After reaching a total of 341-6 from the allotted overs, South Africa cruised into the final eight of the World Cup by easing past the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a routine 146 run victory.

The Proteas dominated a UAE side that had never beaten a test-playing nation. South Africa's skipper, AB de Villiers, who was also the man of the match, was the top run scorer, but was dismissed one run short of a century. He helped his team to make the eighth-highest run total of the tournament so far, as his 99 off 82 balls set the tone for a terrific innings from their amazing batsmen; Farhaan Behardien managed a decent knock of 64 off 31 balls, as there were other useful contributions from Rilee Rossouw (43) and David Miller (49).

But it was another disappointing day for their opening batsman, Quinton de Kock, who made an unconvincing 26 off 45 balls before being caught behind.

De Villiers hit the fastest 150 in ODI off 64 balls in the Proteas' victory against the West Indies, earlier in the tournament, but just missed out on his 21st ODI century: as he was going for a dive to reach triple figures, he instead was caught at third man in the 43rd over. The captain then showed good ability with the ball in hand, to take 2-15 from just three overs.

The South Africa's score proved a hefty total to reach for the UAE, as they struggled to get any batting rhythm but Swapnil Patil scored an unbeaten 57, and Shaiman Anwar made 39, before they were bowled out for 195 after 47 and-a-half overs of play.

The UAE suffered their fifth consecutive defeat at the World Cup, but despite the loss, their skipper, Mohammad Tauqir, was pleased with his side's overall performance.

The victory puts big-scoring South Africa on course for their first ever World Cup final, as they finished the group stage with eight points and stand second behind India in Pool B.

They have been inconsistent in their pool games, twice reaching 400-plus totals, against the West Indies and Ireland, but also losing to India and Pakistan. They are probably going to face Sri-Lanka in the last eight at the SCG on the 18th March.