AB de Villiers praised his team’s batting performance against Ireland after South Africa amassed 400+ runs for the second consecutive match in Canberra on Tuesday.

South Africa won by a massive 201 runs after the top order again laid the platform for a strong finish towards the end of their innings to end on 411-4. Faf du Plessis (109) and Hashim Amla (159) converted good starts into hundreds, something they failed to do against the West Indies.

De Villiers got a start but then lost his wicket, while Rilee Rossouw made another big statement for his continued selection with a well played 61 not out.

‘It was a very good game,’ De Villiers said. ‘I’m very happy with the performance.

‘It was a good batting performance. We did it our way and set it up nicely again. The whole batting unit is in good form which is pleasing. We want to score more centuries. It makes it easier to setup the innings.

Amla scored his 20th ODI century, becoming the fastest player to reach the milestone.

‘His innings looked effortless,’ said De Villiers.

‘I hope it can continue. The bowlers were also very motivated today. We had a good meeting on Monday to talk about our plans and it came off nicely today.’

Ireland were against the ropes on 48-5, and the only possible concern was the fact that South Africa’s bowlers couldn’t bowl them out quicker, instead allowing them to reach 210 in 45 overs.

However, De Villiers said he wasn’t disappointed that Ireland managed to score more than 200.

‘I’m very impressed with how they have improved. I’ve played against them in three World Cups now and they have improved every time.

‘We played the best possible cricket we could.’