Australia suffered their heaviest World Cup defeat as they were trounced by South Africa in Lucknow.

Despite being set 312 to win, they were bowled out for 177 in 40.5 overs, losing by 134 runs.

This is the first time they have lost four consecutive World Cup games.

The South Africans posted 311-7, with Quinton de Kock hitting 109 for his second century of the tournament.

As the only batter to begin a Men’s World Cup with consecutive hundreds, he joins his compatriot AB de Villiers.

The controversial decision to give Marcus Stoinis out after South Africa requested a review left Australia 70-6 in the lead.

Despite Richard Kettleborough’s ruling that Stoinis had gloved Kagiso Rabada down the leg side, replays indicate that Stoinis’ hand was off the bat.

Kettleborough explained that both Stoinis’ gloves touched, but the pictures did not appear to show that.

South Africa will play the Netherlands on Tuesday, while Australia plays Sri Lanka on Monday.

As part of Friday’s World Cup action, New Zealand will play Bangladesh in Chennai, a team that has won its first two games.