World Cup: Power-Packed South Africa Thump Ireland

A 247-run stand between Hashim Amla (159) and Faf du Plessis (109) powered South Africa to 411/4 and beat Ireland by a massive 201 runs (All photos Getty Images and AFP)

After Quinton de Kock's early dismissal, Faf du Plessis joined forces with Hashim Amla to steer South Africa cautiously in the early stages of the game.

'Colourful' South African fans in the stands braced themself for yet another special knock from their man-in-form - Hashim Amla.

Ireland made a costly error when Amla was dropped on 10. The South African batting talisman made the most of the opportunity to race away to yet another hundred.

In the course of his knock, Amla beat Virat Kohli's record of 'fastest to 20 ODI tons'

Faf du Plessis scored at run-a-ball and finished on 109.

After the platform laid down perfectly by Amla and Du Plessis, the crowd waited in great anticipation for AB de Villiers.

AB de Villiers' 9-ball 24, David Miller's 23-ball 46 and Rilee Russouw's 30-ball 61, South Africa posted a humungous total of 411/4.

In reply, Ireland's arduous task was derailed by early wickets.

Irish batsmen got starts but none good enough to threaten an upset.

Kevin O'Brien's late-order surge was too little too late.

Ireland were bowled out for 210, giving South Africa a 201-run victory.