JP Duminy missed out on a century but rescued a shaky South Africa batting effort to drag the Proteas to 272-7 in a World Cup Group B game against Ireland at Eden Gardens on Tuesday.

Duminy topscored with 99 from 103 balls, sharing an 87-run stand with World Cup rookie Colin Ingram (46) and a half-century partnership with Johan Botha after a fighting Irish performance in the field had South Africa struggling at 117-5.

George Dockrell took a fine diving catch on the boundary to dismiss opener Hashim Amla for 18 and Graeme Smith (7) and Jacques Kallis (19) were both run out.

Morne van Wyk hit a quick fire 42, but also fell early in South Africa's carefree start, before the composed Duminy dragged the Proteas to a respectable total.