Mumbai: Heinrich Klaasen made a brilliant World Cup century as South Africa thrashed England by a record 229 runs in Mumbai on Saturday to leave the champions' title defence hanging by a thread.

Klaasen made 109, despite being repeatedly troubled by cramp, as South Africa posted a colossal 399-7.

England then promptly collapsed to 170 all out as they suffered their heaviest ODI defeat, with a third loss in four World Cup games leaving them struggling to qualify for the semi-finals. AFP