England were beaten by six wickets after a subpar performance in the first one-day international against South Africa.
Chasing 187 in sweltering conditions in Kimberley, Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt secured the innings with an unbeaten 59 from 114 balls to reach the target with 11.4 overs to spare.
England's bowlers struggled but were left to rue dropping Wolvaardt for five and 27 as the opener held the innings together before Nadine de Klerk's brisk 48 from 28 balls secured victory in style.
While the surface was difficult and offered a lot of uneven bounce, England's batters were wasteful and were dismissed for 186 in 38.4 overs.
Number eight Charlie Dean saved the innings with 47 not out after England collapsed to 106-7, adding 67 for the eighth wicket with Sophie Ecclestone.
South Africa were boosted by the return of all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, who was rested in the previous T20 series and delivered a masterclass in handling new balls, taking England's first three wickets.
Sophia Dunkley was put at the top of the order late after Maia Bouchier injured her neck during the warm-up and was four shots behind before Tammy Beaumont was bowled for 11 and Nat Sciver-Brunt was bowled lbw for a duck.
Heather Knight's 40 sparked a brief revival before it was left to Dean and Ecclestone to show some resistance, with Dean reaching her career-best score after her partner was brilliantly caught by De Klerk for 17.
South Africa's batters also struggled to score fluently, But they withstood the threat of spinner Ecclestone by playing cautiously through their miserable 0-29 spell and Wolvaardt's willingness to finish the runs proved the difference.
The second of three ODIs will take place in Durban on Sunday.
