Mithali Raj's defiant 74-run knock went in vain as the Indian women's cricket team slumped to its second successive defeat in the five-match ODI series against Australia [Images], losing by 86 runs, in Sydney on Saturday.

Chasing 216 for victory, the Indians, who lost the first match by eight wickets, were dismissed for 129 in 45.1 overs.

Save Mithali's 74, which came off 106 balls, and Anjum Chopra's 20, no other Indian batter managed to post a double-digit score.

For Australia, Lisa Sthalekar top-scored with an unbeaten 104-run knock.

After being sent into bat, the Aussies built their score around a 93-run fifth-wicket stand between Sthalekar and Jodie Fields.

The pair rescued the hosts from a precarious 83 for four after rain disrupted the opening part of their innings.

The Indian innings was stalled from the outset with tight bowling and suffocating fielding, limiting them to 23 from the first 15 overs.

Lauren Ebsary enjoyed a successful start to her international career with a wicket and two catches while Kirsten Pike claimed late wickets to finish with 3 for 29.

The third match in the series will be played at North Sydney Oval on November 5.