Scotland have been sent packing from the ICC World Twenty20 after a thumping 123-run defeat at the hands of South Africa.

Fresh from an excellent batting display in the seven-wicket defeat to New Zealand, the Saltires returned to The Oval high on confidence but some explosive batting from South Africa and some atrocious fielding saw Scotland eliminated.

The Proteas batted first and blasted their way to 211-5, thanks largely the electric AB de Villiers, who blitzed his way to 79 off just 34 balls, smashing six sixes along the way.

Scotland could only muster 81 in reply before they were bowled out in the 16th over to complete a thoroughly impressive victory for the hotly-tipped South Africans.

Captain Graeme Smith (38) and all-rounder Jacques Kallis, who made 48, gave the Proteas an excellent start as they chalked up their 50 partnership after just 33 balls.

Scotland were untidy in the field and captain Gavin Hamilton dropped Kallis twice, only Kyle Coetzer could hold his head high after his spectacular one-handed catch on the boundary.

But de Villiers was ably assisted by Albie Morkel, who bludgeoned a quick-fire 24 and the Scots were set a huge target.

In reply, Scotland got off to a dreadful start and found themselves 13-4 as Hamilton, Watson and Iain Smith all went cheaply.

Only Coetzer, who made 33 against the Kiwis, troubled the South African bowlers as she reached 42 off 32 deliveries before he was caught and bowled by Roelof van der Merwe.

And Scotland were finally put out of their misery when Morkel ripped through the tail and upended the stumps of both Gordon Drummond and Calum MacLeod.