Oval: South Africa thrashed Ireland by 201 runs in a match of Cricket World Cup 2015 after its batting scores past the 400-run mark for the second successive match at Manuka Oval on Tuesday.
African batsman Hashim Amla hit his highest one-day score with a majestic 159 and Faf du Plessis grabbed a century to drive the Proteas to 411 for four before Ireland.
Amla has scored his 20 one-day centuries in fewer innings than any other batsman, taking 108 knocks compared to the 133 it took India’s Virat Kohli to reach the mark.
Amla and Du Plessis shared 247, a South Africa record for the second wicket, before Rossouw and David Miller plundered an unbroken 110 off the last 8.3 overs.
Du Plessis made his 109 from as many balls for his fourth ODI century, while Rilee Rossouw confirmed his fine form with a second successive quickfire innings of 61.
AB De Villiers said, “We did it our way.” “We have made a lot of hundreds over the past 12-15 months and we are very proud of that.” “Amla is still the rock and will always be that for us.”
Ireland’s renown as a side capable of chasing big targets was always going to be sorely tested by a South African bowling unit led by Dale Steyn, who took 2-39 in his 100th one-day international.
The paceman, bowling at speeds approaching the 150 kph mark, picked up two early wickets and Kyle Abbott pitched in with three to reduce Ireland to 48-5 in the 11th over.
Bureau Report
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