Seam bowler Sean Abbott made another telling contribution as Australia pushed for a clean sweep in the third and final Twenty20 international against South Africa at Kingsmead on Sunday.

Abbott took four for 31 as South Africa made 190 for eight after deciding to bat first.

What had threatened to be another mediocre South African batting performance was boosted by a hard-hitting 48 off 21 balls from newcomer Donovan Ferreira.

The powerfully built Ferreira hit five sixes before being run out in the last over.

Abbott followed up a player-of-the-match performance in the second match on Friday, when he took three for 22, with his career-best T20 international figures.

Abbott achieved the rare T20 feat of bowling a double wicket maiden when he dismissed Tristan Stubbs and Bjorn Fortuin without conceding a run in the 14th over.

Australia won the first two matches by 111 runs and eight wickets respectively.

Brief scores:

South Africa 190-8 in 20 overs (R. Hendricks 42, A. Markram 41, D. Ferreira 48; M. Stoinis 2-39, S. Abbott 4-31).

Match situation: Australia need 191 runs to win.

Toss: South Africa.