Hashim Amla [ Images ] proved his worth as a limited-overs opening batsman when his century guided South Africa [ Images ] to a series-clinching 128-run victory over Bangladesh on Sunday.

Amla hit 140 off 135 balls -- his maiden ODI century -- to lead South Africa, who were sent in to bat, to 358 for four.

Amla and captain Graeme Smith [ Images ], who returned from a prolonged elbow injury to score 65, shared an opening stand of 136 off 146 balls before Jacques Kallis [ Images ] kept the momentum going with a run-a-ball 49.

AB de Villiers [ Images ], whose 54 not out came off 27 deliveries, and Albie Morkel [ Images ], with 37 not out in 13 balls, then put the bowling to the sword in the closing overs to help South Africa soar to their highest ever one-day score against the tourists.

Bangladesh failed to extend themselves in the run-chase, much to the dismay of Smith as they meandered to 230, bowled out in the 50th over after off-spinner Johan Botha [ Images ] took three top-order wickets for just 27 runs.

''It can't be good for the game when a team gives up the chase after losing just three wickets,'' Smith told a news conference.

Bangladesh, 2-0 down in the three-match series after Friday's 61-run loss in Potchefstroom, travel to East London [ Images ] on Wednesday still looking for their first one-day win in South Africa.