Durban - South Africa have booked their place in the quarterfinals at the ICC Cricket World Cup after securing a comfortable 131-run win against Ireland.
Ireland, consistently losing wickets throughout their innings were bowled out for 141 in 33.1 overs, after South Africa posted a testing total of 272/7 at Eden Gardens.
South Africa were sent in to bat first by the Irish, a decision which seemed justified when the Proteas found themselves at 117/5 after the Irish bowled and fielded smartly.
The South African top order were dismal on Tuesday with skipper Graeme Smith being run out for less than ten runs and Hashim Alma making a quick exit from the crease in the fourth over.
But the middle order came to South Africa's rescue with Morne Van Wyk steadying the innings with his 42.
JP Duminy was unlucky to be dismissed on 99, but nevertheless played a crucial role in South Africa's win and was rewarded with the man of the match award.
Meanwhile, Morne Morkel shook up the Irish batting line up earlier on by dismissing William Porterfield and Paul Stirling in the opening four overs.
Morkel ended with a notable three for 33 in 5.2 overs.
Robin Peterson gave yet another superb performance, taking three wickets in eight overs. He captured Gary Wilson and Kevin O'Brien's wickets.
Wilson (31) and O'Brien (19) were the only two Irish batsmen to post decent scores.
South Africa are currently on top of Group B with eight points from five matches, followed by India and the West Indies.
South Africa will play Bangladesh in their final group B game.
