The Indian women's hockey team suffered second consecutive defeat as they lost to South Africa 2-1 in the second Test of the four-match series.
Even after dominating the match for most of the time at the Stellenbosch Hockey Stadium, Cape Town, India on Wednesday spolit many an opportunity and thus trail the series 2-0.
South Africa took the lead in the second minute after being awarded a penalty corner as striker Henna du Buisson guided the ball past Indian goalkeeper Helen Mary.
India scored the equaliser in the 25th minute. The ball was hit hard from a penalty corner variation and skipper Jyoti Sunita Kullu deflected it into the goalpost from the right.
South Africans exhibited excellent team work to shoot home the winner in the 28th minute.
A penalty corner variation, which saw the ball change five sticks, gave Sharne Wehmeyer the opportunity to lead South Africa to 2-1 victory.
In the second half, the menacing Indians attacks baffled the hosts. But captain Kate Hector led her defence to thwart every attempt by the visitors.
India missed the chance to pull off a draw in the dying minutes when Saba Anjum's had a good attempt to beat the South African goalie. But, the hosts' defence was too strong to ward off the threat.
Indian goal-keeping coach Subaya told PTI that they had dominated the match for nearly 60 per cent earning seven penalty corners.
"We failed to latch onto our opportunities. Yesterday in the first Test both sides were evenly balanced. But tonight (Wednesday), we dominated for most of the time," he said.
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