Despite Vinay Kumar making an early breakthrough, Karnataka State Cricket Association XI suffered their second successive defeat, losing to South Africa, in the Twenty20 Emerging Players' Tournament at Caloundra, Australia, on Tuesday.

The Indian state team, chasing 141 for victory, was bundled out for a paltry 127.

Kumar had reduced the Africans to nine for two wickets but Vernon Philander scored an unbeaten 40 off a mere 18 balls, inclusive of four sixes, to provide a late surge and propel his team to 140 for five.

Heino Kuhn chipped in with 37, after Francois du Plessis scored 26, to lead South Africa's recovery after the early blows.

After his heroics with the bat, Philander returned to cause damage with the ball when he had Bharat Chipli caught at third man for 22 on either side of breakthroughs from Johan Botha and returned to take another wicket in his final over.

Philander also stepped up to knock over Kumar for 21 after C Raghu was dismissed for 22.

In another match of the day, New Zealand [Images] 'A' team defeated Australian Academy by 49 runs.

Neil Broom smashed 84 not out while Rob Nichol scored 55 to help New Zealand post 207 for five.

In reply, the Australian Academy was skittled out for 158, in which Luke Rochi contributed 52.