Western Australia's ING Cup defence ended with barely a whimper after the Warriors were thrashed by 98 runs by competition light-weight South Australia at the WACA.

Sitting in fourth place with 16 points entering the game, WA needed a bonus point win to keep pace with second-placed Tasmania (22) and Victoria (18), who both play this weekend.

Queensland (35) already appears assured of a berth in the one-day domestic final.

But it all went horribly wrong for the home side, with South Australia reaching a competitive 8-260 from its 50 overs before dismissing the Warriors for just 162 from 34.1 overs.

The Redbacks had managed just two wins from eight matches prior to the night, but they made WA look second-rate in a complete performance, earning a bonus point for the comprehensive win.

South Australia's bowling attack set up the win, with Shaun Tait (3-46), Paul Rofe (2-30), Greg Blewett (2-22) and man of the match Ryan Harris (2-38) contributing in the equal-worst loss ever at home by WA in the domestic limited overs competition.

The fine bowling effort came after Nathan Adcock and 20-year-old Callum Ferguson established a competitive total, which the Warriors failed miserably to chase.

Ferguson (64 off 60 balls), the youngest player in the South Australian team, and Adcock (53 off 73) batted superbly for the visitors.

Western Australia was then unable to establish any meaningful partnerships as the Redbacks tore through the top order.

WA was inside the required scoring rate throughout the opening 15 overs, scoring over five runs an over.

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