Hashim Amla became the fastest player to reach 20 ODI centuries, setting South Africa on course for its second 400-plus total in an as many World Cup matches and a 201-run win over Ireland.
Amla (159) and Faf Du Plessis (109) shared a 247-run second-wicket stand before Rilee Russow (61 not out) and David Miller (46 not out) added an unbroken 110-run stand in the last eight overs to lift South Africa to 411-4, beating its own mark set last Friday for the second-highest total ever at the Cricket World Cup.
Ireland, which had chased totals to win its first two matches of the tournament, crumbled to 21-3 by the sixth over and was all out for 210. Kyle Abbott returned figures of 4-21.
Scores-
South Africa 411—4 (Hashim Amla 159, Faf du Plessis 109, Rilee Rossouw 61 not out, David Miller 46 not out; Andy McBrine 2—63) def. Ireland 210 in 46 overs (Andy Balbirnie 58, Kevin O’Brien 48; Kyle Abbott 4—21, Dale Steyn 2—39) by 201 runs.
