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 1073 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."