JOHANNESBURG, SA (Reuters) - All rounder Jacques Kallis earned Brian Lara's praise after South Africa snatched victory in the last over of their fifth one-day international against West Indies on Wednesday.
Kallis top-scored with 139 in a South Africa total of 310 for six as the home side, who had led 2-1 going in the final match, won by four wickets with two balls to spare.
``He was awesome,'' West Indies captain Lara told reporters. ``When he got out I went up to him and told him it was the greatest batting in a series I've ever experienced, for or against.''
Kallis scored 1 073 runs at an average of 179 with six centuries in 11 innings in the four-Test matches and five one-day internationals the two teams contested during the series.
West Indies, after winning the toss, had piled on an impressive 304 for two in their 50 overs, left-handed opener Chris Gayle hammering 152 not out at a run-a-ball.
However, South Africa completed their highest successful run chase in one-dayers, surpassing the 293 they overhauled against West Indies in Lahore in 1997-98.
Kallis led the way for the hosts with his career-best knock, scored off 142 balls with 11 fours and three sixes. He was last man out in the 49th over.
He shared a 102 second-wicket stand with his captain Graeme Smith, who scored 58, and also added 90 for the fourth wicket with Jacques Rudolph, who made 35.
``Jacques was amazing, electrifying,'' Smith said.
``We needed someone to bat through and he was the man to do it.''