Captain Ricky Ponting was horrified by Australia's seven-wicket defeat to South Africa and has admitted: "That was as bad as we've played in a long time."

The Aussies were all out for 131 - their third lowest total in a one-day international - in Centurion with Wayne Parnell (four for 26) and Dale Steyn (four for 27) doing the damage.

South Africa, who lost the opening clash of the five-match series, lost just three wickets as they knocked off the runs in 26.2 overs.

After a spectacular top-order collapse which saw the tourists slump to 19 for five, Australia's meagre score was boosted by Callum Ferguson's 50 off 83 deliveries.

Ponting, whose eight runs accounted for almost half of those scored by the Aussie top five, admitted: "There were some poor shots from the top-order players in particular."

However, ahead of Thursday's third match of the series in Cape Town, he added: "We've got a few days to try to turn things around. I'm sure that you'll see a better team."