England down Proteas in final Women's World Cup warm-up

The Proteas lost their second and final warm-up match against England at Bert Sutcliffe Oval on Wednesday in preparation for this weekend's Women's Cricket World Cup.

South Africa lost by six wickets in a reduced game of 35 overs a side due to the rain in Lincoln.

After skipper Sune Luus lost the toss and was sent to bat first, the Proteas got off to the worst start possible as they lost opener Laura Wolvaardt for 0.

The SA women soon lost wickets at regular intervals and were reeling at 47 for 5.

A 65-run partnership between Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon helped the Proteas get over the 100-mark before Natalie Sciver bowled Tryon for 27 off 39 balls.

Kapp stood tall as she top-scored with 52 off 60 balls (5 fours) before being trapped by Sophie Ecclestone.

Ecclestone took three for 23 as the Proteas posted 138/9 in their 35 overs.

In reply, England got off to a decent start before Ayabonga Khaka continued her fine form as she removed opener Lauren Winfield-Hill for 14.

Khaka then removed England skipper Heather Knight for 5 as she returned with figures of 2/8 in her four overs.

Tammy Beaumont top-scored for England with 35 before being dismissed Masabata Klaas (1/19). Meanwhile, Natalie Sciver retired hurt on 33, but the damage was already done.

Sophia Dunkley (18*) and Freya Davies (11*) saw England comfortably over the line with over eight overs to spare. 

The Proteas have now lost both warm-up matches (they also lost by two runs to India) ahead of their Women's World Cup opening match on Saturday.

South Africa face Bangladesh in Saturday's World Cup encounter at University Oval in Dunedin (00:00 SA time).

Scores in brief:

South Africa 138/9 in 35 overs (Marizanne Kapp 52, Sophie Ecclestone 3/23)

England 139/4 in 26.2 overs (Tammy