Gary Kirsten marked his comeback with his 13th one-day century as South Africa wrapped up the series with an emphatic victory.

The veteran left-hander, recalled in place of Graeme Smith, staked his claim for a place in the World Cup squad with an unbeaten 102.

He punched the air in delight after reaching three figures by hammering a short ball through mid-wicket for four.

I was desperate to play in the World Cup - I knew it was up to me to perform Gary Kirsten

Kirsten was well supported by Herschelle Gibbs (52) and Boeta Dippenaar (47 not out) as South Africa reached a modest target with eight overs to spare.

They now lead the series 3-1, with one game left in Cape Town on Wednesday, the venue for next February's World Cup opener against West Indies.

Pakistan were without all-rounder Wasim Akram because of a bruised hand and chose to experiment with their batting line-up by sending wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal in first.

Akmal played positively to make 31 from 38 balls, but Yousuf Youhana was the only batsman to pass 50 and they were unable to survive their entire 50-overs allocation.

Akmal and Salim Elahi shared a stand of 54 for the first wicket but it took them 11 overs and came to an end when Akmal played across the line and was bowled by Ntini.

Mark Boucher claimed his 200th one-day dismissal

Abdur Razzaq fell lbw to Allan Donald three overs later and Elahi was trapped in front by Kallis for 26 before Youhana and Inzamam-ul-Haq rebuilt the innings with a partnership worth 62.

Inzamam was lbw to Peterson for 34 and Pakistan then slumped from 166 for four to 196 for eight, with Afridi bowled for nought and Youhana run out by Jonty Rhodes after making 61 off 71 balls.

Kirsten was lucky to survive a confident lbw shout by Pakistan skipper Waqar Younis early in South Africa's reply.

But he was in control thereafter and the total reached 111 before the tourists achieved their sole success when Gibbs was bowled through the gate by Razzaq.

Dippenaar proved to be an equalling willing ally for Kirsten and his innings also went a long way towards securing a World Cup spot.

South Africa: Herschelle Gibbs, Gary Kirsten, Jacques Kallis, Jonty Rhodes, Boeta Dippenaar, Mark Boucher, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock (captain), Robin Peterson, Allan Donald, Makhaya Ntini.

Pakistan: Shahid Afridi, Salim Elahi, Yousuf Youhana, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Faisal Iqbal, Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Saqlain Mushtaq, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar.