South Africa are on the verge of clinching a World Cup semi-final spot after thrashing New Zealand by 190 runs in Pune.

As the Proteas posted 357-4, Rassie van der Dussen made 133 and Quinton de Kock hit his fourth century of the tournament.

A total of 167 was then declared by New Zealand, with Keshav Maharaj taking 4-46.

Following its third straight loss, New Zealand drops to fourth place following its victory over South Africa.

New Zealand’s stand-in skipper Tom Latham chose to bowl after winning the toss, allowing South Africa to play to their strengths.

As they have throughout the tournament, Temba Bavuma’s side started steadily before speeding up late in the innings.

As Bavuma fell for 24, De Kock and Van der Dussen laid the foundation, each batting with great control and capitalizing on New Zealand’s missed chances to remove them.

As a result, De Kock became the first South African batter to reach 500 runs at a World Cup, before falling for 114 off 116 balls. Van der Dussen reached his century after 101 balls, then kicked on brilliantly.

Due to a hamstring injury to seamer Matt Henry, who will undergo a scan to assess the damage on Thursday, David Miller was able to smash four sixes in his 53 off 30 against a depleted New Zealand attack.

The fast bowlers of Jansen and his colleagues reduced New Zealand to 67-4 in reply before Maharaj hammered home South Africa’s dominance as the Kiwis collapsed to 110-8.

After the game was already lost, Glenn Phillips’ defiant half-century was the only real resistance for New Zealand.