Tons by Amla, de Villiers steer Proteas to 351-5

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MOHALI: Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers hit brilliant centuries to help South Africa reach a mammoth total of 351 for the loss of five wickets against the Netherlands in their Group B match of the World Cup here at the Punjab Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh on Thursday.

De Villiers scored a dazzling 134 for a second successive ton while Amla made 113 as the Proteas set a stiff target after being put in to bat in overcast conditions before a few thousand spectators in Mohali.

The pair put on 221 runs, South Africa's best for the third wicket in a World Cup.

Amla completed his eighth one-day hundred off 121 balls, while de Villiers raced to his 11th ton off just 88 deliveries.

The pair set the stage for the final onslaught, which saw South Africa plunder 136 in the last 10 overs. JP Duminy hammered 40 off just 15 balls with fours sixes and two fours.

De Villiers, who scored an unbeaten century in the previous game against the West Indies, smashed seamer Bernard Loots for three successive sixes before hitting Ryan ten Doeschate for three fours in a row.

Amla hit eight fours in his 130-ball knock before being caught at point off ten Doeschate and de Villiers was run out after striking four sixes and 13 fours in a 98-ball innings.

The Netherlands had some success early on, removing skipper Graeme Smith (20) and Jacques Kallis (two) in the space of seven runs, with Loots and ten Doeschate taking one wicket apiece.

But their joy proved short-lived as Amla and de Villiers dismantled their attack.

South Africa, who defeated the West Indies in their opening match, are seeking their second successive victory while the Netherlands have lost both of their games.

South Africa made one change from the side that played the first game, replacing off-spinner Johan Botha with Morne van Wyk.