DURBAN: Brad Hodge's back-to-back sixes off Wayne Parnell proved decisive as Australia beat South Africa by five wickets in a Twenty20 international at Kingsmead that had been reduced to seven overs per side on Wednesday.

Australia went into the final over of a frenetic match requiring 15 runs to reach a target of 81, and achieved it with two deliveries to spare thanks to Hodge's lusty blows over deep midwicket.

The 39-year-old finished unbeaten on 21 from eight deliveries in his third match since returning to the Australian side after an eight-year absence.

The result put Australia 1-0 up in the three-match series with one game to play after the first clash was washed out.