Johannesburg – South Africa lost their second successive match, despite putting up a solid fight, at the Women's Cricket World Cup in Cuttack, India, on Sunday.
The South Africans made 188/9 in their 50 overs against Australia. In reply, the Australian women reached 190/7 in the 46th over to win by three wickets.
Seam bowler Shabnim Ismail led South Africa's attack, taking 4/41, but opener Rachael Haynes anchored the Australian innings with a career best 83 runs to lead her side to victory.
South Africa had been put on the back foot early on, after they won the toss and chose to bat, losing two wickets without scoring.
Trisha Chetty, who made 59, and Marizanne Kapp, who hit a career record 61 runs, combined in a 122-run stand for the third wicket to stabilise the innings.
It was not enough, however, as South Africa remained bottom of Group B without a win.
They face Pakistan in their third and final match of the group stages in Cuttack on Tuesday. – Sapa