NEW DELHI: India captain Harmanpreet Kaur criticised her team's top order for failing to take responsibility with the bat after a three-wicket loss to South Africa in the Women's World Cup in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

India were lifted from 102 for six to a competitive total of 251, thanks to wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who smashed 94 off 77 balls with 11 fours and five sixes from No. 8.

But her effort was overshadowed by Nadine de Klerk's unbeaten 84 off 54 deliveries, alongside captain Laura Wolvaardt's 70, as South Africa successfully chased down the target to hand India their first defeat of the tournament.

"We didn't take the responsibility as a top-order. We have to change things. We have to get the good totals. It is a long tournament. It was a tough game, but (there are) lots of learnings. We need to keep ourselves in the positive frame (of mind)," Harmanpreet said after the match.

"(It was a) tough game. Both teams played really well. Even though we collapsed while batting but we still managed to put 250 on the board.

"In the end, Chloe and de Klerk batted, they showed it was a very good pitch and they deserved to win with the way they batted," the Indian captain said.

Harmanpreet also lauded Ghosh’s brilliant innings, though it ultimately proved futile.

"Richa has been outstanding for us. Today we were very pleased too see Richa's hitting. She can get the big totals. Hope she continues," Harmanpreet said.

De Klerk, who won the Player of the Match award for her batting exploits, said there isn't any greater achievement than beating India in their backyard.

"Look, I am lost for words. We have done lots of good things and to finish off the game, take the game deep and get over the line is great," she said.

"I do like being under pressure. I love the World Cups. No bigger stage than playing at India at their home. We had to be at our best. Like I said, it is great to get over the line. We are capable of beating the best sides in the world.

"We just had to take it deep. We are a very good side in the backend. Even if we need 7 or 8 (runs per over), we will be able to do it. Chloe took the pressure off me, also Laura was great," she added.

South Africa were still a considerable distance away when their skipper Wolvaardt fell in the 36th over with 142 on the board. But as Tryon and de Klerk put on 69 for the seventh wicket to lead their fightback, the former provided the finishing touches.

Wolvaardt said it was something she had never seen before.

"It was incredible. I don't think I have seen something like that all my career. That was a special innings. I am still at loss for words. We found ourselves in a little bit of pickle," she said.

"We have had lots of conversations about the first game and how to deal with it.," she said, mentioning their tournament opener in which South Africa were bowled out for 69 against England.

"We knew we were ahead of them (India) runs wise. We wanted to take the game deep and needed something special. We got that," she added.

Wolvaardt said she was pleased seeing de Klerk's hard work coming off in matches.

"She has been hitting like that in the nets against all our bowlers and glad that it came off in the game. She timed the chase really well."

(With PTI Inputs)