series 2-1, struggled to 234 for nine in their 50 overs, despite fourth wicket stand of 115 between captain AB de Villiers (75) and David Miller (67).

South Africa's troubles started early when the tall left-armer Mohammad Irfan took wickets with the first two balls of the match. He had Hashim Amla caught behind, then bowled Colin Ingram with a yorker.

Fellow left-armer Junaid Khan followed up with the wickets of Graeme Smith and Farhaan Behardien as South Africa slumped to 38 for four after winning the toss.

De Villiers and Miller gave the home side hope of making a good total before Miller missed a sweep against Ajmal and was out after a career-best innings.

Miller's 67 was scored off 77 balls and he hit seven fours. His dismissal came nine balls before the batting power play and South Africa's hopes plummeted when De Villiers was caught behind when he was adjudged to have gloved a sweep against Ajmal after making 75 off 108 balls with five fours.

The off-spinner had Ryan McLaren caught in the deep as the power play yielded just 17 runs for the loss of two wickets.

Ajmal took three for 42 in ten overs, while Irfan claimed three for 46 in nine and Junaid took three for 45 in nine. - AFP

• Please wait.

• O'Gara retires to take up coaching role
• Shields up to push claim for higher honours
• Dane Hoyer Larsen elected BWF president
• Crusaders slap down upstart Blues in soggy Christchurch
• Cycling: Leader Van Garderen wins California time trial
• Golf: Keegan Bradley maintains Byron Nelson lead
• Golf: Korda seizes lead at Mobile Bay LPGA
• Bradley stays in charge, Guan exits
• Hall of Famer Venturi dies aged 82
• Formula One: Increased venom as F1 tyre war erupts again