England’s chances of defending the Women’s World Cup are dwindling after a three-wicket defeat by South Africa at Mount Maunganui

            England is not yet eliminated after three defeats in as many games, but they will need to win all four of their remaining matches and pray for other outcomes to go their way to reach the semi-finals.

England were taken to 235-9 by half-centuries from Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, but the game was marred by a slew of wasted chances in the field.

Laura Wolvaardt made 77 after taking advantage of three lost catches and a failed stumping.

Marizanne Kapp, who had previously taken 5-45, inched South Africa closer in the face of some magical bowling from Sophie Ecclestone after she fell.

Kapp was out for 32 in the penultimate over, leaving the Proteas with four overs to complete the set.

South Africa’s first World Cup victory over England in 22 years came after Shabnim Ismail swung Nat Sciver over the leg side.

England plays India at the same site on Wednesday, and a loss will practically end their season.