CENTURION: Quinton de Kock slammed 178 and the second-highest score by a South African in one-day internationals to help beat top-ranked Australia by six wickets in the first of five ODIs on Friday.

Opener De Kock's 11th ODI century was the best innings by a South African against Australia in the 50-over format and second-best ever for the Proteas behind Gary Kirsten's 188 not out against United Arab Emirates at the 1996 Cricket World Cup.

De Kock crunched 11 sixes along with 16 fours to send South Africa to 295-4 at SuperSport Park, overtaking Australia's 294-9 with more than 13 overs to spare.

De Kock's match-winning performance followed new fast bowler Andile Phehlukwayo's 4-44, which reined in a fast-starting Australian batting lineup. George Bailey top-scored for Australia with 74.