Australian batsman Karen Rolton has smashed an unbeaten 107 of 57 balls to guide her team to a convincing nine-wicket victory over South Afica in the latest pool match of the Women's World Cup.

Rolton's 66 minute innings, in Christchurch on Wednesday, was the fastest century in the history of women's one day internationals and included 18 boundaries.

Her impressive performance was bolstered by a 49 not out from Belinda Clark.

Rolton came in when Australia were on 20 for one. The game was won before she was out.

Praise from opposition

Rolton and Clark put on 50 off 58 balls, 1000 off 81 and 150 off 123.

South African coach Sidney Willemberg said: "When you come up against Rolton in that form... That's one of the best knocks I've ever seen. It was awesome."

Willemberg also praised his own team, for which four players scored more than 20 runs.

"They proved that they can score runs."

South Africa's top scorer were Cindy Eksteen and Anina Burger, with 46 and 44 respectively.