Quinton de Kock scored another century as South Africa defeated Australia ©Getty Images

Quinton de Kock blasted his second century in as many games at the Cricket World Cup in India as South Africa thrashed Australia by 134 runs in Lucknow.

South Africa were asked to bat at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium and opener De Kock took advantage by smashing 109 from 106 deliveries, including eight fours and five sixes.

He enjoyed an opening stand of 108 with captain Temba Bavuma as the Proteas made their way to 311-7 from their 50 overs.

Aiden Markram also reached his half century as he scored 56 from 44 balls and at one stage South Africa looked poised for an enormous score.

Some fine death bowling from Australia kept the total down, including a pair of late wickets from Mitchell Starc which saw the paceman finish with figures of 2-53.

Glenn Maxwell ended on 2-34 but the Australians, who lamented fielding errors, collapsed in reply and never got close to their target.

Openers Mitchell Marsh and David Warner both fell with the score on 27 and the top order was blown away as the Aussies slumped to 70-6.

Marcus Stoinis was the victim of a bizarre dismissal as Australia were skittled ©Getty Images
Marcus Stoinis was the victim of a bizarre dismissal as Australia were skittled ©Getty Images

Kagiso Rabada took three wickets, including the LBW dismissal of Steve Smith following a review which left the Australian bemused about the tracking of the ball.

He also had Marcus Stoinis caught behind by De Kock after a review adjudged the batsman's gloves were touching despite one hand being off the bat.

Rabada ended with figures of 3-33 as Australia were bundled out for 177, with a partnership of 69 from Starc and Marnus Labuschagne the only resistance.

"A great win for the boys," said De Kock.

"We assessed the conditions well, played accordingly, stuck to our strengths and came out on top."

Australia captain Pat Cummins added: "From where they were we were happy with 311, we felt it was chaseable. 

"It looked like hard work out there at night, it zipped around, but we were well off the mark."

South Africa have now won both of their World Cup matches after their crushing 102-run win over Sri Lanka which saw De Kock, Markram and Rassie van der Dussen all score centuries.

They have underlined their huge potential for the tournament as they chase a first World Cup title.

Australia, the five-time winners, have now slipped to a second defeat in two after they lost by six wickets to India in their first match of the 10-team round robin tournament. 

New Zealand will play Bangladesh in tomorrow's game in Chennai, looking for a third straight win.