Australia have been set a victory target of 127 in the day-night Test after South Africa opener Stephen Cook grafted his way to a ton early on day four at Adelaide Oval.
The Proteas resumed at 6-194 on Sunday, holding a 70-run lead with dashing keeper-batsman Quinton de Kock at the crease but yet to score.
De Kock hung around for just four overs as his side were rolled for 250 in the opening session, with Mitchell Starc grabbing two wickets on Sunday to finish with figures of 4-80.
Cook dug in and extended a commendable show of resistance for 240 deliveries, but his teammates lacked the same fight.
Cook looked set to carry his bat but was eventually bowled on 104 by Starc, ending South Africa's second innings.
De Kock departed when he misread Jackson Bird's first delivery of the day. Umpire Nigel Llong turned down Bird's lbw appeal but Steve Smith successfully reviewed the not-out verdict.
Recalled paceman Bird dropped a sharp caught-and-bowled chance in his following over, when Vernon Philander was on nine.
The introduction of the second new ball ended Philander's knock on 17, with an in-swinger from Starc trapping him lbw.
The small target leaves Australia well placed to snap a five-Test losing streak and avoid their first whitewash in a home Test series since federation.
Australia made five changes for the dead rubber after losing the second Test and the series.
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