ENGLAND’s hopes of defending the Women’s World Cup are hanging by a thread after an agonising three-wicket defeat by South Africa in Mount Maunganui.

With three defeats from as many games, England are not yet eliminated, but will need to win all of their remaining four matches and hope other results go their way to reach the semi-finals.

Taken to 235-9 by half-centuries from Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones, England were once again blighted by a raft of missed chances in the field.

Laura Wolvaardt took advantage of three dropped catches and a missed stumping in making 77.

After she fell, Marizanne Kapp, who earlier took 5-45, inched South Africa closer in the face of some magical bowling from Sophie Ecclestone.

Kapp was out for 32 in the penultimate over, leaving the Proteas four to get from the final set.

Shabnim Ismail swung Nat Sciver over the leg side to give South Africa their first World Cup win over England in 22 years.

England play India at the same venue on Wednesday, when another defeat will effectively end their campaign.(BBC Sport)