South Africa have beaten Ireland by 201 runs in their Cricket World Cup clash at the Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Ireland were given a big target of 412 runs to chase down for victory following centuries from South African pair Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis.

The Proteas won the toss and chose to bat, with Amla and Du Plessis's 258-run partnership helping South Africa to become the first team to post 400 in two successive matches at the tournament.

Ireland lost Paul Stirling for nine early in their response when the opener edged Dale Steyn's delivery through to Quinton de Kock behind the stumps.

William Porterfield was then caught out on 12 off the bowling of Kyle Abbott, before Ireland were reduced to 21-3 when Steyn dismissed Ed Joyce for a duck.

Ireland lost their fourth wicket in just the eighth over as Niall O'Brien attempted to launch Abbott over point, but his thick edge could only find Amla at first slip. Abbott then claimed his third wicket of the innings when he trapped Gary Wilson lbw to leave Ireland in peril on 48-5.

Andrew Balbirnie offered some resistance alongside Kevin O'Brien, before the former was dismissed for 58 after lofting a catch to Rilee Rossouw.

AB de Villiers claimed a rare wicket when he bowled John Mooney out for eight, then Abbott struck again to dismiss Kevin O'Brien for 48.

Ireland battled their way to 200 thanks to a partnership between Max Sorensen and George Dockrell, but no sooner had they reached that landmark than a short ball from Morne Morkel clipped the handle of Sorensen's bat, giving De Kock a simple catch to end his knock on 22.

Morkel wrapped up the victory by bowling Dockrell on 25, leaving Ireland all out for 210.