Manchester, July 6 -- South Africa captain Faf du Plessis struck his team's first century of the Cricket World Cup in its final group game, lifting the homeward-bound Proteas to 325-6 against Australia on Saturday.

The Australians were smashed around Old Trafford at times and faced a big task to get the win they needed to guarantee finishing top of the group. That would set up a semifinal match against trans-Tasman rival New Zealand back in Manchester on Tuesday.

Du Plessis reached three figures in 93 balls - and was dismissed off his very next delivery for 100. The highlight of his innings was a straight six off paceman Pat Cummins after advancing down the track.

Du Plessis put on 151 for the third wicket with Rassie van der Dussen (c...