South Africa's batsmen pummeled the Irish attack, smashing 19 sixes in a comprehensive 153-run (DLS) win in their winner takes all clash in Trinidad.

Ireland struck two early blows, with wickets for Reuben Wilson and Liam Doherty, and at 16 for 2, the Irish dared to dream.

The turning point was an lbw decision that went against Ireland when Dewald Brevis had scored just two. From then on, it was one-way traffic despite another wicket for Wilson.

Brevis combined for a 118-run stand with his captain George van Heerden, hitting 7 fours and 4 sixes in a hard-hit 96.

Van Heerden was undeterred by the loss of Brevis, clubbing eight sixes in a brutal 111 off 93 deliveries, receiving support from Andile Simelane (25 off 12 balls) and Mickey Copeland (43 off 18 balls), as the South African total passed the 300-mark, finishing on 315-7 from 47 overs.

Facing an adjusted target of 312, Ireland lwere soon in trouble as both Liam Doherty and Josh Cox (0) failed to score, while skipper Tim Tector could only manage a single, as Liam Boast wreaked havoc on the top-order.

Ireland to their credit went down swinging with Rush’s Nathan McGuire – promoted to open in this match - hitting eight fours and a six in his 42 from 33 balls.

Philippe le Roux hit five fours in his 33, while Lisburn's Matthew Humphreys powered eight fours as he struck 38 late on, but Ireland were eventually bowled for 158.

Ireland’s will now face Canada at the same venue next Tuesday in the Plate Quarter-Final. The Irish will need to win their next two games and reach the Plate final if they are to avoid the European Regional qualifiers.

“It’s not ideal to finish our Group Stage like this, but I think that we can take a lot away from the way South Africa went about their business with the bat, they didn’t give us many chances.," said Irish captain Tim Tector afterwards.

"Reuben Wilson started out really well with the ball today. He is so young, and this experience will be so good for him. So there’s few things we can take from the game, but overall we’re disappointed.”