BASSETERRE, JUNE 16: Hashim Amla's 23rd one-day international century highlighted a run-feast by South Africa in amassing 343 for four batting first against the West Indies in the sixth match of the Tri-Nation series at Warner Park in St Kitts on Wednesday.
His effortless innings of 110, together with 71
from opening partner Quinton de Kock, set the Proteas on their way to the formidable total after home captain Jason Holder won the toss and chose to field first despite what appeared to be ideal batting conditions.
Amla and de Kock put on 182 for the first wicket, a record in ODIs at the venue.
All-rounder Chris Morris, back in the team after recovering from an injury sustained in the first match of the tournament in Guyana two weeks earlier, was promoted to number three in the order to accelerate the scoring and responded by belting 40 off 26 deliveries.
However it was Faf du Plessis who stole the show over the final overs of the innings, blazing an unbeaten 73 off just 50 balls in a hurricane knock decorated with six fours and two sixes.
South African captain AB de Villiers, whose dismissal on Saturday triggered the collapse that paved the way for an unexpected Australian victory, contributed 27.
Needing victory to stay in contention for a place in the final in Barbados on June 26, de Villiers will nevertheless be mindful of the West Indies' reputation as a chasing team, especially after reaching a target of 266 to get the better of the Aussies on Tuesday to stay a point behind the World Cup-holders.
South Africa started the match on five points, three behind the West Indies.
Kieron Pollard took two expensive wickets but spinner Sunil Narine was the pick of the Caribbean bowlers, conceding 46 runs from ten wicketless overs.