Only 27.4 overs were possible, although that was sufficient time for South Africa to impress through a dashing unbeaten 92 off 76 balls by Quinton de Kock, who struck 13 fours along the way, helping his side reach 159 for two.

But the forecasted heavy rain then arrived leaving the officials with no choice but to call off the match. The tourists had won the first match convincingly, before the hosts hit back with an impressive win of their own in a rain-shortened game two on Friday.  

It means the three-game sequence ended level at 1-1. A three-match T20 International series is next on the cards and that begins on Wednesday.

Sunday’s decider had initially started on time, as the Proteas won the toss and batted.

Janneman Malan fell early on for 11, before De Kock and Player of the Series Rassie van der Dussen (26) put on 75 for the second wicket taking the total to 99 for two.

The game was then held up by a heavy shower in the 21st over, and after it resumed, Aiden Markram (24 not out) kept up the tempo alongside De Kock.

The pair put on an unbroken 60 for the next wicket, before the skies opened again, prompting the match to be abandoned.

Speaking afterwards, Proteas stand-in captain Keshav Maharaj said: “I think there’s a lot to take out of the series. If you look at the first ODI, it was probably our most clinical performance in the past 18 months.  

“I think if we can just replicate the mindset towards how we approach the games, the adaptation of the wickets was the most crucial thing. If we keep building on the things that we’ve done, then we’ll be okay.

“It was really encouraging in this game to see how Quinny played. It’s great to see a senior play step up in a big game and it’s a pity he didn’t get to continue so we could have seen the outcome of his innings. I think it would have been a spectacular end to what has been a thrilling and wonderful series so far.”